I've finally decided to take a more aggressive approach with my acne since nothing else seems to work. I know it's a lot of money, but i'm getting a series of microderm (md) and photorejuvinations done (over a 5 to 6 month period). I'm not expecting miracles, but considering how much i'm spending i'd better see some results.
I have some deep scars/pitting on my cheeks, hyperpigmentation, my skin always looks red, and i have a few active cysts. My skin tone is olive/brown and very sensitive so i can't go the laser route. I always seem to break out in the same areas (mostly jawline) and have been on accutane before (twice actually!).
After the first session i've noticed my skin to be somewhat redder and feels more sensitive. It's only my first one, but my skin does seem a little smoother, however no change in the scarring yet...but i'll try to be positive. I can keep posting my progression if anyone is interested, maybe it will help you guys make a decision.
[This message has been edited by Killjoy (edited 02-15-2003).]
Yes I would love it if you keep us posted. Good luck with your results. This is something Ive actually been considering for some time...I just want to wait til Im somewhat blemish free. My mom had a series of 5 treatments and her skin looked flawless afterwards. Please keep me updated
I bought 6 microderm peels, and I just didn't think they were worth it. I got the same effects from Retin-A .1% that I ordered on the web, and I could control the redness and peeling according to when and how much I used.
Good for you Killjoy! You'll have to let me know how they go. I've been thinking about getting them done as well. Do you have blackheads? I'm curious to know if they improve the pores.
I'm thinking it could end up being a major waste of money...but i'm desperate and i know it would bother me more if i don't try - unfortunately that's what it's come to. What's the point anyways, most weekends i stay home so whatever money i don't spend going out i'll use for this. Kind of a stupid way to rationalize things, but i don't care anymore.
Oh, by the way, i don't have any blackheads, just get mostly cysts (the big suckers) on my cheeks, they always seem to recur in the same spots and leave nasty scars. At the moment i have 2 big cysts on my right cheek.
I know acne is caused by hair follicles, as i've noticed there is one area on my face where i shave and the hair seems to be deeper under my skin (not ingrown thought) and that's where i've been breaking out constantly. So i was thinking, what if you get hair removal, wouldn't this theoretically help reduce the acne?? Just a thought.
Killjoy, I've heard people say that when they shave their face sometimes little whiteheads pop up. Could the red bumps you get be a reaction to the shaving cream or whatever you use? Perhaps try something else, but I'm not too sure.
You can always try dipilataries (I have no idea how to spell it...it's the stuff that makes your hair dissolve) or waxing. If your a female I'd recommend waxing or bleaching...or even permanent hair removal. I suppose a guy could use these methods too though.
Good luck.
Coca cola, i'm a guy so i'd have to look into permanent hair removal. I use an electric razor for my face, but have to use a razor for the neck area. i guess from early on i didn't shave the right way and the hair is kinda growing in different directions. The bigger problem is on the right side (lower cheek area to the right of the mouth). The guy i'm getting the micro from said that the photorejuvination laser thing also removes removes hair so i'll wait till then to see if it helps.
After my first micro I noticed that my skin seemed a little smoother (especially that problem area on my cheek where I shave) and I didn't really get any major new breakouts. Also, it seems to have helped a little with the redness and existing red marks. However, no real change with the deeper scars.
I also had another micro done on thursay night (Feb 13) and after this one pretty much the same thing, a very slight improvement in some of the scarring...again no major breakouts yet which is pretty good (just a few small ones that popped up today - hopefully none of them turn into cysts).
So if you are thinking of getting even 1 or 2 micro's I would recommend it. Don't expect much, but I think it will help with some red marks and a little with hyperpigmentation. It may also help calm down the existing breakouts. It's worth a shot. Let me know if I should keep posting as my treatments progress. Hope this helps!!
Yes please keep us posted. Im still considering this. My mom says it takes about 5 to 6 times getting it done to really see any kind of result. Im going to do it once my face clears up a bit. Good luck!
I had five microdermabrasion treatments. I wanted to get rid of some red marks on my face from old acne and prevent new acne. The treatments did succeed in diminishing the red marks and my face was really smooth. However, after treatment, my breakouts continued and I now have new red marks to deal with. I think microdermabrasion is worthwile for someone once you have your acne under control. Good luck with treatment.
Killjoy please continue with your progress reports. I'm very seriously interested in getting them done and its nice to hear from someone who has gotten them.
is it true that ppl with olive brown skin shouldnt get microdermabrasion..did ur doctor say anything about hyperpigmentation..what is ur nationality..im east indain and they told me it wasnt a good idea..ugh..
Microdermabrasion is great for any type of skin color. I believe it is dermabrasion you are speaking about.
killjoy,
Sorry to say but microdermabrasion will not help with the pitted scarring. If that's your most concern, you should try cool-touch - which will stimulate collagen growth and help a little. There are also injections such as collagen, restalyn (sp?), artecoll, etc.
Killjoy, I don't want to be a killjoy (pun intended) but be careful about wasting your money on microdermabrasion. It'll definitely not help you with the cysts or pitted scars - anyone who tells you it will is just after your money. Microdermabrasion is really a very mild treatment that is supposed to help your skin to peel hence it is supposed to be good for discoloration - it's not even that effective on discoloration. As someone has said, Retin-A over a period of six weeks (same time you would spend in getting six micro sessions) is probably more effective and way cheaper - even if you don't have insurance, Retin-A will cost you about $90 for the six weeks. Also, remember Micro is doing nothing to your system - it is superficial. You're better off going on antibiotics or accutane or applying a topical antibiotic (or the Pill if you're female) to get rid of your cysts than trying to cure them with micro cuz it just won't work. Micro is really only good for people with no skin problems who want to get rid of dead skin and look extra smooth. Sorry, I don't mean to be so negative, I just hate to see someone waste their money - remember the facialist doing this wants to take advantage of your desparation. I can bet you a doctor would not recommend this course of treatement for the condition you describe.
Thanks for all the input. After the first 2 micros I had 2 chemical peels (see my other post - Chemical peel gone wrong - lol). After the first peel (which was a PCA peel) my skin actually looked pretty good after a couple of days. The second peel which was supposed to be much milder kinda burned my skin (it's all better now, nothing permanent). However, my skin is again breaking a lot and it's been 2 weeks since my last peel. I'm going tomorrow and will probably getting a micro. done. I have to decide whether I want to continue with these treatments or go back on minocin. I think I should try to get the acne under control before continuing with this treatment.
Another reason my skin could be breaking out more now is because before I was trying to avoid sugars for about a month. However, i've been eating more sugar recently and I think that's what has caused these recent breakouts.
Sorry for rambling, I don't know what else to do - my acne is driving me crazy and making me really depressed.
had 1st microdermabrasion today 
