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Thread: Laser Resurfacing?

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    Featured Member MadisonM's Avatar
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    Default Laser Resurfacing?

    Has anyone ever tried laser resurfacing? I'm looking into it as an option to get rid of my old acne scars that nothing else seems to be helping. I would like to maybe get it done over my winter break from school when I'll have about 4 weeks off of school and will hopefully be able to afford to take off of work (that's our really slow time of the year anyway, so it would be a great time to take off). I know that it usually takes about 4-6 weeks for the redness to completely go away and for your skin to stop being really sensitive. I'm just wondering if anyone here has tried it and can tell me about your experience and if it worked for you or anyone you know. Thanks!
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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    Depending on the laser, I wouldn't gp for laser resurfacing unless you have very pale skin. There are so many kinds- are you curious about a certain type in general? How deep are your scars? For lighter scars, aggressive microdermabrasion can help.

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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    I've tried the Sciton Laser. It looks like crap for 1 week...can't leave the house to avoid sun and the EWW factor. Skin is red, shiny and looks like thinly spread oatmeal for the first few days. It hurt but all's worth it in the name of beauty. I had hyperpigmentation after so I'm using IPL laser now. Would I do it again? Well, only if I had one whole week all to myself but it took weeks to be completely normal. It wasn't all that bad but it was a hassle.

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    Featured Member MadisonM's Avatar
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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    Quote Originally Posted by kittenkat
    Depending on the laser, I wouldn't gp for laser resurfacing unless you have very pale skin. There are so many kinds- are you curious about a certain type in general? How deep are your scars? For lighter scars, aggressive microdermabrasion can help.

    I do have very pale skin, so that's not an issue. I'm really just starting to look into it, so I don't know which type would be best for me yet. I have 2-4 little scars that are deeper, and the rest are just reddish purple discolored spots. If I can get my camera working I'll try to post a close-up pic on here. I have no current breakouts right now, but my skin looks horrible because of the scars.
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    God/dess fancygirl's Avatar
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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    what happens if you have darker skin? I've got one little "ice pick" scar from a blemish years ago.

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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    I don't have any experience with lasers but am researching peels. Supposedly a TCA or a Jessners peel is good for darker skin. These are medium strength peels. I've just started a blog complete with pictures in my quest (obsession) to banish my adult acne and smooth my scars. If anybody is interested in following my journey and reading the blog just shoot me a pm.

    MadisonM another potential option for you might be dermabrasion. CO2 laser might be a bit too drastic although I have no idea what condition your skin is in and plus like I said I really don't know too much about lasers.


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    Featured Member MadisonM's Avatar
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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    ^^^ I'll really try to get pics up today or tomorrow. The discoloration scars on my forehead are almost gone, but those were much lighter to begin with, so I think they just faded on their own over time. The ones on my cheeks just will not go away. I really just want to get rid of the discoloration scars. I don't really mind the indented scars, because they are small and not noticeable unless you are really close up to me.
    Take the road less traveled- just make sure you have a map.

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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    With a lot of lasers, it can permanently lighten your skin (on the average, @2-3 shades lighter) to the point where you get the "mask"effect (the skin being markedly lighter where it was lasered, vs where it was not). The darker your skin, the more likely it is to lighten your skin.

    As for the discoloration scars, you may want to think about IPL rather than laser resurfacing, or try a series of aggressive microdermabrasion.

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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    I would prefer a laser to dermabrasion, but that's just me- because there's also a risk of losing pigmentation with dermabrasion as well. I don't think (from the verbal description) that Madison's discoloration is enough to warrant a dermabrasion. There's little to no downtime from IPL or microdermabrasion, but there will be @ 3-7 days downtime from a medium-strength peel such as TCA. Madison, if you're not in a hurry, I can recommend you to my esthetician that can ship you glycolic/lactic acid peels that you can do @ home. While they're not strong as the ones @ the doctor's office, they're much stronger than the drugstore types. It helped with some red discoloration I had from acne scars, although it took a few months. The cost savings were HUGE, so I tried this route, and I've been satisfied

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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    Another option for the discoloration aka post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is treatment with hydroquinone. And as you've noticed, they do eventually fade on their own. In fact, whichever treatment option you choose could very well be enhanced by pretreating your skin with a hydroquinone/tretinoin combo for at least several weeks. So many options for you to research!

    eta: ooooooh the glycolic/lactic peels could be a great option for you to do at home. I just started 40% glycolic peels last week myself.


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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    Retin-A is great. I use retin-a and peels on rotation. Retin-a + microdermabrasion has really helped a friend of mine. The problem is that retin-a can dry out your skin, and it's not for ppl trying to get pregnant or is pregnant.

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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    You may want to try the Obagi NuDerm skincare line. It's pricey (about $250 on ebay, or $400 in a derms office) but is still less than a laser. It takes about 4 weeks before you see dramatic improvement, but it will peel your skin and give you beautiful new skin. You need to either get it at a dermatologist's office, or online (since it usually requires a prescription). It uses retin-A and 4% hydroquinone.

    You can read more about the results from the message board on makemeheal.com.

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    Featured Member MadisonM's Avatar
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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    Ok I found this website. http://www.ddskincare.com/index.htm It is for at-home chemical peels. Even though I'm interested in laser resurfacing, I thought it might be worth it to give chemical peels a chance. I was wondering if anyone has had any good experiences with any of these products. I was thinking about trying the lower percentage lactic acid peels, since they seem like they would be the most gentle on my skin.
    Take the road less traveled- just make sure you have a map.

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    Veteran Member Isolabella's Avatar
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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    Madison, my experience with using at home chemical peels has been mixed. I've used light glycolic acid peels with great results, until I get a blemish. If I barely touch it or dab zit cream or rubbing alcohol on it I end up with a chemical burn or a nasty red mark. Part of this is due to Lupus, but I noticed it first shortly after my first peel. Anyone else without Lupus experience this?

    Kittykat1971 mentioned the Obagi NuDerm skincare line. I have heard good things about the Obagi Blue Peel. In office chemical peel they control the intensity of in different areas. They typically treat you with Retin A for a year before the procedure. (At least they did when I last investigated)

    Thanx for posting the question, as I have been looking into getting something done for a couple Lupus scars and a run in with a cabinet door on my desk. A dermotologist has actually recommended injections/fillers for one of my scars. (Or bangs blah!)
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Time is a precious currency. Don't waste your own, or steal it from others. No matter how much you think they have, or how little value you give them. - Me http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=isolabella

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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    I get my peels from my esthetician. I can give you her info- I've been using her peels for a long, long time. Pm- me if you're interested, as I'm sure she does ship. As for peels, always start slow. Start with the lowest peel, and work your way up to the highest one. Just make sure to wear sunscreen religiously and no tanning- because you'll be doing MORE damage to your skin otherwise. I started with peels once a week and now do them every 4 days.
    Last edited by kittenkat; 08-25-2006 at 03:14 PM.

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    Default Re: Laser Resurfacing?

    ^^I do take time off for a month or so every other month to give myself a break- too much peeling isn't good for your skin and can result in skin thinning.

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