Hi:
I was a suffering from cystic ance for 4 years and am ending up w/ a scared face. I feel very very depress and asking, God! what did i do to deserve this? (But I should thank god for my good health tho...)
OK, back to my topic, did anyone done any treatment for acne scar? I wanted to know what is the result and how to choose a Dr.
Also, will the new N-lite laser(sounld very no** risk w/ no down time) help? ]

Best Wishes
JUJU



[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 01-10-2001).]

i wouldn't do dermabrasion. laser sounds like your best option. chemical peels though, with the newer tca peels they have out, might work also. depends on the severity of your scarring though. you haven't seen a plastic surgeon yet, have you? you should do that. in fact, see 2 or 3 to get different opinions. you haven't taken accutane lately, have you?

anyhow, for deeper scarring, i'm not sure how well the nlite will work. i don't think many surgeons are even using it for scarring, though it's been indicated for use to treat some scarring, so, i'm not even sure if it will work or not. i think i'm having it done here in about a month, so, we'll see.

Hi ryan:
i had met one Derm. Dr. and one P.S..They both recommanded Dermabrasion w/ Chemical peel for me. Maybe it is a reason of my Asian Skin type of having highier risk for side effect...I dunno, it is what I am still researching for right now.
N-Lite laser sound so much like micro-derm. to me. Which micro-derm doesn't work for me but w/ futher break outs.
Hum...God, can any one please help us??
99% of Drs don't wanna show you the bad side of the sugery, trust me!(but my Derm Dr. showed me some pics of hyperpigmentation...hum...he is interesting)

JUJU

i see. you may want to see more than one plastic surgeon though to get a wider variety of opinions. i wouldn't suggest seeing a dermatologist about such surgery, nor would i recommend actually allowing them to perform the surgery. you're much better off with a plastic surgeon in most cases.

with dermabrasion though, you may end up with more scarring. that's often what happens. it isn't as controlled as lasers are. it may even produce some dispigmentation. i understand about the lasers though. actually, i just saw a girl who had full face co2 done, and she was pretty dark. it lightened her face a bit, but you couldn't really tell. the color was still uniform. with the erbium laser, there's even less of a chance for hypo/hyperpigmention. so, you may want to look into it anyway if it's worth it to you.

chemical peels i think usually fare much better. all except phenol. phenol is too drastic. the newer tca peels they have out now shouldn't be a problem for you though. make sure you get an accupeel tca peel if you get one. they're the newest and best type of tca out, i velieve. much better than the old peels. they have them in 11% and 16% varieties. the 11% is equivalent to about a 25-30% regular (older) tca peel while the 16% is equivalent to about a 40-45% peel.

i'm unsure about the nlite though. i think i'm going to have it done soon anyway and see how it works. my problems aren't too bad. so maybe it'll work some. microdermabrasion has done fairly well, though, my treatments have been kind of aggressive. if they aren't, then microdermabrasion is really pointless. so, we'll see.

Hi Ryan:
Can you give me more info about yr friend who had laser done? Thank you for your input and hope we can keep in touch for more info!

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 09-29-2002).]

oh, she wasn't my friend. just someone i saw in the office going out as i was coming in. i didn't even know she'd had it done until the person who does microdermabrasion on me mentioned it when i brought up something about lasers. i didn't even think co2 would've been an option for someone that dark, but, i guess so.

aside from that, i couldn't really tell you anything. i think a lot of it though has to do with the skill of the surgeon involved.

That is excatly right...Darker skin should be riskier..but do you still remember what her nationality is?
I have just met a net pal who had laser done for scars and she've claimed the successful result of it. I added her in my AOL IM list!! I will keep you inform after I chat w/ her!

Happy 01
JUJU

[This message has been edited by JUJU (edited 01-01-2001).]

For those who r suffering w/ acne scars:

I'd met a very good net pal who had full face laser done and it helps to eliminate the scars almost 100%(luckly, he doesn't get very deep scars)...He is now 7 days post opt., I will keep you guys inform if there is a listener!

JUJU

14 days post opt. update!
Still red like having very bad sun burn but acceptable for public.

JUJU

thanks for the update, I thinking of doing this too, I already am having microdermabrasions done for mild scarring on one cheek. Im asain also, tanned, the scarring isnt horrible, but it is still a stigma to me. It isnt post infalmatory marks, but scars, slight indents, and 3 small pin holes, the holes i can live with. Im going for a consultation for resurfacing on saturday and keep you guys updated

I have done a lot of researh and stuff about microdermabrasion. I also had experiences w/ it. The result is ZERO even on the superfical scars after 3 section but a great number of break outs.

Trust me on this! If you still have break out, don't even think about it!!

JUJU

juju, where did you have the microdermabrasion done at? it's also supposed to take more treatments than that for you to see results, normally. you kinda have to give it time. and that's odd that you broke out because it's supposed to alleviate that. some people actually use it as a treatment for their acne. maybe the machine they used wasn't strong enough, and the treatments not aggressive.

Hi!
I had done it 3 times, evey time I did it, my face was clear! Maybe it is just me who will break out after the treatment...!
JUJU

Also, my friend said he still have some uneven on the skin along w/ the redness. Some say the uneveness will eventually heal over time. So, we'll see!!

JUJU

I went to the ps a couple of days ago was told that they could reduce my acne scars, they described them as mild, the thing that amazed me was that he said he would use the CO2 laser on me, and Im Korean and dark skinned, well not that dark but tanned. He started me on the hydroquiono or whatever bleaching cream, its 8 percent. I was a skeptic until i saw his before and after pictures. They were all chinese korean black hispanic etc..... I live in San Francisco. Anyways I gonna do it, I deposited $1000 dollars already and Im sched. on Feb 16th. Oh man this is crazy that Im spending so much cash, I already spent a $1000 on microdermabrasions and now its another $3500; I should of just saved the money and bought a motorcycle =). ill keep you guys updated though.

DAVE

I went to the ps a couple of days ago was told that they could reduce my acne scars, they described them as mild, the thing that amazed me was that he said he would use the CO2 laser on me, and Im Korean and dark skinned, well not that dark but tanned. He started me on the hydroquiono or whatever bleaching cream, its 8 percent. I was a skeptic until i saw his before and after pictures. They were all chinese korean black hispanic etc..... I live in San Francisco. Anyways I gonna do it, I deposited $1000 dollars already and Im sched. on Feb 16th. Oh man this is crazy that Im spending so much cash, I already spent a $1000 on microdermabrasions and now its another $3500; I should of just saved the money and bought a motorcycle =). ill keep you guys updated though.

DAVE

are they doing full face for you? does the doctor not also have erbium? i've seen co2 done on darker peoples, but never black. did the pictures show a lightened skin color in general after the laser work?

also, have you ever considered a chemical peel instead?

Its spot treatment on the cheeks. 2 passes I think, I preping right now with the microderms, bleaching cream and retin A. The erbium in his opinion was to light of a peel and it caused too much bleeding. I think the erbium was used on the black skin. Some peoples skin went from olive to light, but the results were good, This guy has preformed over 5000 laser surguries and my friend who had done recommended him, she is asian but light. Ryan was the dark skinned people you saw ethnic like asian or latin. Just curious.

yes. one was light-skinned black (had erbium) and the other i saw was pretty dark/tanned (had co2). she came out with lighter skin overall, but it was an even tone, and still pretty tan looking.

with the erbium though, you can do more passes, as they don't go as deep as the co2, and are therefor more easily controlled. i'd rather have a higher chance of bleeding (which is pretty minimal at its worst) than of having my skin lightened. you may want to get a second opinion on this from at least one more doctor. it couldn't hurt. most skilled surgeons actually use both lasers, and some only use the one they have, and will swear by it (of course, because they still have to recoup for the thousands they spent on it). is the co2 laser this surgeon has the ultrapulse? or do you know? you'll want to find out.

Yeah bro its Ultrapulse. I went in for my microdermabrasion today and the PS that at first turned me down for laser surgery feels that now since time has gone by I would be a good canidate for both co2 and erbium together. Maybe its cause my scars improved immensly on their own and is contained one small patch on my left cheek. I have seen four PS so far all recommended either CO2, or both erbium and co2. The PS im going to now is specialized with asians and latinos because its in San Francisco.

Does anyone had experiences with excision and primary closure, or the more complicated teqhnique punch grafting. I have "ice pick" scars and in this case I know that lasers cant help much. Also if anyone had autologous collagen injections performed for depressions.

Dave

Who is your ps? How much total for the procedure?

I am interested in hearing peoples experiences with Full Facial Laser Skin Resurfacing...cost...recommendations for Doctors in SF Bay Area. Anyone had experience with Dr. David Berman/Berman Skin Institute?
Thanks

He was told by derm and ps that he was sortta shady, I just had resurfacing done for acne scars with the CO2, great results and Im asain and tanned. Go to Dr. Rabkin in SF. if you got more ? just respond
Dave

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 09-29-2002).]

Dave, what do you mean by "He was told by derm and ps that he was sortta shady". What do you mean told by,?
Berman was recently on Discovery Channel Show. Anyone else been there?

I probably posting to a topic that has not been active for quite some time, but here goes. From the posts I have read it looks like the consensus for dermabrasion is negative. Personally, I have been contemplating that particular procedure for quite some time. I am fairly tan filipino male (in his late 20's) with ice pick scarring on my cheeks and the areas adjacent to my nose. Because of my tan color the Los Angeles Dermatologists/Plastic Surgeons I have seen do not recommend laser resurfacing. In addition the ice pick scarring I have does not respond well to the laser. The last physician I saw recommended a two fold approach: 1) Having the deep scars excised (punched out)and closed with sutures. 2) 3 to 4 weeks later dermabrasion would be performed to smoothen and refine the skin. Because of my work schedule I have yet to find time to take 2 weeks off for the recommended recovery period. Also, I am still researching over the internet and calling dermatologist offices to find the best physician to do these procedures. You only have one face you know. Personally I'm sick of my insecurities and the double takes when people walk past me. Hope to get some input from you all. It's lonely out there.

dermabrasions could cause Hypopigmentation, its more invasive than the laser. Get a PS that is damn good with it, I just had laser done on my face and I am pretty happy with the results. Im korean and tan, my PS is paticularly good with ethnic people. I have seen pics of people of youur ethnicity, they were good. I had uneven texture, but its smooth now, a maybe 4 icepick scars that look like enlarged holes, those did not bother me, but I was surprised to see them improve. My scarring in the PS eyes were considered mild.

Dave805 - Was the laser resurfacing full-face or just the scarred areas? If it was done on a particular area was the a noticable difference over the untreated area. I've read that with any resurfacing procedure done to the face a line of dermacation appears between the treated and untreated areas.

I've read your other posts in the acne forum and it's nice to know there are individuals out there who are open towards other modalities other then laser resurfacing. Simply put, lasers aren't for everybody. From what I've read dermabrasion has been practiced by physicians for quite some time. I believe the best trained surgeon should be able to perform all types of skin resurfacing techniques to offer their patients the widest array of modalities for improving their skin. Enough said.

Jesse

Oops, my mistake Dave805 for referencing you as the person who mentioned something about dermabrasion. In fact, it was another member who had positive things to say about it. At any rate, thanks for your input. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Dave, what did you mean by your comment re/ Dr.Berman? And how did your resurfacing turn out? Who did it? Recommendations?
Thanks, Leanne

Hey JuJu

Your friend who had laser- was it erbium or co2? I am having erbium done Monday, so I am very curious about any follow up information you have. Was it effective for wrinkles? How about the pain and discomfort? I am kind of scared about the procedure....I am white, so the doc I tells me I will be fine after a month or so...

Hey Dylant,

Your posts were very interesting, I am thinking about having the same thing, I think. What exactly did you decide to have? Did you have it already? And bamboom, baboom....what was the outcome and cost?

Thanks, steve

Hey Dylant,

Your posts were very interesting, I am thinking about having the same thing, I think. What exactly did you decide to have? Did you have it already? And bamboom, baboom....what was the outcome and cost?

Thanks, steve

Well, I had the sugery 1 week ago. Erbium is definitely more effective than IPL and other mild laser treatments. It is also less brutal than CO2, which i think is only very sever cases of acne, old age, or skin disorders.

So one week later, I can definitely see improvement. Solid improvement with wrinkle reduction, lift, and tightening. All capillaries were vaporised. And the recovery time is really acceptable. 5 days and all that's left is a little redness. I am happy with that. Most of the horror stories I've heard with Erbium have been very pale faces. I am not so pale like an Irish or Scandanavian person, but I'm still pretty white. The redness is really mild and barely shows on my face. After 1 more week, I suspect its gone.

To answer your questions, I am in Asia, Taiwan exactly. I am really from California, but I am working here for a couple of years. Also, I am not Asian. Taiwan is typically more expensive than the USA - think Singapore and Hong Kong. But any type of surgery in the USA is astronomical, a rip off even. Here I paid $450 for a half face Erbium treatment by a US trained Chinese doctor. I believe the same surgery in USA is about $2000 at least, and most likely more. Jesus, the surgery only takes about 20 minutes of actual lasering, and about 1 hour of waiting for the painkillers to take.

The outcome is great, but I am now stuck in the phase of "will it last?" I am really hoping that the benefits will last more than a few months.

If you have a little pigment in your skin and the money, go for it.....

I would not recommend IPL. Doesn't do that much until 4-5 treatments, I've heard. I tried 1 treatment and nothing. It hurt more than laser, too.

Maybe Erbium is something that can be done every couple of years with no problem. It doesn't damage the epidermal layers - the flesh - like CO2, but it hits pretty deep.

Hiya,

I guess I am too late for this forum. But, here it is...

I have had 2 dermabrasion for my acne scars. The first one went horribly wrong because he was inexperienced though he was a "known" PS, unfortunately, not in dermabrasion procedure. I had a second one to smoothen the scars and it went quite well.

However, I am still concerned with the state of my scars especially when I've got red marks on the scars which I think are due to sun exposure and/or hyperangima (sp?) which means due to vascular or blood vessels present at the spots. My skin is completely clear of acne now. And I am considering having another procedure to make the light-reflecting craters or indentation look much smoother.

I have read all the postings here in this forum and they've helped me understand much better what kind of procedures Asian people, like myself, have done. I am hoping to get more information from those people who had done the CO2, Erbium back in 2001 to find out how they fare now (any pronounced surgical scarring, hypo- or hyper-pigmentation, etc). I hope to also ask if they and anyone of you could give some recommendations on which procedure has much better success rate in terms of deep scars, i.e. dermabrasion versus laser resurfacing and/or acid peels. The reason why I, and for many of you in the same boat, feel the need to do this research is that there are increasing number of different types of lasers and we just don;t know what sort of advices given to each person by his/her PS(s). So, any suggestion is greatly appreciated!

Thanks a lot.