CO2 Laser Facial Resurfacing
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free skin care · Mon Dec 22, 2008 3:49 pm

I saw an article in a WebMD magazine, probably an old one, about carbon dioxide laser facial resurfacing.

It talked about results of a study that showed people who get that laser resurfacing have high instances of infections, pigment changes (both lighter and darker) and a couple of other problems, a year later.

Enlightened derms haven't used CO2 lasers for resurfacing for a while, as far as I know; but I wonder if people knew what the potential consequences were when they got it. I also wonder if there are potential bad consequences not being mentioned from the new resurfacing lasers.

Just thought I'd mention it. 8-) I don't need no nasty lasers because I have my LightStim.

Well! In my look around for more info on STOP, I found a full report on CO2 laser resurfacing.
http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/Products-Markets/Study-hails-laser-treatment-as-effective-anti-wrinkle-tool

free skin care · Mon Dec 22, 2008 5:43 pm

I had CO2 laser of my crows-feet and undereye areas around 9 years ago and had no problems whatsoever. I do have some minor depigmentation of the areas, but not noticeable to anyone but myself. When I wear foundation or TM I don't notice it.

The crows-feet lines and undereye lines are completely gone and only appear when I smile widely. That's fine with me, since even relatively young ppl have lines when they smile - it would look unnatural for an adult not to have them, a la Botox. Not that there's anything wrong with Botox - I just don't like it for myself.

I had deeply-lined crows-feet and cross-hatching under the eyes from years of sun worship. Not sure if LED would, in fact, be able to get deep enough to eliminate this kind of damage. I still use my BabyQ to maintain the texture of the skin and stimulate collagen.

The PS doing it had me take a medication to prevent herpes, even though I swore to him I'd never had herpes! He told me he put all his CO2 laser pts on it since a study he read about a person who had a horrendous outbreak after her laser. So, yes, I was informed of the possible problems it could cause, but had none of them.

free skin care · Mon Dec 22, 2008 6:49 pm

There is no comparison at all between the power of a CO2 laser, and ANY brand LED. They aren't even on the same planet from a comparison's sake as far as what they can do from a repair standpoint.

But CO2 does have its negatives...even the new fractionated ones.

free skin care · Mon Dec 22, 2008 9:50 pm

Hi Bethany. Oh - I know the difference, LOL. I just think I'm maintaining the smoothness I want with the LightStim. I'll get more fraxel when things fall apart beyond my control. Meanwhile, I'm ticked at the money I'm saving by not buying a series of professional treatments.

I talked about having the CO2 all over my face a few years ago. Probably five years ago, now. I had a couple of bumps removed with CO2 and had read about full-face resurfacing in a magazine. The doctor refused. He said he didn't like using it at all, except for cancer treatment. He didn't tell me about side effects. I was surprised to read them.

free skin care · Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:04 pm

China, So you already had Fraxel? How did that go? Spill it, girl!

free skin care · Tue Dec 23, 2008 10:33 pm

oh. My answer didn't show up.

I got younger skin from the fraxel resurfacing three years ago. It solved the problem I had been having with makeup. I only needed one treatment.

Before I started, I thought one wave of a Fraxel wand would tackle all my complaints at the same time. Not quite! One Fraxel base unit can run a bunch of different handpieces that each does a separate thing. There is a separate fee for each handpiece. 8-) Bummer!

Resurfacing wasn't intolerable, but I felt it. My face stung and got puffy and red afterwards. It took about three days to calm down and I was greased up with antibiotic ointment for the full time.

The RF tightening under my jawbone got hot, but, again, not intolerable because it was so quick. That was a piece of cake. No down time. I got a thinner neck from that.

free skin care · Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:45 pm

That's great china! Would you say it helped with enlarged pores? They are the bane of my existence!

free skin care · Thu Dec 25, 2008 1:37 am

No, fawnie, not pores! At least no help for me with one treatment.

I was furious to see pores still showing but apparently I had an unrealistic expectation.

It's easier to hide them when makeup doesn't sink in and clot and change color here and there, though. 8-)

The only thing that helped me with pores was ProActiv. I remember thinking my forehead and nose looked smooth as glass. Then I started making potions with actives and breaking out in bumps. When I stopped using the homemade stuff, the bumps went away but not even more ProActiv has reduced my pores. Sigh.

free skin care · Thu Dec 25, 2008 2:17 am

I had 4 Fraxel treatments about 3 years ago, and it was the biggest waste of money EVER for me, darn it. I also think it baked some of my hyperpigmentation in and made it even harder to remove. Mad

But I'm with China on ProActiv...that stuff worked wonders for me! Their toner was my favorite. That reminds me...I still have some, so I should pull it out and use it!! Very Happy

free skin care · Fri Dec 26, 2008 5:06 am

Thanks, Bethany. I forgot about the toner. I guess I will start all over again and do it right.

I never question myself. I was puzzled about why the product stopped working.

free skin care · Fri Dec 26, 2008 9:25 am

chinachatters wrote:

I was puzzled about why the product stopped working.

China, I have heard that it stops working if you use it every day. I personally used it every day until I got the major breakouts under control, and then dialed back the usage of the BP topical to the week before my period...that seemed to kep the benefits going for me. But I did use the toner every day.

free skin care · Sat Dec 27, 2008 8:06 am

I had the Active Laser (Co2) in October. It was great, but does not reduce pores by much. I do like the results now. They did all over my face, undereyes and neck. Intense rehab of at least a month due to swelling, peeling, redness, etc. I had a fraxel two years ago with no results but many headaches and I do not recommend.
I own and have used a baby Q for several years, no comparison, not even similar results as was pointed out because LED's are not in the same league. But sounds like you knew that. So for someone who wants a dramatic difference it's the only was too go but know what you are getting in to.
It did help on slight melasma on my neck. I did not have hyper pigmentation that lasted, although I had some slight at first. I have very even coloring now.
They also had put me on antibiotics for a few months for prevention of infection and valtrex, plus a very strict diet and vitamin regime. They are a highly recommended surgeon's office who also did my upper and lower bleph so their reputation is very critical and good reslts are everything.
The laser was the newest Active FX and maybe that helped. I was very nervous about the procedure due to what all I read. I did my homework before I had the procedure and went in prepared. I would recommend for results based on the cost factor, worth it.

Sat Dec 27, 2008 8:22 am

Hey Fawnie, I remember in an old "Adele Davis" nutrition book that my mom still carries around like a treasured family bible, a case where she put a young man on zinc supplements 9don't recall the dose) and a few months later he had pores like a baby. Also people are saying fineca gel which is azealic acid also shrinks pores. Jan Marini's bioclear has part azealic acid. I use it about twice a week and on breakouts. It seems to work really well. Good luck!

free skin care · Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:49 pm

ginderella wrote:

Hey Fawnie, I remember in an old "Adele Davis" nutrition book that my mom still carries around like a treasured family bible, a case where she put a young man on zinc supplements 9don't recall the dose) and a few months later he had pores like a baby. Also people are saying fineca gel which is azealic acid also shrinks pores. Jan Marini's bioclear has part azealic acid. I use it about twice a week and on breakouts. It seems to work really well. Good luck!

O sure! I remember Adelle Davis...the book anyway! haha. I am on RAM now and it seems to be helping...slowly...with the pores. If that doesn't work, I still have some Azelex (azealic acid) left. Thanks!

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