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Hi M-mite,
If your getting treatment at level 20 or above, then I have to say you pretty much won't be presentable for around 2-3 days. Hang in there, things look worse before they get better.
I do believe you have chosen a good treatment for acne scars, I have had two treatments and I'm seeing about 20% improvement, not to mention I have had no breakouts since the start of my treatment and my skin texture and tone is the best ever at this point! I'm looking forward to my next 3 treatments and I'm sure once you see your results so will you.
how long do u guys recomend i wait before i start the fraxel laser treatment, my derm wanted me to wait til august which is 6 months after my accutane course... anyone? facts plz..
how long do u guys recomend i wait before i start the fraxel laser treatment, my derm wanted me to wait til august which is 6 months after my accutane course... anyone? facts plz..
how much did your fraxels cost per treatment? how many you think youll need?
Alone they are $950 but if combined with some other treatment, I get a whopping $50 discount.
My treatment plan is scheduled for three total, so I have two more and $1800 more to spend...
so for three treatment you have to pay $1800??? ......
3 at $900 a piece will cost me $2700
It's been 5 weeks since my 4th (and last) treatment, and I definitely do not see any improvement--and I still have bigger pores and ice picks. My skin is still healing (pink) though because I had my 4 treatments so close together. I'm hoping that is the reason it looks bad. Can anyone comment on this initial loss of collagen, which should be made up for and then some by the time healing is finished?
how long do u guys recomend i wait before i start the fraxel laser treatment, my derm wanted me to wait til august which is 6 months after my accutane course... anyone? facts plz..
how long do u guys recomend i wait before i start the fraxel laser treatment, my derm wanted me to wait til august which is 6 months after my accutane course... anyone? facts plz..
"Also, individuals who have taken accutane in the past 12-18 months or are prone to abnormal (keloid-like) scarring or those with active skin infections on the treatment area may not be appropriate candidates for this procedure."
I was told to wait at least 6 months, otherwise risk scarring because the skin heals much slower while accutane is still in you system. It takes at least a few months or more for the accutane to completely dissipate from your system after you've finished treatment.
It's been 5 weeks since my 4th (and last) treatment, and I definitely do not see any improvement--and I still have bigger pores and ice picks. My skin is still healing (pink) though because I had my 4 treatments so close together. I'm hoping that is the reason it looks bad. Can anyone comment on this initial loss of collagen, which should be made up for and then some by the time healing is finished?
I was told that the collagen slowly builds up and repairs the skin, and that I wouldn't see significant results for up to 6 months following the last treatment. But even if you see results about 6 months after the first treatment, you'll have awhile to wait, I think. But I'm going by what the doctor told me and personal antectdotes on this board.
It's been 5 weeks since my 4th (and last) treatment, and I definitely do not see any improvement--and I still have bigger pores and ice picks. My skin is still healing (pink) though because I had my 4 treatments so close together. I'm hoping that is the reason it looks bad. Can anyone comment on this initial loss of collagen, which should be made up for and then some by the time healing is finished?
Judging from your photos taken after smoothbeam, your scarring looks softer, esp the sides of your chin . I see a difference.
Thought these were interesting to look at (Australian site) showing diff. skintones/fraxel.
Scroll all the way to the bottom to view acne scarring/fraxel. I do realize lighting is inconsistent. I wonder how many sessions each patient had or if they also had fillers??? Also, check out the 'collagen induction therapy' picture...wonder if results are really tht significant or post swelling?
how long do u guys recomend i wait before i start the fraxel laser treatment, my derm wanted me to wait til august which is 6 months after my accutane course... anyone? facts plz..
how long do u guys recomend i wait before i start the fraxel laser treatment, my derm wanted me to wait til august which is 6 months after my accutane course... anyone? facts plz..
"Also, individuals who have taken accutane in the past 12-18 months or are prone to abnormal (keloid-like) scarring or those with active skin infections on the treatment area may not be appropriate candidates for this procedure."
I was told to wait at least 6 months, otherwise risk scarring because the skin heals much slower while accutane is still in you system. It takes at least a few months or more for the accutane to completely dissipate from your system after you've finished treatment.
It's been 5 weeks since my 4th (and last) treatment, and I definitely do not see any improvement--and I still have bigger pores and ice picks. My skin is still healing (pink) though because I had my 4 treatments so close together. I'm hoping that is the reason it looks bad. Can anyone comment on this initial loss of collagen, which should be made up for and then some by the time healing is finished?
I was told that the collagen slowly builds up and repairs the skin, and that I wouldn't see significant results for up to 6 months following the last treatment. But even if you see results about 6 months after the first treatment, you'll have awhile to wait, I think. But I'm going by what the doctor told me and personal antectdotes on this board.
thanks susan, i really appreciate your thoughts and help. I guess i just got to keep sticking wit my retinol therapy until september where i can begin... wow so long...
It's been 5 weeks since my 4th (and last) treatment, and I definitely do not see any improvement--and I still have bigger pores and ice picks. My skin is still healing (pink) though because I had my 4 treatments so close together. I'm hoping that is the reason it looks bad. Can anyone comment on this initial loss of collagen, which should be made up for and then some by the time healing is finished?
Judging from your photos taken after smoothbeam, your scarring looks softer, esp the sides of your chin . I see a difference.
Thought these were interesting to look at (Australian site) showing diff. skintones/fraxel.
Scroll all the way to the bottom to view acne scarring/fraxel. I do realize lighting is inconsistent. I wonder how many sessions each patient had or if they also had fillers??? Also, check out the 'collagen induction therapy' picture...wonder if results are really tht significant or post swelling?
http://www.doctorskin.com.au/FraxelLaserTreatment.html
SOme of those picures are bogus, but you can still see improvement in a lot of them, so that is encouraging.
Why bogus, you ask? When I went in for my first fraxel appt, they took a set of before pics. Acne scars can be very hard to capture in a photo, so after the first set of pictures, they turned on the overhead flourescent light. When I looked at the pictures at my most recent visit, the flourescent pics definitely showed the scars - and there was a strong yellow tinge to the picture - exactly like the first couple of pictures at that site. In the pictures under normal lighting conditions, my scars were barely visible. A very convernient "after" pic if you wanted to futz with things.
thanks susan, i really appreciate your thoughts and help. I guess i just got to keep sticking wit my retinol therapy until september where i can begin... wow so long...
Just keep thinking summer fun -- summer, for me, just flies by and, before I know it, it's already September again.
Of course, if you live in the southern hemisphere, that might not help... :eh:
I was told that the collagen slowly builds up and repairs the skin, and that I wouldn't see significant results for up to 6 months following the last treatment. But even if you see results about 6 months after the first treatment, you'll have awhile to wait, I think. But I'm going by what the doctor told me and personal antectdotes on this board.
Hmmm. I've been told that results happen up to six months after the last treatment, rather than nothing until six months after it. That doesn't make much sense anyway, since your first treatment could have happened a long time ago, in which case you could see results from that long before six months after your last. I'll take whatever I can get though!
I'm wondering why everyone's saying their skin looks great after their treatments when collagen loss has occurred. Shouldn't it look worse like mine does?
Also, SweetAndNatural, I did take before and after pictures. Some of them I put here (so you know I'm not lying about getting worse):
I've got some others on (my web site) too, and I'll be adding more after pictures there later.
Cameron,
I had a look at your pictures and i do agree with you. But heres a thought. A lot of people who did needling and TCA cross said that the scar initially looked worse, which meant that their scar tissue had broken down and was now remodelling, do u think that is what is happening here?
Also collagen growth is supposed to be promoted. And yes you're right you will see full results in 6 months. so you skin should be healing and plumping up during the next 6 months. What thoughts did you doctor have on this? Also have you thought about getting in touch with Reliant itself if you're really dissatisfied with your results. And just a suggestion why dont u take supplements that promote healing and collagen growth. Therz a whole heap of them up in the nutritional guide in the pinned section.
AS FOR ME,
not as swollen as yesterday, but still extremely swollen, and im going super duper brown. WOW.
Good luck all,
M
I was told that the collagen slowly builds up and repairs the skin, and that I wouldn't see significant results for up to 6 months following the last treatment. But even if you see results about 6 months after the first treatment, you'll have awhile to wait, I think. But I'm going by what the doctor told me and personal antectdotes on this board.
Hmmm. I've been told that results happen up to six months after the last treatment, rather than nothing until six months after it. That doesn't make much sense anyway, since your first treatment could have happened a long time ago, in which case you could see results from that long before six months after your last. I'll take whatever I can get though!
I'm wondering why everyone's saying their skin looks great after their treatments when collagen loss has occurred. Shouldn't it look worse like mine does?
Also, SweetAndNatural, I did take before and after pictures. Some of them I put here (so you know I'm not lying about getting worse):
I've got some others on (my web site) too, and I'll be adding more after pictures there later.
I agree with Cameron in that, the progress is expected to be gradual and would continue upto 6 months.
Different people say different time. Fraxel website at one place says several months (??) and at other 2-3 months. I have seen slow but definite improvement all along. I noticed filling up of pores after 3 or 4th treatment.
Last Friday I had my 8th and last Fraxel. I have done treatments at much lower settings than most of the people here. I had a very detailed discussion with my doctor about this and she firmaly believes in gradual remodelling. Also, part reason was my skin type and type of the problem I had : I had many scarred pores , a few small scars ( that were not ideal for grafts ) and shallow indentations. Each doctor has his/her own treatment protocols and medical convictions and it is difficult to challenge that without concrete facts. It is also true that 'cause of spot treatments, I could do more than 4-5 treatments.
Regarding side effects, I have slight hyperpigmentation and darkening which I plan to treat with Tri-luma but nothing looks serious and irreversible as of now.
These were my settings : 8,10,11,12 ( all at 250 ),14,15,16,18 ( all at 125 ). I would wait for atleast 4-5 weeks more before commenting on my results.
Cameron, 'cause you did 4 high powered treatments in short span, and it is quite possible that your skin is still healing and on the recovery path and pink/reddish color is indicator of that.
It's almost 5 months since I started my treatments ( my first was on Dec. 29 2005 ), so I had much more time to see the gradual change.
Cameron, thank you for your helpful website. I am sorry for your less than stellar results to date. It made me go back and reassess my scarring. Unfortuantely, I don't have as good records as you have, but I do have a few thoughts based on my own experience:
1. Like you, I noticed no change from my first Fraxel at 15 on March 9 and no peeling.
2. My original plan was monthly treatments at as high a level as I could get doc to go. I scraped my forehead, so I delayed #2 to May 1. This treament was at 20 and I had signficant peeling on forehead, jawline and lower cheeks, but no peeling on or around nose.
3. I notice fewer scars/better texture where I had peeling, but no change where I did not peel. (i.e., I had no improvement in several small scarred pores in the same area where you see some regression or no improvement. Did you peel in this area?)
4. It is possible that your skin is a weak responder (collagen rebuilder) to thermal injury.
5. From what I have read, your settings were on the low side for acne scarring and they were spaced too close together.
6. Lastly, I only detect Fraxel improvement in the most shallow scars. I had mixed success with punch floats. In the best cases, I had 2 reasonably large box scars under left sideburn. The floast worked well, but left an outline semicircle. After Fraxel, I can not tell you where those scars were, except from memory. I also had many floats that failed. My point is that there is another modality for deeper scars, which may be worth trying, before any more resurfacing.
Hope this helps
Billyboy, that's interesting that you noticed more improvement in the areas where you peeled. At my most recent fraxel appt (#3) I asked my doctor about this because despite high levels (20,23 @125) I had had almost no peeling whatsoever and wsa having a hard time noticing improvement (although my husband told me "25%" and the doctor agreed with this) Well, I'm one week out from my most recent (level 24) and I'm STILL peeling. But the very exciting thing is that I notice a major improvement to my scars. For ME to be EXCITED about it really says something. In the past I've been hopeful and optimistic, but NEVER excited. I realize there may still be some swelling, so I'm trying not to jump up and down with glee, but the shallow ice picks look no worse than enlarged pores at this point. I'm still due an additional treatment, so I'm VERY hopeful that my results will be good (hoping not to jinx myself).
Chrissy, great news. I'm excited/pleased for you. I noticed a 100% correlation between areas where I perceived improvement and where I had significant peeling. The improvement, while not huge, is meaningful and is still there. I'm going to ask for 24 on my next pass at end of May. Keep us posted.
I had my first treatment on Tuesday and it hurt a bit more than I had anticipated. Not the actual treatment itself, which was pretty fast, but the burning feeling afterwards.
Yesterday was hard, the blue dye refused to come off of my face; they said at the clinic that they had never seen it stick to someones skin as much as it did to mine. Of course, that figures. They even escorted me out the back door and didn't even make me PAY for the treatments (I'm supposed to prepay for all of them). They said I can do it at my next visit. Needless to say, it was not a huge confidence booster. My skin is very, very dry though, so that is probably the culprit. I advise anyone with dry skin to try to exfoliate well before your first treatment, you won't be able to afterwards and will be cursed with smurfiness for a longer period of time.
I don't know what setting they used. They did say that they start off lower to see how my skin will react and then really ramp up the treatments. My schedule seems to be different than many others who are posting. I am having seven treatments spaced one week apart and then will be able to get spot treatments later if I want them. I am paying $3000 for the seven full face sessions and then $150 for any spot treatments. From what I am reading, this is a pretty good deal.
I did not have a ton of redness or swelling. But I iced my face for 20 minutes each hour and applied a mixture of emu oil, tea tree oil, froxen aloe vera gel and mild copper peptides as often as I could. (I worked from home yesterday). I took vitamin c, msm, borage and primrose oil, zinc, B5, calcium magnesium and cod liver oil supplements. (Not all at once...
I also have acupuncture points in my arms that are supposed to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Granted, I don't know if ANY of these things make a difference, but my approach to this is to do everything in my power to enhance the effects of the laser. It can't hurt.
Today my face feels like sandpaper, but I haven't broken out. I'm so used to having flaky skin that maybe it just doesn't bother me as much. My scarring actually looks a little better, but I am sure that is because it is the skin so tight and the flakiness is masking it a bit.
So that was treatment one. I anticipate the downtime being much more intense as they increase the settings.
i love reading about your experiences, so i was wondering if you guys have cameras, you should record your recooperation by taking a picture of yourself, sure you can cut your eyes out to keep your privacy but a lot of us would like to see the real photos of real fraxel patients instead of those perhaps set up picture on the net... keep us posted. God speed all your healings.
I had my first treatment on Tuesday and it hurt a bit more than I had anticipated. Not the actual treatment itself, which was pretty fast, but the burning feeling afterwards.
Me too! The treatment was no biggy but the burn for the next couple of days was uncomfortable. I've never sunburned my face that bad so I didn't have a frame of reference for that kind of a burn.
Yesterday was hard, the blue dye refused to come off of my face; they said at the clinic that they had never seen it stick to someones skin as much as it did to mine. Of course, that figures. They even escorted me out the back door and didn't even make me PAY for the treatments (I'm supposed to prepay for all of them). They said I can do it at my next visit. Needless to say, it was not a huge confidence booster. My skin is very, very dry though, so that is probably the culprit. I advise anyone with dry skin to try to exfoliate well before your first treatment, you won't be able to afterwards and will be cursed with smurfiness for a longer period of time.
They told me that the drier your face, the more the blue dye will be pulled into the pores (kind of like a sponge, for lack of a better analogy). So make sure your skin is well hydrated before going in for the next treatment. Mine was dry but not too bad, but it did take about 24 hours total to get off. Soap wasn't really all that effective, when I took a shower. What they told me to do, and what I finally did do, was the most effective and got the dye off the quickest. They gave me some cream (called medical barrier cream used for burns) They told me to take a soft handtowl, soak it in ice cold water and then wrap my face in the towel. The cold, wet towel felt great, took down some of the redness and swelling and the dye came off waaaay easier -- after soaking my face with the towel, I gently padded the blue dye areas. Then I reapplied the cream. They told me to only use that heavy cream for the first day or two since it will clog pores. I actually found Cetaphil cream (otc) much more effective than the heavy stuff they gave me. But the cold, wet towels worked the best of anything. Go figure.
I don't know what setting they used. They did say that they start off lower to see how my skin will react and then really ramp up the treatments. My schedule seems to be different than many others who are posting. I am having seven treatments spaced one week apart and then will be able to get spot treatments later if I want them. I am paying $3000 for the seven full face sessions and then $150 for any spot treatments. From what I am reading, this is a pretty good deal.
I don't know my setting too. I know we did the 250 pixel instead of the 125. But I don't know the energy output. Whatever it is, I think it isn't as aggressive as a lot of people get here. I think my doctor starts off low-ish too for the first treatment. The second and third treatments will probably be increased. I asked her what the settings were when she called for a followup and she said every office's perameters are different and there isn't a set energy output and that their office takes a slightly more conservative approach than some offices in order to decrease down time.
$3000 for 7 treatments is frigging awesome. The same for me would cost about $6400! You got a good deal, IMO. I know my doctor is a bit high but I think he's one of the only doctors around here that does it.
I did not have a ton of redness or swelling. But I iced my face for 20 minutes each hour and applied a mixture of emu oil, tea tree oil, froxen aloe vera gel and mild copper peptides as often as I could. (I worked from home yesterday). I took vitamin c, msm, borage and primrose oil, zinc, B5, calcium magnesium and cod liver oil supplements. (Not all at once...;) I also have acupuncture points in my arms that are supposed to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Granted, I don't know if ANY of these things make a difference, but my approach to this is to do everything in my power to enhance the effects of the laser. It can't hurt.
I did get red like other people but probably not as bad. I don't think I had any swelling but if I did, it was negligdible. The cold wet towels worked wonders for me -- next time I may place ice backs on the cold wet towel in order for it to stay cold longer. I had no flaking or peeling. I was itchy for a couple days, especially day three.
Watch the tea tree oil -- it's a dry oil and will dry you out which is something you don't want in those few days post treatment. I, personally, wouldn't mess with all those oils post treatment. Stick to a light, non-comedogenic cream. The Cetaphil cream was awesome.
Today my face feels like sandpaper, but I haven't broken out. I'm so used to having flaky skin that maybe it just doesn't bother me as much. My scarring actually looks a little better, but I am sure that is because it is the skin so tight and the flakiness is masking it a bit.
Mine was sandpapery feeling on days three and four. Today is exactly one week post treatment and you'd never know I had it done -- the redness, dryness, itchiness and all that is gone. I'm officially back to my regular cleanser, astringent, topical acne med, etc.
So that was treatment one. I anticipate the downtime being much more intense as they increase the settings.
Me too!
🙂
I had my first treatment on Tuesday and it hurt a bit more than I had anticipated. Not the actual treatment itself, which was pretty fast, but the burning feeling afterwards.
Yesterday was hard, the blue dye refused to come off of my face; they said at the clinic that they had never seen it stick to someones skin as much as it did to mine. Of course, that figures. They even escorted me out the back door and didn't even make me PAY for the treatments (I'm supposed to prepay for all of them). They said I can do it at my next visit. Needless to say, it was not a huge confidence booster. My skin is very, very dry though, so that is probably the culprit. I advise anyone with dry skin to try to exfoliate well before your first treatment, you won't be able to afterwards and will be cursed with smurfiness for a longer period of time.
I don't know what setting they used. They did say that they start off lower to see how my skin will react and then really ramp up the treatments. My schedule seems to be different than many others who are posting. I am having seven treatments spaced one week apart and then will be able to get spot treatments later if I want them. I am paying $3000 for the seven full face sessions and then $150 for any spot treatments. From what I am reading, this is a pretty good deal
I did not have a ton of redness or swelling. But I iced my face for 20 minutes each hour and applied a mixture of emu oil, tea tree oil, froxen aloe vera gel and mild copper peptides as often as I could. (I worked from home yesterday). I took vitamin c, msm, borage and primrose oil, zinc, B5, calcium magnesium and cod liver oil supplements. (Not all at once...;) I also have acupuncture points in my arms that are supposed to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Granted, I don't know if ANY of these things make a difference, but my approach to this is to do everything in my power to enhance the effects of the laser. It can't hurt.
Today my face feels like sandpaper, but I haven't broken out. I'm so used to having flaky skin that maybe it just doesn't bother me as much. My scarring actually looks a little better, but I am sure that is because it is the skin so tight and the flakiness is masking it a bit.
So that was treatment one. I anticipate the downtime being much more intense as they increase the settings.
Question: Are you in the U.S.? I am looking into this treatment but, alas I am a poor graduate student. I was going to splurge on the $1000 per treatment option that I have here where I live. Sounds like you are getting a pretty good deal though and I would like to check it out and see if your place is an option. Would appreciate the info. Thank a bunch. jojo
edensapple, I'm in Milwaukee, WI... Things are always cheaper in the Midwest....:)
Thanks for the info. I think I will start checking prices in other states and mention that at the doctors office and see if i can bring him down some. Who knows it might work. Worth a try anyway. Good luck with your treatments. jojo
Thanks, guys, for the input. Based on this, I've realized that I could do more to encourage better healing. I already eat whole healthy foods and exercise every day, but I'm going to add to that anti-oxidant multi-vitamins, something topical suited to healing, and cardio every day to get the oxygen-rich blood flowing even more.
Also, my fraxel settings were 16, 19, 20, and 24, which should be enough. I originally thought the 2nd one was 16, but it was 19.