I've had acne problems since my teen years. The scars have affected my self-esteem tremendously. When I finally decided to proceed with laser treatments, I took my time to research the best procedures at the best price.
South Coast Medspa charged me about $3000 for two pro-fractional procedures. They expected $100 up front just for the consultation, and the rest I had to finance.
When you sign up for the first procedure they give you a bleaching cream that you must use for 6 weeks. I also had a ""consultation"" with their doctor via skype. Never met the doctor...ever. He only prescribed my pain killers and anti-anxiety medication for before and after the procedure.
They tell you that it won't hurt...but on a scale of 1-10, it was a horrific 10. I have never felt so much pain in my life. They are literally burning your FACE OFF. BURNING YOUR FACE OFF! If you don't think that's not going to hurt, think again. They make you put on this ridiculous numbing cream...that doesn't do a thing! After my first procedure I looked like a monster. My face was red, and I had blood everywhere. I drove home from Newport Beach that night in pain and asking myself why I had done that to myself. I got codeine for the pain and Xanax for the anxiety. Xanax was the only thing I could use to go to sleep.
After the procedure they give you some special creams that are supposed to help your skin heal. The creams were uncomfortable, and did not provide any moisture. I was red for 5 days. After the procedure I got lots of acne outbreaks, but eventually my skin calmed down.
I thought my second procedure would be better...but no. The pain got worse, and I sat on that bed wondering why oh why I was doing this again.
Do I like my results...absolutely not. My scars are still there...all of them. It is probably 10-20% better. The person who I met with initially said I should see about 50% improvement, if not more. It is all lies.
I don't understand why people aren't honest about the real pain of the procedures, and the bad results.
If I had to do it again...I would not! We all learn from our personal experiences, and this experience taught me to be realistic and to just accept myself. No procedure will eliminate my scars. I will have them forever. I do not recommend this procedure to anyone. Don't waste your money.
The only positive aspect of this whole ordeal was the physician assistants who did the procedures. They were warm, and understanding of my pain. They asked if I wanted to take breaks, and explained the whole procedure.
The Doctor on their staff doesn
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