The search for a solution to my problem took 7 years. It was during my consultation with Dr. Christine Glavey of Alpha-Derm that I realized that there was a solution to my problem. Dr. Glavey and I discussed the possibility of using the Fraxel laser to help with my skin problem. Dr. Glavey explained how cystic acne can cause damage to the collagen in my skin. As the collagen becomes weak, the skin can show a scar. It was enlightening to have someone finally explain why acne, especially cystic acne, causes so much damage to someone’s skin! The sun also caused damage to my collagen. She said that I would be a candidate for the Fraxel laser.

To have found a non-invasive way to help correct my scarring was like winning the lottery for me, but the hard-line reality was that I would need 4 to 5 sessions of treatment at $1500.00 a session. It was a financial bottom-line reality check for me. Was the potential outcome worth the hit to my budget? Would I see significant enough improvement to justify the cost? I grappled with this, as the cost of the procedures would put a defiant dent in my budget. But, when I thought it through, the possibility of correcting my skin problem that had plagued me for years was worth it, and so I scheduled my first appointment.

The first treatment was like an adventure! It was all new, with no frame of reference. I arrived at Alpha-Derm knowing the basic outline of what would happen, but having no concept of how the treatment would feel or if I would feel nervous, or have any pain. As the nurse took me back to the treatment room, she explained how, under Dr. Glavey’s supervision, they would be applying a numbing medication to my face. It would then take an hour to numb my face. As the numbing medicine started to take effect, I could feel my face getting numb and tight. Dr. Glavey told me that sometimes she has the patient take a pill for pain and to relax them before the procedure, but that she didn’t think that I would need one for my treatment. While Dr. Glavey and her staff were discussing my treatment plan, I got to catch up on some magazine reading!

Once I was numb, the procedure began and I was nervous. I had no idea if it was going to hurt. The nurse instructed me that they were going to begin with my forehead. The first pass with the laser came across my forehead, and much to my surprise, it didn’t hurt! If anything, it was more of an annoyance, as it felt like sand particles hitting my face. It was a relief to get through the first couple of passes with the laser, as I then knew what to expect and I could relax through the rest of the treatment.

When the treatment was finished, the nurses had me wash my face. My face was red and a little swollen, but I could put sunscreen and makeup on afterwards if I wanted.

With each successive day after my Fraxel treatment, I saw changes in my skin. It was becoming smoother, and the clarity was improving. Dr. Glavey had explained to me that some of the changes would come soon after the treatment, and that other improvements would take a few months. As I saw my skin improving, I looked forward to each treatment.

I proceeded to have four more treatments about one month apart. Dr. Glavey carefully planned each treatment to involve with a higher degree of intensity to help rebuild the skin that was damaged. Dr. Glavey said she could give me medicine before any of the treatments for any discomfort or for anxiety if I wanted it.

The nurses would give me an ice-pack and sunscreen after each treatment. They said there would not be any pain after the treatment. I used a mild cleanser and a really good sunscreen with moisturizer afterwards. For a few days, I simply looked like I had spent too much time in the sun, and not that I had a laser treatment!

Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the results from the Fraxel laser! My skin is significantly clearer, the scarring has smoothed out and my pores have decreased in size. To look at my “before” pictures and then at myself now in the mirror, speaks volumes to the Fraxel laser’s ability to correct skin imperfections. Even though it was the Fraxel laser technology that provided the platform for correcting my scarring, it is Dr. Glavey and her staff that were the master mind behind the usage of the technology to tailor a treatment program specifically for me. I know as the advancements in the use of the Fraxel laser continue, Dr. Glavey will integrate this into her practice at Alpha-Derm. Patients like myself will continue to receive the latest technology in improving and correcting skin problems.

For me, the FRAXEL laser was the best investment I could have made in myself, as it produced physical results, but most importantly removed the stigma of my scars.