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I just had my second Fraxel-treatment done this morning. This time they did level 15, 2 passes. The first treatment they did level 12, 2 passes. I'm reading about alor of different levels...can anyone give me a bit more information. I'm a bit worried that the Dr. is giving me a treatment that is 'very soft'?
I just had my first fraxel, and she did 8 passes on a setting of 8 all over my face, and 2 passes of 12 on my more scarred areas.
She said next time we go more rigorous, that its better to go higher and do less passes.
For me, it hurt like crazy, but i think that is because my skin is really sensitive from previous years of accutane, and i was also using Retin-A up until a couple days before fraxel.
I did level 20 w/ 7 or 8 passes and concentration on my most scarred area. I am looking pretty good today. Went to the mall and a friend said I looked great she didn't know about the procedure.
Wow that is a very high setting. I think i am going to do up to 15 next time.
That didnt hurt you?
They put numbing cream on for an hour before and used a cooling machine. It stung a little but I didn't mind. Next time I am doing 1440. See my post under "Just had Fraxel #1" to get an update on my stuff. 1440 same as Fraxel but no pain and no dye. I can't wait.
I saw your other post, but i dont know what a 1440 is and have never heard of it, im sure they just came out with it. I dont think the place im getting my fraxel has that.
I also had numbing cream and a cooling machine, its the thing that blows cool air on your face, right?
I think my pain was due to retin a and very sensitive skin
Well good luck with your treatments, hopefully we will see some before and after photos up soon.
I just had my second Fraxel-treatment done this morning. This time they did level 15, 2 passes. The first treatment they did level 12, 2 passes. I'm reading about alor of different levels...can anyone give me a bit more information. I'm a bit worried that the Dr. is giving me a treatment that is 'very soft'?
I just had my first fraxel, and she did 8 passes on a setting of 8 all over my face, and 2 passes of 12 on my more scarred areas.
She said next time we go more rigorous, that its better to go higher and do less passes.
For me, it hurt like crazy, but i think that is because my skin is really sensitive from previous years of accutane, and i was also using Retin-A up until a couple days before fraxel.
I did level 20 w/ 7 or 8 passes and concentration on my most scarred area. I am looking pretty good today. Went to the mall and a friend said I looked great she didn't know about the procedure.
Wow that is a very high setting. I think i am going to do up to 15 next time.
That didnt hurt you?
They put numbing cream on for an hour before and used a cooling machine. It stung a little but I didn't mind. Next time I am doing 1440. See my post under "Just had Fraxel #1" to get an update on my stuff. 1440 same as Fraxel but no pain and no dye. I can't wait.
I saw your other post, but i dont know what a 1440 is and have never heard of it, im sure they just came out with it. I dont think the place im getting my fraxel has that.
I also had numbing cream and a cooling machine, its the thing that blows cool air on your face, right?
I think my pain was due to retin a and very sensitive skin
Well good luck with your treatments, hopefully we will see some before and after photos up soon.
Yes, it is the machine that blows cool air on your face. I also have very sensative skin and was using retin a the night before the procedure. I guess everyone's tolorence for pain is different. I also thin I have taken a lot of pain. Please I had three kids.
:angel: Hi, This is my first time posting and first time on this site. I'm just learning about Fraxel and am in Seattle. Wantscarsaway- how are your treatments in Vancouver going? Are you happy with your results so far?? Has anybody out there had wonderful results with any drs in the Seattle area? Thanks so much for any replies!!
I've had three treatments done the last one a month ago and I'd say that i've seen about 20-30% improvement. So far i'm happy with the results I've seen and I will be starting a new round of treatments in another couple of weeks. I know that my scars will never completely go away, but anything that can be done to help smooth them out I'm all for.
So, I thought I would post some pics of my progress.. I am currently 2 weeks after my 3rd treatment, 6 weeks since my first; I have my 4th treatment tomorrow. Levels have been 16, 18 and 18 so far. While I haven't seen a huge change yet, I think I am starting to notice a difference. My scars are starting to appear a little shallower than before, and the edges of each scar definitely seem softer. You be the judge.. Pic on the left is before any treatment, right is after 3.
[attachmentid=3590][attachmentid=3591]
Sean..
So, I thought I would post some pics of my progress.. I am currently 2 weeks after my 3rd treatment, 6 weeks since my first; I have my 4th treatment tomorrow. Levels have been 16, 18 and 18 so far. While I haven't seen a huge change yet, I think I am starting to notice a difference. My scars are starting to appear a little shallower than before, and the edges of each scar definitely seem softer. You be the judge.. Pic on the left is before any treatment, right is after 3.
[attachmentid=3590][attachmentid=3591]
Sean..
Wow! Thanks for posting pictures. It looks like a definite improvement. In the before picture, it seems like there's brighter lighting though. Would it be a hassle to take another picture with the lighting as bright as the before picture and post it? I (and I'm sure others) would really appreciate that. I'm considering having this done. The scars on my cheeks are very similar to yours. Want to make sure we're comparing apples to apples though.
The lighting is identical in both pictures. I took them in a room with no windows in the exact same location under the light. My skin appears to be a little pink from my last treatment, and also, my skin isn't nearly as oily anymore so the light is reflected differently. I took about 10 pics trying to get the angle of the lighting identical to the original.
Sean..
So, I thought I would post some pics of my progress.. I am currently 2 weeks after my 3rd treatment, 6 weeks since my first; I have my 4th treatment tomorrow. Levels have been 16, 18 and 18 so far. While I haven't seen a huge change yet, I think I am starting to notice a difference. My scars are starting to appear a little shallower than before, and the edges of each scar definitely seem softer. You be the judge.. Pic on the left is before any treatment, right is after 3.
[attachmentid=3590][attachmentid=3591]
Sean..
There is a definite improvement, i would say around 30-40% shallower than before.
I am doing fraxel also, have had one so far... have 3 left to go, and maybe one more after that if i feel like i need it. I am 4 or 5 days post my first treatment now and i think my skin may be tightening and softening a little bit, but its too soon to tell. I broke out a little bit a couple days ago, but its pretty much gone now.
Well good luck with the rest of your treatments.
hey guys, just curious... I know fraxel can eliminate sun spots, but can it be used to eliminate red marks? I basically caused a big mess with 50% TCA. If any of you remember I over-used 50% TCA in one spot and it made a chicken pok scar which later filled in but has left a dark dark red spot. Hah, it bugs the mess outta me. Do you think fraxel will aggravate it or cause it to lighten up??
Any reccomendations??
hey guys, just curious... I know fraxel can eliminate sun spots, but can it be used to eliminate red marks? I basically caused a big mess with 50% TCA. If any of you remember I over-used 50% TCA in one spot and it made a chicken pok scar which later filled in but has left a dark dark red spot. Hah, it bugs the mess outta me. Do you think fraxel will aggravate it or cause it to lighten up??
Any reccomendations??
im not sure about that but fraxel is also used for discolorations and hypopigmenation and all that, you can see it on their website, so i think it could help with that. Your best bet would be to go make a consultation with a derm or plastic surgeon in your area and they will evaluate your skin.
So, I thought I would post some pics of my progress.. I am currently 2 weeks after my 3rd treatment, 6 weeks since my first; I have my 4th treatment tomorrow. Levels have been 16, 18 and 18 so far. While I haven't seen a huge change yet, I think I am starting to notice a difference. My scars are starting to appear a little shallower than before, and the edges of each scar definitely seem softer. You be the judge.. Pic on the left is before any treatment, right is after 3.
[attachmentid=3590][attachmentid=3591]
Sean..
I see some improvements. Hopefully the next few will give some great results.
hey everyone. new member here 
I was lucky to find this message board. I heard about Fraxel through a radio ad for a Dr in Beverly Hills. I had bad acne when I was a teenager and have had scars since I was 17. Not sure how to describe the scarring but I've heard some dermos use the term "shallow". I've been seeing the same dermo in LA for about 12 years now and she's great. Anyway, I credit her for getting rid of my acne....well I get a zit or 2 every once in a while......no big deal. Over the years I've spoken to her about getting rid of the scarring on my cheeks and temples. She was straight-out and told me that my scarring will never go completely away but there was some things I could try to improve the look of the scars. Well........... I've had 2 deep TCA peels, been getting glycolic peels every other month, had collegen injections once and have been using retin A for about 15 years now. After the 1st TCA 8 years ago, there was a huge improvement in my skin. Even though the experience was really tough, the peel really got my acne under control. Anyway, my dermo also specializes in laser resurfacing but told me years ago that she would never use any laser on colored skin (she's african american and I'm latino). She explained that the results of lasers on people of color made there complextions worse because of the loss of pigmentation. She did give me referrals to other plastic surgeons for different opinions but went to only one. I was told the same thing.
Well I went to 4 Drs. in the LA area after hearing about the smoothbeams, Vbeams and fraxel. I must say that 2 of these guys were like used-car salesmens. They really played the self-image card, promised that they could get rid of the scarring then slammed you with outrages prices. I left their offices angry!!!! 
I guess I'm lucky that I've had quite a few years to get used to the scarring and not nearly selfconscious anymore. If you're thinking of any procedure....get more than just one opinion. Don't get drawn into promises of complete curing of scarring and don't get pressured into paying outrages $$$$. 2 of the Drs. I went for consultations where a step away from con artists 
Since I've really had no need for a visit to my dermo in about 3 years, I was really happy to find her name in the referral directory on Reliants website. I went to see her 2 weeks ago and she was excited that I went to talk about the procedure. She's had some done on herself for wrinkles and her assistant had a few done for keloid scarring left over from surgery. They both are happy with their improvements....well of course her skin was flwless to begin with but she saw some improvements. She's one of the 1st Dr's in the LA area to get the laser ( she showed me her certification dated 2003) and she's treated quite a few patients already with great improvements. Once again she told me that the scars will never go completely away but the fraxel will improve them significantly.
I just had my 1st fraxel treatment on Thursday. I was worried about the post effects but the procedure and the after effects were extremely mild compared to some of the postings i've read. Didn't ask what setting she was using but remember seeing a 17 and then a 20 setting on the machine. I'll ask the next time I go in. i guess it's because of my tolerance to pain on my face after so many peels. Anyhow, the procedure was pretty painless except my forehead. I guess it was becasue there wasn't enough numbing cream near my hairline. I was extremely red and was swollen after the treatment. The visible swelling was pretty much gone 7 hours later and the redness was mild. I had 2 blemishes that have turned dark but thats because of the damaged, dead skin. I expect that to peel off. So my face is slightly red and my face is BRONZED! From my experience with the dozens of peels i've had I know my skin is healing and getting ready to peel. I noticed that the some of the areas I had some blemishes and redness from my skin being chapped before the procedure and the "pits" in my scars have also turned a darker shade and is scabbing a little bit more than the rest of my skin. My skin has started to get flaky around the hairlines and the "sunburn" sensation is limited to the area around my eyes and nose. As the swelling subsides, I'm noticing the scars coming back (my face was super smooth after the treatment from swelling).
I'll be having 5 treatments spaced 2 weeks apart. My Doc took pictures of my face before the tretment and will post some once I get my digital working.
Luck to everyone.
hey everyone. new member here 🙂 I was lucky to find this message board. I heard about Fraxel through a radio ad for a Dr in Beverly Hills. I had bad acne when I was a teenager and have had scars since I was 17. Not sure how to describe the scarring but I've heard some dermos use the term "shallow". I've been seeing the same dermo in LA for about 12 years now and she's great. Anyway, I credit her for getting rid of my acne....well I get a zit or 2 every once in a while......no big deal. Over the years I've spoken to her about getting rid of the scarring on my cheeks and temples. She was straight-out and told me that my scarring will never go completely away but there was some things I could try to improve the look of the scars. Well........... I've had 2 deep TCA peels, been getting glycolic peels every other month, had collegen injections once and have been using retin A for about 15 years now. After the 1st TCA 8 years ago, there was a huge improvement in my skin. Even though the experience was really tough, the peel really got my acne under control. Anyway, my dermo also specializes in laser resurfacing but told me years ago that she would never use any laser on colored skin (she's african american and I'm latino). She explained that the results of lasers on people of color made there complextions worse because of the loss of pigmentation. She did give me referrals to other plastic surgeons for different opinions but went to only one. I was told the same thing.
Well I went to 4 Drs. in the LA area after hearing about the smoothbeams, Vbeams and fraxel. I must say that 2 of these guys were like used-car salesmens. They really played the self-image card, promised that they could get rid of the scarring then slammed you with outrages prices. I left their offices angry!!!! :xxx: I guess I'm lucky that I've had quite a few years to get used to the scarring and not nearly selfconscious anymore. If you're thinking of any procedure....get more than just one opinion. Don't get drawn into promises of complete curing of scarring and don't get pressured into paying outrages $$$$. 2 of the Drs. I went for consultations where a step away from con artists 👿
Since I've really had no need for a visit to my dermo in about 3 years, I was really happy to find her name in the referral directory on Reliants website. I went to see her 2 weeks ago and she was excited that I went to talk about the procedure. She's had some done on herself for wrinkles and her assistant had a few done for keloid scarring left over from surgery. They both are happy with their improvements....well of course her skin was flwless to begin with but she saw some improvements. She's one of the 1st Dr's in the LA area to get the laser ( she showed me her certification dated 2003) and she's treated quite a few patients already with great improvements. Once again she told me that the scars will never go completely away but the fraxel will improve them significantly.
I just had my 1st fraxel treatment on Thursday. I was worried about the post effects but the procedure and the after effects were extremely mild compared to some of the postings i've read. Didn't ask what setting she was using but remember seeing a 17 and then a 20 setting on the machine. I'll ask the next time I go in. i guess it's because of my tolerance to pain on my face after so many peels. Anyhow, the procedure was pretty painless except my forehead. I guess it was becasue there wasn't enough numbing cream near my hairline. I was extremely red and was swollen after the treatment. The visible swelling was pretty much gone 7 hours later and the redness was mild. I had 2 blemishes that have turned dark but thats because of the damaged, dead skin. I expect that to peel off. So my face is slightly red and my face is BRONZED! From my experience with the dozens of peels i've had I know my skin is healing and getting ready to peel. I noticed that the some of the areas I had some blemishes and redness from my skin being chapped before the procedure and the "pits" in my scars have also turned a darker shade and is scabbing a little bit more than the rest of my skin. My skin has started to get flaky around the hairlines and the "sunburn" sensation is limited to the area around my eyes and nose. As the swelling subsides, I'm noticing the scars coming back (my face was super smooth after the treatment from swelling).
I'll be having 5 treatments spaced 2 weeks apart. My Doc took pictures of my face before the tretment and will post some once I get my digital working.
Luck to everyone.
Everyone seems to have problem with the pain on the forehead haha. Me too.. :dance:
hey everyone. new member here 🙂 I was lucky to find this message board. I heard about Fraxel through a radio ad for a Dr in Beverly Hills. I had bad acne when I was a teenager and have had scars since I was 17. Not sure how to describe the scarring but I've heard some dermos use the term "shallow". I've been seeing the same dermo in LA for about 12 years now and she's great. Anyway, I credit her for getting rid of my acne....well I get a zit or 2 every once in a while......no big deal. Over the years I've spoken to her about getting rid of the scarring on my cheeks and temples. She was straight-out and told me that my scarring will never go completely away but there was some things I could try to improve the look of the scars. Well........... I've had 2 deep TCA peels, been getting glycolic peels every other month, had collegen injections once and have been using retin A for about 15 years now. After the 1st TCA 8 years ago, there was a huge improvement in my skin. Even though the experience was really tough, the peel really got my acne under control. Anyway, my dermo also specializes in laser resurfacing but told me years ago that she would never use any laser on colored skin (she's african american and I'm latino). She explained that the results of lasers on people of color made there complextions worse because of the loss of pigmentation. She did give me referrals to other plastic surgeons for different opinions but went to only one. I was told the same thing.
Well I went to 4 Drs. in the LA area after hearing about the smoothbeams, Vbeams and fraxel. I must say that 2 of these guys were like used-car salesmens. They really played the self-image card, promised that they could get rid of the scarring then slammed you with outrages prices. I left their offices angry!!!! :xxx: I guess I'm lucky that I've had quite a few years to get used to the scarring and not nearly selfconscious anymore. If you're thinking of any procedure....get more than just one opinion. Don't get drawn into promises of complete curing of scarring and don't get pressured into paying outrages $$$$. 2 of the Drs. I went for consultations where a step away from con artists 👿
Since I've really had no need for a visit to my dermo in about 3 years, I was really happy to find her name in the referral directory on Reliants website. I went to see her 2 weeks ago and she was excited that I went to talk about the procedure. She's had some done on herself for wrinkles and her assistant had a few done for keloid scarring left over from surgery. They both are happy with their improvements....well of course her skin was flwless to begin with but she saw some improvements. She's one of the 1st Dr's in the LA area to get the laser ( she showed me her certification dated 2003) and she's treated quite a few patients already with great improvements. Once again she told me that the scars will never go completely away but the fraxel will improve them significantly.
I just had my 1st fraxel treatment on Thursday. I was worried about the post effects but the procedure and the after effects were extremely mild compared to some of the postings i've read. Didn't ask what setting she was using but remember seeing a 17 and then a 20 setting on the machine. I'll ask the next time I go in. i guess it's because of my tolerance to pain on my face after so many peels. Anyhow, the procedure was pretty painless except my forehead. I guess it was becasue there wasn't enough numbing cream near my hairline. I was extremely red and was swollen after the treatment. The visible swelling was pretty much gone 7 hours later and the redness was mild. I had 2 blemishes that have turned dark but thats because of the damaged, dead skin. I expect that to peel off. So my face is slightly red and my face is BRONZED! From my experience with the dozens of peels i've had I know my skin is healing and getting ready to peel. I noticed that the some of the areas I had some blemishes and redness from my skin being chapped before the procedure and the "pits" in my scars have also turned a darker shade and is scabbing a little bit more than the rest of my skin. My skin has started to get flaky around the hairlines and the "sunburn" sensation is limited to the area around my eyes and nose. As the swelling subsides, I'm noticing the scars coming back (my face was super smooth after the treatment from swelling).
I'll be having 5 treatments spaced 2 weeks apart. My Doc took pictures of my face before the tretment and will post some once I get my digital working.
Luck to everyone.
Everyone seems to have problem with the pain on the forehead haha. Me too.. :dance:
I think it hurts the most where you have bones, like forehead, chin, but the worst part for me was my upper lip. Ouch.
Oh and I forgot to mention that the main reason my Dr thinks fraxel is great is because of how this laser works from the inside out. Laser targets the lower layer of skin rather than the outside unlike the CO2 laser. She's had excelent results with darker skin types with no hyperpigmentation (sp?) problems.
I'm already starting to peel. Didn't think it would happen this fast. I have a some dark spots where the skin hasn't peeled off yet but it's not too bad. If you've had a glycolic acid peel, this is what it feels like 2 days after treatment.......well for me at least. I also shaved with no problems!!!! I'm blushed but knew that would happen. Just look like I was in the sun. Loving the mild swelling that's keeping my face smooth looking though......... I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
:angel: Hi, This is my first time posting and first time on this site. I'm just learning about Fraxel and am in Seattle. Wantscarsaway- how are your treatments in Vancouver going? Are you happy with your results so far?? Has anybody out there had wonderful results with any drs in the Seattle area? Thanks so much for any replies!!
Hi. I'm also in Washington, and have done extensive research on local drs who perform fraxel. The most affordable place is the Olympic Dermatology & Laser Clinic. The second least expensive place is Dr. Charlotte Metzler in Port Angeles, and they seem to be the most thorough. You'll pay a lot more in Seattle. Unfortunately, Canada won't accept UW patients...
Good luck!
So, I thought I would post some pics of my progress.. I am currently 2 weeks after my 3rd treatment, 6 weeks since my first; I have my 4th treatment tomorrow. Levels have been 16, 18 and 18 so far. While I haven't seen a huge change yet, I think I am starting to notice a difference. My scars are starting to appear a little shallower than before, and the edges of each scar definitely seem softer. You be the judge.. Pic on the left is before any treatment, right is after 3.
[attachmentid=3590][attachmentid=3591]
Sean..
Sean,
I really notice a great improvement! Thanks so much for posting your pictures. I'll be starting my treatments in about a month. Good luck with yours and congratulations so far!
So I had my 4th Fraxel treatment Friday morning, still a bit red with some visible stripes from the swipes of the laser, but it's fading fast. For my final treatment, we did level 18 at 125MTZ/cm2 with 12 passes of the laser. Came out around 1000 MTZ/cm2 after all was said and done, and total energy was 9Kj.
I must say that the pain was worse this time, I think I was still a bit sensitive from my last treatment. I have another appointment in a month so they can take after pics and do a comparison. Based on the progress, we will decide how many more treatments I want to do. I am already planning on doing atleast two more spot treatments regardless.
If I decide I want to do more treatments after that, they will have to be next year as I have exhausted my Flexcare account. I could see myself doing another 4 or so next year if I see good progress from the ones I'm having done this year.
Sean...
Unfortunately I had my girlfriend call in an appointment to see the doctor in Carmel Indiana. She said that the receptionist told her that she would want me to talk to the doctor before taking a 2 hour drive for the appointment. She said that the Fraxel at least at their clinic is used and effective for shallow wrinking and not a good choice for scars mainly because of the cost. Thats a let down. Well I dont know what my GF said to the lady so I will call tues and see what they say.
Sounds like the receptionist doesnt know what she's talking about. Did you get a chance to talk to the doctor yet? Us poor Hoosier bastards need to stick together.
Keithr23: How many improvement does the doctor say you need?
I see improvements too.
How many treatments do I need? I don't know I have a consoltation on Friday. My girl just said that the receptionist didnt know how effective treating acne scars with Fraxel was. She said that there are much better options that are a lot more affordable. I would guess she was talking about dermabrasion. Anyway I have pretty shallow scars so whatever the least amount of treatments I would guess. I am wanting to do 5-6 and hopefully remove most of the scars or improve them. I would say that I will be honest with the results and that if Fraxel does not work on my scars then it is a total waste for most people since i have really shallow scarring.
