WEEK 9 POST Pearl Fractional LASER

It is hard to comprehend just how my skin has improved.  Overall it has a better texture and the skin tone is like what I had in my 20’s. There are less noticeable wrinkles and deep lines. I must admit I do now take better care of my investment on a daily basis with a good skin care regime and never go outside without UV protection. The improvement has been gradual over the last few weeks and it is not until I look at the pre-procedure photos that I realise such a dramatic change has occurred, especially around the eyes and the lip area. My friends and family have also commented on how “fresh” I look and my husband thinks that it has taken years off my appearance. This in itself is a miracle as he rarely comments on the way I look. I could ramble on for great length but the proof is in the photos.

The downtime of five days was nothing compared to the result I am getting. It has been a gradual improvement process over weeks and not one that has occurred instantly.  I will never be a Sophia Loren but, as a 50 year old woman, I want to spend the next half of my life looking the best I can, feeling amazing and having fun with family and friends. I think this procedure has given me a new found confidence to look the best I can with what nature has dealt.

There is no point in me explaining the technical details as there are websites with Medical Experts who explain in depth the procedure better than I could ever do. One site is www.cutera.com.au  which you may find interesting and helpful or you can always ring me for a chat –0893845544.

It has now been two weeks and there are definite changes to the skin especially around the top lip and around the eyes. Overall it has given me a fresh appearance. It is difficult for me to notice the change but my BBF who I only see every couple of weeks has commented that there is a dramatic change. It certainly has a “fresh” appearance.

I understand that the skin will continue to improve over a period of a couple of months.
Now feeding the skin with Rescue Balm, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and using a good moisturiser with SFP 30+.
The question people keep asking is “was it worth it” and “would I do it again”
My answer is “Absolutely”

Day 6 @ 10pm

Sorry I missed yesterday but I shall bring everyone up to date on the progress.

Returned to work yesterday and although my face had a few areas that were dry I managed to get through the day. My skin feels very tight and is still slightly red but this is relieved with the application of moisturizer every few hours. I am using one that has no perfumes or additives.  That night I used the vinegar wash again and the paraffin.  My Doctor was pleased with the progress and the skin is certainly smoother and has fullness.

Today I feel that I am back to normal with the exception of dry lips. During this whole process I had forgotten the lips. Lip balm is magic and should have the dryness under control over the next couple of days. While at work I am using a hydrating mist as the airconditioning is quite drying to the skin.

New photos have been taken and I hope that they will be on here soon. My family and friends are no longer shocked but suitably surprised at how quickly the skin has repaired. My sons who are my biggest critics are amazed at how fresh my skin looks.

The blog will be weekly for the next month as I don’t think the changes will be as dramatic as the last few days.  Thanks to all those who sent me comments (positive and negative).

Would I do this again….I shall answer this in a few weeks time.
Bye for now.

Day 4 @ 3:30pm

The itching due to the shedding of dry skin is probably the most irritating of the whole procedure. I woke a couple of times during the night with the irritation but once I used the vinegar solution it settled. I’m not sure that the antihistamine is actually doing anything but I continue to take it.

This morning my skin felt tight and dry. The paraffin had mixed with the flaking skin…off to the shower and to spray vinegar wash…felt fantastic (shampooed hair) and I feel the healing process is well under way.  My face is looking more like me now. There are a couple of red areas above my lips and on my chin which I am concerned about but I will see the Doctor tomorrow to get assessed.

I ventured out to the supermarket this morning as the household is on the verge of mutiny due to an empty pantry. Hat on and head down – I managed to get through the isles with only meeting one person I knew.

As the day has progressed I have had less irritation, less shedding and I have to consciously remember to do the vinegar solution washes.

I’m going back to work tomorrow. Am looking forward to seeing the Doctor to see if all is going to plan. Shall let you know tomorrow. I’ll find out when I can wear makeup which will make a huge difference to the looks…

DAY 3 @ 8pm

I woke this morning and felt that I had passed the milestone. The swelling and redness has decreased but I am shedding like a snake. I have managed to last between 2-3 hrs before I have had to soak my face in vinegar solution and reapply paraffin. With that comes instant relief! Longer than 3 hours and the itchier it gets…and that drives you to insanity. Antihistamines do relieve the irritation a little and the overwhelming urge to bring your hands to your face for a good scratch. Just in case I make sure I wash my hands with the antiseptic soap regularly.

I am trying to keep busy as any distraction takes my mind off the irritation. My house has never been this tidy and  I filled in two or so hours watching the Dockers (AFL) win.
My sister visited today and after close examination felt that my face had greatly improved. This was a big positive as you start to question why you have chosen to do this in the first place even though I have seen other people’s results.
It is so difficult to stay inside especially when the weather is so beautiful. Luckily I have enough people living here to entertain me…. and hang out the washing.

Hope Day 4 brings less shedding of skin…

DAY 2 @ 10pm

Well it is now about 48hrs+ and boy oh boy whoever wrote the post-procedure instructions is on the mark. OH MY!! I woke this morning and my skin felt tight and the paraffin had combined with slough… I dragged my body straight to the shower…
Every two hours my skin becomes irritated and hot. The skin appears very red and inflamed but once I have bathed with the vinegar it is such a relief.

I am trying to find the best way to soak my face every two hours without making the bathroom a wash and myself. The best solution so far is to strip off my clothes and get in the shower with a clean face washer and the spray bottle of vinegar…. Brilliant. I can spray away for at least 10mins and use a face washer soaked to help remove the paraffin. REMEMBER DO NOT RUB just press against what is left of your skin…only joking.
If anyone else has any ideas please email this site. I would be very interested to get any way of making this easier. Trust me, the little pieces of sterile gauze do not work after the first day.
Oh I forgot – it gets really itchy and you just want to bring those hands up to the face.  My BBF arrived to save the day with a packet of across the counter antihistamines out of her handbag. It may be an idea to purchase these prior to DAY 3, as there is no way that you can get to the pharmacy and you may not have a BBF arrive to save the day.

My mum’s response to my face was not as bad as I predicted… She thought it looked like I had received very bad sunburn. PHEW!!
So far all my family and friends that have visited including my eldest son’s mates who are presently out watching the AFL game, drinking beer and eating home made pizza, are all very interested how this is going to develop over the next few days. I have told them to read the Blog and they will find out..
Goodnight !

GOODMORNING! Slept really well…Head up on two pillows. Hair wrapped in a cotton theatre cap….brilliant. I did take Panadol prior to going to bed which may have helped. Received breakfast in bed from my husband and this does not happen every day.
The paraffin dried overnight so I really needed to have a shower to soften it. Found the water quite soothing at a cool temperature. Not sure whether this is ok with the Doctor but I made sure that I didn’t use any soap near my face.  Looking in the mirror was a shock as the swelling and oedema has doubled especially around the left eye and my skin is very red.  No pain or discomfort. Soaking with vinegar every 3-4 hours as it relieves the swelling and redness. Thought of the day-“Geez I hope this is worth it!!”
Not looking forward to day 3 as my research has revealed that this is the worst day as the itching starts….
My mother is coming over this afternoon. She was not impressed when I told her over the phone what I have had done. Can’t wait to see her reaction when she actually sees my face…

Name: Leanne
Age: 50
Married with 3 sons
Nurse

Preparation:
I first saw the Cosmetic Physician 4 weeks prior to having the procedure. We discussed the preparation in detail and I left with a detailed sheet on how to prepare for the procedure and a script for various drugs including antibiotics, antiviral and antifungal.
At first I thought it was going to be quite a complicated sequence but managed to work my way through the instructions.
The day before my treatment I started the medications and tried to increase my water intake to a glass every hour…. not that easy to do when you are busy trying to work and run a house. Every woman with a busy household would understand this…. (Would much prefer a Gin and Tonic every hour).
I Googled blogs of others experiences with facial laser and thought this would give me a better understanding of what I was letting myself in for. Not sure that I would do that again as not all the experiences were positive and this added to my anxiety. I washed my hair and face with antiseptic soap (not the best smell in the world) and drank yet another glass of water.

Day of procedure:
Washed face with antiseptic soap, dressed in comfortable clothing and removed all my jewellery as per the instructions. I suppose I felt anxious and a little excited about what was going to happen.
At the clinic the lovely Dermal Therapist covered my face with numbing paste. Once in the room where the laser was going to be performed I had a couple of injections by the Doctor to numb my face. It is exactly like going to the dentist and the numbness is instant. This actually relieved my fear a little as everything was quite numb. Then metal goggles were placed on my eyes and my face was washed to get the numbing paste off the skin. Still feeling anxious but very numb.
The machine and the suction make quite a lot of noise, which is a little unnerving.

What did it feel like??
They started near my ears and the noise made me jump as it sounds like a gun. I would highly recommend listening to an iPod with your favourite songs while lying there, as it would block out the sounds. The only way to explain the pain is to relate it to being spat at by hot oil…small & sharp but bearable. The forehead near the hair line was the most uncomfortable but it was for a short period of time. I am the biggest whimp in the whole world when it comes to having pain of any sort… I did mange to deliver 3 kids but demanded epidurals at the first contraction with each one.

The whole procedure took about 40mins and at the end my skin felt so hot like I had laid in the sun at the beach too long. I used ice packs for about 15mins to relieve the heat then my face was covered in paraffin ointment… A bit of a shock when they show you your face in a mirror and you are wondering if this is going to be worth the trouble. It looks red and there are small spots of bleeding mixed in the paraffin.
I also recommend someone takes you home as I planned on getting a Taxi but after seeing my face I thought I would frighten the taxi driver. Luckily my sister was available at short notice.
Have arrived home and sitting here wondering what the next few days are going to be like.
Please note: turn off the mobile, use speaker or let the answering machine take the calls as it gets  covered in paraffin.  Take a headband or scarf to keep hair off the face and INFORM family that you will look a little different for a few days. My son of 25 came home from work and his words were “Whot THE!!”
I understand the next couple of days are the worst as the skin starts the healing process.  My biggest concern is how am I going to sleep tonight with all this grease on my face.
Shall let you know tomorrow. Off to sponge face with vinegar and replace the paraffin.