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Hi all.
I'm so glad to have found this board! I feel like I've been glued to my computer for the past week. (That's not the good part - my poor husband and kids! But I've learned SO much!)
I am SO ready to jump on the fraxel bandwagon. I'm considering making the excursion to NJ to see Dr. Rapaport for a consultation - see if maybe I need other revision done in conjunction. But seeing as I'm in Connecitcut, that's quite a hike. Anybody know of anybody in the Connecticut area that does all the stuff he does? (TCA CROSS, etc etc) I've tried a search but have been unsuccesful , and would feel more confident with word of mouth than the yellow pages! If I'm going to GO FOR IT I want to make sure it's someone that knows what they are doing!
Thank in advance. This is so huge. I have hope for the first time in forever. You people are amazing!
(And yes, he's expensive. $4500 for 3 treatments)
i would go see dr. rapaport if you are considering doing any subcisions and/or tca cross as he is the most talked about and experienced in that field of dermatology. however, i would recommend dr. rohksar for a fraxel laser as he is the most experienced with the laser from all the research i have done. plus, he might be cheaper than what dr. rapaport is charging ($4500 for 3 treatments compared to $4800 for 4 treatments). however, before doing fraxel, you might want to do subcision and tca cross first to resurface those idented scars and then use the fraxel to smooth out the edges of the scars/ texture. consultation for rapaport is free by the way.
on another note, don't bother with the nlite laser. complete waste of money.
Thanks for the insight. I had emailed Rapaport's office and they said what you did - to do the other methods before fraxel. Good to know about Rohksar. Will definitely keep him on the radar!
I just had fraxel done on my cheeks only, and right now my skin looks much smoother than before. I know that it is only from the swelling. Does anyone know if its possible to get it to look this well permantly after more treatments, or is it always going to look the best while the swelling is still there.
I would say fraxel is waste of money ... when you see the result and the price you pay ..
I had total of 7 Fraxel laser treatments done .. and it only gave me 20-25% improvements max! ... some shallow scars didnt react at all .. yep 0% (btw i have mainly shallow rolling scars about 40of em .. )
The energy levels were 20-21-22 .. I also found i had better result on my scars where i did laser treatment from previous ..
I really think this whole fraxel thing is waste of money ... it works.. but not as much to satisfy you..
I would rather get Needling done with dermaroller 1.5mm long .. I bet this would also gave me 20-25% if i had it done before fraxel ... and its much much cheaper too!
If you combine 2 treatments ..both Fraxel and dermaroller needling .. I think it will definatly bring better results thou .. getting needling done first then fraxel stright after ..
Anyways I hope you guy get good results ..
PEACE
I would say fraxel is waste of money ... when you see the result and the price you pay ..
I had total of 7 Fraxel laser treatments done .. and it only gave me 20-25% improvements max! ... some shallow scars didnt react at all .. yep 0% (btw i have mainly shallow rolling scars about 40of em .. )
The energy levels were 20-21-22 .. I also found i had better result on my scars where i did laser treatment from previous ..
I really think this whole fraxel thing is waste of money ... it works.. but not as much to satisfy you..
I would rather get Needling done with dermaroller 1.5mm long .. I bet this would also gave me 20-25% if i had it done before fraxel ... and its much much cheaper too!
If you combine 2 treatments ..both Fraxel and dermaroller needling .. I think it will definatly bring better results thou .. getting needling done first then fraxel stright after ..
Anyways I hope you guy get good results ..
PEACE
I would have to agree here for sure....Sad but true...After 7 treatments my total improvment is
maybe 20% and thats being nice...As i said in a past post Fraxel may work for others who have
Someone that knows what they are doing but i swear my Derm has NO flippin clue..When i see
my face its worse knowing i spent over 5000 for nada...And my scar's are not that bad either..
Very inconsistant w/my treatments to say the least..So maybe thats why..But i did do level
12.15.17.20..Did'nt have much to choose from here in Colorado though...Only 2 do this
procedure.W/all the dough i spent i could've flown to wherever Fitzpatrick is and only had 3 instead
of 7... :shhh: Guess i felt desperate...Best wishes to all those who are seeing a difference..
Wish i did...Adrienne Stewart in Denver is a rip pff artist for fraxel...She's as cluless as they
come w/the treatment of acne scar's.
yeah ...
fraxel should only cost $100-$200 per treatment .. dont pay so much money for this treatment .. coz it aint gonner bring your bucks worth of result ..
just wait till they drop the price ...
Hi, I was just curious..How bad are your scars? Also how old are you? I heard your age may have an effect on your response to lasers..some people did not see a big improvement in the scars but there overall skin tone looks better. I'm just doing my research. Any help is appreciated, thanks.
yeah ...
fraxel should only cost $100-$200 per treatment .. dont pay so much money for this treatment .. coz it aint gonner bring your bucks worth of result ..
just wait till they drop the price ...
Frankly I think you guys are quite right that the price are quite steep, totally agree. But I think the success of Fraxel and any other treatment has many factor.
Skill, knowledge of Derm, level of treatment and ways, Scar type, depth of scars, recovering and your expectation.
Personally I had done it for two treatment now and the improvement is still promising. First time 15mj 4 passes second wasn't too sure but seems to be 20mj 4 passes, quite pickling even for the first pass.
I see very substaintial improvement on my shallow scars I would say 20-50%. Little improvement on the deep and bigger ones. Good improvement in Texture. Frankly my derm suggested 70-80% improvement but I expect like 40% realistically but hope for more, the improvement seems quite impressive.
One thing I found is that the recovery very improtant. Must definitely avoid the sun for at least like a week and still continue precaution after. I trying out with Collagen pills and mask to see if it works better.
One point to note for all trying fraxel like I said before. It is not suitable for deep and big scars. Try subcision, tca cross or excision FIRST before fraxel. It does not work well on that at all. It works fairly bit on my shallow scars those of which would disappear when you stretch (those which I done CO2 before).
Suggestion: does 3-5 subcision or TCA Cross First before you start your fraxel. Expect to go like 5-10 treatment, (VERY IMPORTANT: as any kind of scar threatment choose one who is experienced you may have to pay abit) After that if neccessary I would suggest some laser or chemical peel (ablative would probably work best though but I doubt anyone would) to clear the remaining things up (which should be quite easy). Expected duration: 1 - 2 years
Additional Information: Rolling scars are best treat with Injects like isolagen or subcision NOT fraxel.
Conclusion: Different treatment works on different skin type and different collagen growth type, different lifestyle and probably environment. Keep trying!!! But Thank God for this forum for people to give all their opinions which helps all those poor people from being rip off by some unscrupulous profiteering dermatalogist.
yeah ...
fraxel should only cost $100-$200 per treatment .. dont pay so much money for this treatment .. coz it aint gonner bring your bucks worth of result ..
just wait till they drop the price ...
Frankly I think you guys are quite right that the price are quite steep, totally agree. But I think the success of Fraxel and any other treatment has many factor.
Skill, knowledge of Derm, level of treatment and ways, Scar type, depth of scars, recovering and your expectation.
Personally I had done it for two treatment now and the improvement is still promising. First time 15mj 4 passes second wasn't too sure but seems to be 20mj 4 passes, quite pickling even for the first pass.
I see very substaintial improvement on my shallow scars I would say 20-50%. Little improvement on the deep and bigger ones. Good improvement in Texture. Frankly my derm suggested 70-80% improvement but I expect like 40% realistically but hope for more, the improvement seems quite impressive.
One thing I found is that the recovery very improtant. Must definitely avoid the sun for at least like a week and still continue precaution after. I trying out with Collagen pills and mask to see if it works better.
One point to note for all trying fraxel like I said before. It is not suitable for deep and big scars. Try subcision, tca cross or excision FIRST before fraxel. It does not work well on that at all. It works fairly bit on my shallow scars those of which would disappear when you stretch (those which I done CO2 before).
Suggestion: does 3-5 subcision or TCA Cross First before you start your fraxel. Expect to go like 5-10 treatment, (VERY IMPORTANT: as any kind of scar threatment choose one who is experienced you may have to pay abit) After that if neccessary I would suggest some laser or chemical peel (ablative would probably work best though but I doubt anyone would) to clear the remaining things up (which should be quite easy). Expected duration: 1 - 2 years
Additional Information: Rolling scars are best treat with Injects like isolagen or subcision NOT fraxel.
Conclusion: Different treatment works on different skin type and different collagen growth type, different lifestyle and probably environment. Keep trying!!! But Thank God for this forum for people to give all their opinions which helps all those poor people from being rip off by some unscrupulous profiteering dermatalogist.
I heard different..Fraxel works best on rolling scars not icepicks and boxcar types..Just relaying what I heard. you are right about the other two, they work well for rolling scars. I am a patient in a research study on Fraxel in regards to it's effects on acne scars in NYC. Did your Dr tell you Fraxel is not good for rolling scars? If so, then there is still alot of different ideas on what works and what doesn't.
Marce, IIRC, you had mentioned somewhere along the lines of 55-65% improvement at one point after 6 treatments. Was most of that edema then, or imagination and wishful thinking?
Annie:
I agree with you that 20-25% for any treatment (or series of treatments) is HUGE. Quite remarkable really. Although let's face it....percentages are very arbitrary and subjective, and has to do with a person's attitude and self-perception. I have learned through other treatments that it's best to take a cautiously optimistic attitude towards any treatment despite its glowing reviews on the internet. It is very possible that Fraxel is just the 'flavor of the month' treatment currently. I've just seen it happen too many times since I've been visiting these boards and through my own personal experience. I disagree that fraxel is a complicated procedure. There doesn't seem to be any requirements to who gets trained and can perform the procedure. I think it's kind of like getting a realtor's license (No offense to realtors). Just about anyone can get one. There is a young gal at the place I am having my fraxels and she apparently does a fine job with it. She isn't a doctor or even a nurse. I think she used to answer phones but I can't be sure. 
As for my own experience with Fraxel, I am moderately satisfied so far. It's only been a week after my 4th fraxel and have 1 more to go. A lot of the improvement I reported previously was due to swelling. I think it's helped with some scarring but not really too much with texture. Nothing to write home about yet but I think it will money well spent if I can get 25% improvement.
EDIT: I thought I would add a list of treatments I've had as a frame of reference on my satisfaction level with Fraxel (so far).
More satisfactory than Fraxel:
subcision (x 1)
bioalcamid filler (some scars) (x1)
Less satisfactory than Fraxel:
bioalcamid (some scars overfilled) (x 1)
CO2 laser (x 1)
TCA peel (35 or 50%) (x 1)
Needling (x 2)
Cooltouch (x 5)
Punch excisions (x 3)
Punch floats (x 20)
About the same level of satisfaction as Fraxel:
Dermabrasion (x 1)
Marce, IIRC, you had mentioned somewhere along the lines of 55-65% improvement at one point after 6 treatments. Was most of that edema then, or imagination and wishful thinking?
Annie:
I agree with you that 20-25% for any treatment (or series of treatments) is HUGE. Quite remarkable really. Although let's face it....percentages are very arbitrary and subjective, and has to do with a person's attitude and self-perception. I have learned through other treatments that it's best to take a cautiously optimistic attitude towards any treatment despite its glowing reviews on the internet.
I agree 100%. I think it's best to research and ask others, before investing any amount of money into anything you're about to buy. I just can't help but react to a complaint that 20 - 25% is nothing or a waste of money. If it was crystal clear, that it didn't work for just him then OK. But instead he was saying it didn't work period - save your money and that's certainly not OK.
For me, I would be delighted to have a 20 - 25 % improvement. Although I am 'cautiously optimistic', me thinks it might be a tad more improvement than that. The texture and condition of my skin, has changed after one Fraxel treatment. Not enough to get on a soapbox and sing its praises, but enough to make me smile when I look in the mirror in the morning. Researching your options, making wise decisions, being realistic and optimistic all influence the outcome for any procedure.
It is very possible that Fraxel is just the 'flavor of the month' treatment currently. I've just seen it happen too many times since I've been visiting these boards and through my own personal experience.
I know what you mean about that. That's why I've waited and waited. It seems like it's picking up momentum, but I do believe Fraxel has been around since 2003. So I'm not sure if it's due to positive results and patient word of mouth or just good marketing. Although I've never seen an ad or commercial. I wouldn't want to jump on an Anti-Fraxel or Pro-Fraxel bandwagon just yet. Once I'm done with all 5 treatments and at the end of 6 months from the last treatment - then I'll know with certainty what worked for me or didn't.
I disagree that fraxel is a complicated procedure. There doesn't seem to be any requirements to who gets trained and can perform the procedure. I think it's kind of like getting a realtor's license (No offense to realtors). Just about anyone can get one. There is a young gal at the place I am having my fraxels and she apparently does a fine job with it. She isn't a doctor or even a nurse. I think she used to answer phones but I can't be sure. :ninja:
That's so disturbing to know. :wall:
While I was having a Fraxel done, at one point, the Doctor was working on a sensitive area. I kept moving in the opposite direction. She stopped and warned me that she could scratch my face, with me moving like that. This is one reason why I wouldn't do it with just anyone. I wanted a physician and I wanted one with experience with what works and what doesn't work. Above all else honesty is important to me. I learned this week that some PA's are doing it instead of the Doctor. They are qualified but I wouldn't have it done by someone lower than a PA. :crazy2:
I don't know what happened with the other poster scarzsuc! and their doctor. But at least they were fair with what they posted. I wonder if scarzsuc! spoke to the actual patients of that physician and found out how long has that Doctor been using the Fraxel machine?? I think it's important to not only take reviews online into consideration, but also speak to actual patients of the Doctor you are going to see.
As for my own experience with Fraxel, I am moderately satisfied so far. It's only been a week after my 4th fraxel and have 1 more to go. A lot of the improvement I reported previously was due to swelling. I think it's helped with some scarring but not really too much with texture. Nothing to write home about yet but I think it will money well spent if I can get 25% improvement.
It is really a subjective type of laser. Everyone seems to react differently. In my case, after one treatment ( and that's nothing), I have more of an improvement in texture over scarring. My skin was also extremely dry and coarse, now it has moisture. Makeup actually goes on smoothly now, whereas before it was like applying it on a piece of sandpaper. After my treatment, I was one of the extremely swollen types and then I had minor minor swelling lasting until about Day 11 or 12. So it's very difficult to gauge a percentage and I won't bother to try until after I'm done with the whole lot of them. I'm spacing mine a little over a month apart. So far there is nothing major to report, just slightly better texture and moisture. I'll stick with my blog quote "Overall I want to restrain myself from being an overexcited cheerleader and just use the words "slightly, surprising, subtle and definite" changes. We'll see what happens after the 3rd one...."
Hi all.
I'm so glad to have found this board! I feel like I've been glued to my computer for the past week. (That's not the good part - my poor husband and kids! But I've learned SO much!)
I am SO ready to jump on the fraxel bandwagon. I'm considering making the excursion to NJ to see Dr. Rapaport for a consultation - see if maybe I need other revision done in conjunction. But seeing as I'm in Connecitcut, that's quite a hike. Anybody know of anybody in the Connecticut area that does all the stuff he does? (TCA CROSS, etc etc) I've tried a search but have been unsuccesful , and would feel more confident with word of mouth than the yellow pages! If I'm going to GO FOR IT I want to make sure it's someone that knows what they are doing!
Thank in advance. This is so huge. I have hope for the first time in forever. You people are amazing!
(And yes, he's expensive. $4500 for 3 treatments)
chrissyC-Let me know if you find out about a good derm in CT for Fraxel. I am in CT too but have no idea who to go to.
Thanks!
has anyone who has had fraxel had the bronze color post-procedure last more than a couple weeks to a month?
My bronzing reappear when I apply alotsa BP which I always do. It turn quite pinkish after I jog or exercise.
Latest update. After the 2nd treatment, there was indeed quite a improvement on the shallow scars... I wasn't sure what's the reasons but the scars look more shallow and turning from dark grey to much ligther grey. I suspect the depth had definitely improved as I always look at my scars on a mirror overcast by the bright light. Which will show the scars very obvious with the shadow cast into the scars by the edge of the scars upper wall. But the deeper scars still have little improvement. Though apparantly the texture makes it look blended. I'll properly documented everything and hopefully post it when I completed everything in 6 months with photos.
I heard different..Fraxel works best on rolling scars not icepicks and boxcar types..Just relaying what I heard. you are right about the other two, they work well for rolling scars. I am a patient in a research study on Fraxel in regards to it's effects on acne scars in NYC. Did your Dr tell you Fraxel is not good for rolling scars? If so, then there is still alot of different ideas on what works and what doesn't.
Maybe you are right. Some of this shallow scars used to be ice pick now look more like rolling scars. I guess maybe I had a wrong ideal of what a rolling scars is.
This is a question for the guys getting fraxel done. How do you manage shaving pre and post fraxel?? Do you have to shave exactly right before the treatment? Aftershave? After the treatment do you have to refrain from shaving? Also what happens if they hit your hair follicles with the laser? Will it kill them?
Thanks
This is a question for the guys getting fraxel done. How do you manage shaving pre and post fraxel?? Do you have to shave exactly right before the treatment? Aftershave? After the treatment do you have to refrain from shaving? Also what happens if they hit your hair follicles with the laser? Will it kill them?
Thanks
Logically you got to have clean shave before the treatment, easier for the derm. After treatment shaving is not a problem at all.
do you think fraxel will help with forehead wrinkles? I'm not sure where my forehead wrinkles came from, but they look horrible. Also only one side of my face is affected by rolling scars, they are very shallow so I cant wait to have this procedure done. I'll see if I can take pics of the rolling scars I have and if anyone would be so kind as to tell me if fraxel should help my situation.
the prob w the Fraxel for a lot of people I believe is that they have pretty bad scars that they hope to eliminate with the treatment. Best bet would be to undergo some sort of provedure to raise the scars to surface level then use fraxel to even out the skin.
I am now off of accutane and go to my derm in a couple of weeks. I will discuss whether it is okay to go to a laser center and begin fraxels this soon after accutane. good luck everyone.
Waw kooky, have you had all of those scar treatments? thats a lot, how bad is your scarring....mild moderate or severe? How much has it improved with all of the treatments you have had including the dermabarsion, floats, tca peel/s......etc.
Thanks
MissShady,
My adventures (or misadventures) in the scar revision biz have already been chronicled more than Narnia on acne.org. But to make a long story....even longer, since I started in '94 I've received good improvement (40% maybe?) overall in my scarring on the areas that were most severe. Nowhere as bad as it used to be. I was severely scarred on my temples from cystic acne and then further scarred and charred by a neophyte plastic surgeon who went too deep and long with the CO2 laser in '98. The scarring on the rest of my face is relatively moderate to mild but really don't bother me.
It is really a subjective type of laser. Everyone seems to react differently. In my case, after one treatment ( and that's nothing), I have more of an improvement in texture over scarring. My skin was also extremely dry and coarse, now it has moisture. Makeup actually goes on smoothly now, whereas before it was like applying it on a piece of sandpaper. After my treatment, I was one of the extremely swollen types and then I had minor minor swelling lasting until about Day 11 or 12. So it's very difficult to gauge a percentage and I won't bother to try until after I'm done with the whole lot of them. I'm spacing mine a little over a month apart. So far there is nothing major to report, just slightly better texture and moisture. I'll stick with my blog quote "Overall I want to restrain myself from being an overexcited cheerleader and just use the words "slightly, surprising, subtle and definite" changes. We'll see what happens after the 3rd one...."
Annie, I'm happy for you....as long as you're doing something about it and feel good about your improvements, that's all that really matters. But it's nice of you to post your photos too. I wish you success with your future fraxel treatments.
do you think fraxel will help with forehead wrinkles? I'm not sure where my forehead wrinkles came from, but they look horrible. Also only one side of my face is affected by rolling scars, they are very shallow so I cant wait to have this procedure done. I'll see if I can take pics of the rolling scars I have and if anyone would be so kind as to tell me if fraxel should help my situation.
Hey Drew,
Fraxel will help with forehead wrinkles but you want to treat them at the lower energy, higher density settings so you're laying down more spots and getting more coverage. Fraxel should help soften your rolling scars but if they're deep get them subcised first.
Annie/kooky good luck. I had 5 fraxels and the biggest improvement was to my skin tone. It has been 6 months since my last fraxel and i can say I still have all my improvements and also have had very few break outs (My active acne is much less active now LOL) I would rate my acne scar improvements to be atleast 30% to my worst scars and even better to my moderate scars. Annie and I are using the same doctor in west palm and she does a great job. I am now 4 weeks post my first sculptra treatment and so far now real improvement but I understand it can be 8 weeks before you begin to notice anything and I am estimating I will need atleast 3 treatments to get the level of skin plumping up that will lift up my sunken cheek and chin areas.
Kooky I assume since you have had A B/A before fraxel that it is OK to have fraxel even if you have B/A in your face? Did you find that B/A helped reshape or plump up large areas like cheek and chin or did you just try to fill the acne scars?
ATTN: There is free fraxel in NYC if you qualify.
I just called but unfortunately I took minocycline for a few days after my laser hair treatment in January. It must be at least a few months since you took anything from the -mycin antibiotic family or used topical retanoids.
Call 212-686-7306 and ask for Lynda Suarez ext (608). Website is www.laserskinsurgery.com
Thanks "Headsup"!