Had my first laser facial- ask me anything!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am 50 year old dark-skinned Indian woman. I have combination skin and the dark skin under my eyes. I am scared of doing anything that will leave pigmentation on my skin because my skin is prone to it. I am seeing a lot of paper thin wrinkling on my skin. Do you think this will work for me?

PicoSure is supposed to be good for ethnic skin types like ourselves because it's non-ablative. It doesn't remove the upper surface of your skin like Fraxel and that's why I was convinced this would be suitable for me. You might want to see a derm or plastic surgeon about doing tear trough injectables too. The wrinkling is due to volume loss as well so that's why fillers will help to mitigate it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What specific laser did you have and what did it treat? How long before you see results?

OP again. I did the PicoSure Focus Array and the results are immediate. I'm basically doing it for collagen and elastin stimulation- and originally considered Ultherapy but was advised that PicoSure would be a better option for me. My pores, which weren't bad to begin with but still visible, are less noticeable now and my skin feels very subtly tightened. I did my research before going for this and was annoyed that the before and after photos were those of pretty extreme cases (yes, of course there are 50% less wrinkles after 5 treatments- duh!). So I was wondering whether this would make a difference because who wants to waste their money right? My skin prior to the laser is naturally still smooth with no pigmentation issues except for the odd pimple PIH. I'm having a chemical peel in four weeks and then doing the laser treatment four weeks following that. Not sure if you can tell, but I'm a skincare freak.

OP you are 29 and it sounds like you have good skin. Totally understand preventative measures, but do you really need chemical peals and lasers already? Just curious why you went there instead of products. What’s your daily skincare routine ?

I do use products. Sunscreen, Vitamin C serums in the morning and Retin-A at night. I don't think chemical peels and a series of PicoSure treatments is excessive. To me, excessive would be like Fraxel which is ablative and wouldnt have helped me. You're right about preventative measures- my philosophy is prevention is better than correction. So if I can top up the collagen and elastin in my dermis (since I'm producing less of it now), why not?

Yeah, that's not really a thing. A fool and their money are soon parted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What specific laser did you have and what did it treat? How long before you see results?

OP again. I did the PicoSure Focus Array and the results are immediate. I'm basically doing it for collagen and elastin stimulation- and originally considered Ultherapy but was advised that PicoSure would be a better option for me. My pores, which weren't bad to begin with but still visible, are less noticeable now and my skin feels very subtly tightened. I did my research before going for this and was annoyed that the before and after photos were those of pretty extreme cases (yes, of course there are 50% less wrinkles after 5 treatments- duh!). So I was wondering whether this would make a difference because who wants to waste their money right? My skin prior to the laser is naturally still smooth with no pigmentation issues except for the odd pimple PIH. I'm having a chemical peel in four weeks and then doing the laser treatment four weeks following that. Not sure if you can tell, but I'm a skincare freak.

OP you are 29 and it sounds like you have good skin. Totally understand preventative measures, but do you really need chemical peals and lasers already? Just curious why you went there instead of products. What’s your daily skincare routine ?

I do use products. Sunscreen, Vitamin C serums in the morning and Retin-A at night. I don't think chemical peels and a series of PicoSure treatments is excessive. To me, excessive would be like Fraxel which is ablative and wouldnt have helped me. You're right about preventative measures- my philosophy is prevention is better than correction. So if I can top up the collagen and elastin in my dermis (since I'm producing less of it now), why not?

Yeah, that's not really a thing. A fool and their money are soon parted.

It's called technology. Not slathering on creams but actually using laser technology to induce collagen stimulation. The OP isnt saying she's looking to look 12, just to prevent further aging. I wish all this options were around 20 years ago!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What specific laser did you have and what did it treat? How long before you see results?

OP again. I did the PicoSure Focus Array and the results are immediate. I'm basically doing it for collagen and elastin stimulation- and originally considered Ultherapy but was advised that PicoSure would be a better option for me. My pores, which weren't bad to begin with but still visible, are less noticeable now and my skin feels very subtly tightened. I did my research before going for this and was annoyed that the before and after photos were those of pretty extreme cases (yes, of course there are 50% less wrinkles after 5 treatments- duh!). So I was wondering whether this would make a difference because who wants to waste their money right? My skin prior to the laser is naturally still smooth with no pigmentation issues except for the odd pimple PIH. I'm having a chemical peel in four weeks and then doing the laser treatment four weeks following that. Not sure if you can tell, but I'm a skincare freak.

OP you are 29 and it sounds like you have good skin. Totally understand preventative measures, but do you really need chemical peals and lasers already? Just curious why you went there instead of products. What’s your daily skincare routine ?

I do use products. Sunscreen, Vitamin C serums in the morning and Retin-A at night. I don't think chemical peels and a series of PicoSure treatments is excessive. To me, excessive would be like Fraxel which is ablative and wouldnt have helped me. You're right about preventative measures- my philosophy is prevention is better than correction. So if I can top up the collagen and elastin in my dermis (since I'm producing less of it now), why not?

Yeah, that's not really a thing. A fool and their money are soon parted.

It's called technology. Not slathering on creams but actually using laser technology to induce collagen stimulation. The OP isnt saying she's looking to look 12, just to prevent further aging. I wish all this options were around 20 years ago!

But that’s not possible.

[Anonymous]

Dermatologist here. The OP is really trying to minimize intrinsic aging. Nothing wrong with that and I think it's good that she's thinking ahead. I see so many patients in their 50s and 60s who want me to fill their wrinkles but that's not going to be possible because they should have started on their skincare way sooner.

[Anonymous]

Why are you doing all this stuff before you are even 30???

[Anonymous]

I don't see what's wrong with starting before 30.

[Anonymous]

OP
what was the pain level like? I am going for a consult tomorrow. I am 37 and honestly had that kind of "I hate you, how do you not wear any foundation?!" skin until maybe 35ish. Now I have a bit of light sun spot/ uneven tone across my nose and cheeks. Luckily pores still invisible mostly. But I want that tone all back and to keep forehead from getting lines.

[Anonymous]

I’m 32 and have been looking at doing the AFT laser treatment, i guess it’s the improved IPL? I want to target dark spots, redness and pore size. Overall just have nice looking skin before makeup. Have you tried this?

I’ve been looking at before and after on Real Self, results look amazing. The healing period doesn’t look great though :/ was your face red and tender afterwards?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP
what was the pain level like? I am going for a consult tomorrow. I am 37 and honestly had that kind of "I hate you, how do you not wear any foundation?!" skin until maybe 35ish. Now I have a bit of light sun spot/ uneven tone across my nose and cheeks. Luckily pores still invisible mostly. But I want that tone all back and to keep forehead from getting lines.

Well, I flinched the first second I was lasered because it honestly felt like an actual pinprick that was also hot. Never felt anything like it before and was wondering "I wonder how this compares to getting a tattoo". But it's true that before you actually register the pinprick, the laser moves on so it's not that bad. Anyway, what also made me feel weird was the smell of something burning but I was told that was just my peach fuzz. Overall, I found it a little painful but I'm of the 'no pain, no gain' school of thought as your skin is definitely going to feel something for the laser to work. I don't understand why it's ok for women in their 50s and 60s to discuss facelift options on DCUM and yet I'm getting talked down for doing something non-invasive in my late 20s. It's just common sense to start earlier than later. Good luck on your consult!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m 32 and have been looking at doing the AFT laser treatment, i guess it’s the improved IPL? I want to target dark spots, redness and pore size. Overall just have nice looking skin before makeup. Have you tried this?

I’ve been looking at before and after on Real Self, results look amazing. The healing period doesn’t look great though :/ was your face red and tender afterwards?

Never tried the AFT and don't think I can because of my ethnic skin. As for my treatment, my face was red in patches and I don't know why but all of the redness and slight swelling disappeared after a day. I was able to cover up the redness with makeup so no problem there. I am breaking out a little but that's temporary. The downtime is minimal for the results you gain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP
what was the pain level like? I am going for a consult tomorrow. I am 37 and honestly had that kind of "I hate you, how do you not wear any foundation?!" skin until maybe 35ish. Now I have a bit of light sun spot/ uneven tone across my nose and cheeks. Luckily pores still invisible mostly. But I want that tone all back and to keep forehead from getting lines.

Well, I flinched the first second I was lasered because it honestly felt like an actual pinprick that was also hot. Never felt anything like it before and was wondering "I wonder how this compares to getting a tattoo". But it's true that before you actually register the pinprick, the laser moves on so it's not that bad. Anyway, what also made me feel weird was the smell of something burning but I was told that was just my peach fuzz. Overall, I found it a little painful but I'm of the 'no pain, no gain' school of thought as your skin is definitely going to feel something for the laser to work. I don't understand why it's ok for women in their 50s and 60s to discuss facelift options on DCUM and yet I'm getting talked down for doing something non-invasive in my late 20s. It's just common sense to start earlier than later. Good luck on your consult!

PP you answer so thanks. FWIW that's actually a very. very different sensation you describe from getting a tattoo. so how many blasts, or whatever you call it. to do your whole face? hundreds?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP
what was the pain level like? I am going for a consult tomorrow. I am 37 and honestly had that kind of "I hate you, how do you not wear any foundation?!" skin until maybe 35ish. Now I have a bit of light sun spot/ uneven tone across my nose and cheeks. Luckily pores still invisible mostly. But I want that tone all back and to keep forehead from getting lines.

Well, I flinched the first second I was lasered because it honestly felt like an actual pinprick that was also hot. Never felt anything like it before and was wondering "I wonder how this compares to getting a tattoo". But it's true that before you actually register the pinprick, the laser moves on so it's not that bad. Anyway, what also made me feel weird was the smell of something burning but I was told that was just my peach fuzz. Overall, I found it a little painful but I'm of the 'no pain, no gain' school of thought as your skin is definitely going to feel something for the laser to work. I don't understand why it's ok for women in their 50s and 60s to discuss facelift options on DCUM and yet I'm getting talked down for doing something non-invasive in my late 20s. It's just common sense to start earlier than later. Good luck on your consult!

PP you answer so thanks. FWIW that's actually a very. very different sensation you describe from getting a tattoo. so how many blasts, or whatever you call it. to do your whole face? hundreds?!

She did two passes over my face. It was pretty quick. Took maybe 10 minutes.

[Anonymous]

Which chemical peel do you do? I'm also South Asian and I hyperpigment very easily (every little bump or scratch leaves a scar) so I've always stayed away from peels and lasers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Which chemical peel do you do? I'm also South Asian and I hyperpigment very easily (every little bump or scratch leaves a scar) so I've always stayed away from peels and lasers.

It's the Vitalize peel by SkinMedica.