Laser Skin Rejuvenation--Anyone have this done, or know of someone

who has?

It's basically a laser face lift.

Yes, I am considering it and would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks.

Wonder if insurance covers it.

http://www2.faceforum.com/cgi-local/index.cgi

The above link is to a facial procedures forum.
I haven't posted there but it seems relatively active.
Good luck and please post any answers you get here.
Thanks!

on the Doctor you choose.

I've seen some truly horribly badly botched laser jobs. Make sure your doc is THOROUGHLY qualified and hasn't taken a weekend course. Get REFERENCES from actual patients who he/she has worked on.

Sadly enough, it's easy for any doctor to literally take a WEEKEND COURSE in how to do this, and get 'certified' for the procedure. THEY PRACTICE ON TOMATOES.

So ask specifically how many patients he/she has treated with this specific procedure. Not in total in the office, but the doctor SPECIFICALLY.

I'm a big advocate of youth enhancing procedures, I get botox on a regular basis to great success. But I also know that we have to be so very careful on who we choose to perform these procedures on us.

The concern I have with that is that you end up going every three months or so.

for #6, next week. The longer you've done it, the longer the effects last, i.e., the wrinkle (mine is the two furrows between my eyebrows above the bridge of my nose, I always look ANGRY) stays smoother, longer. At 43, otherwise my skin is GREAT with no other wrinkles, sags or crows feet, so this simple procedure takes years off my look.

The effects do vary from person to person, and the locations of the shots for whatever area you're treating make a big difference. We found that injections further out towards the arch of my eyebrow changed the pattern of my wrinkle completely and smoothed it out for a longer period of time.

Every three months is very optimistic, and not realistic. I would say that the injections last for 8-10 weeks. Mine cost $280 and it's worth every penny.

Several of my friends did also. We are all extremely disappointed.
We did not use the same plastic surgeon. All were excellent doctors.
The recovery is awful, about two weeks. Then you look absolutely
wonderful for about six months. Even if you keep out of the sun
and use sun screen, etc. the lines and wrinkles you had before
come back. One of my friends with very fair skin had so many broken
capilleries after her surgery, she had to go back for spot laser to
correct what the first laser surgery did. Maybe after completely
healing the use of Retin A afterwords would help but that product
and my skin hate each other - can't use it.

Laser does not remove sagging jowels, bags, etc. It does tighten the
skin but in no way will give you a face lift. That's simply not true.
All in all, I do not think it's a proceedure that lasts. I guess
if you have really terrible skin, acne marks, etc. I would consider
it, but not to rejuvinate slightly aging skin because it simply does
not have lasting results.

If you go to any of the websites that discuss plastic surgery and
the various proceedures, you'll find most women who have had laser
surgery say the same thing - the results are good but go away very
quickly.

We all had it done about the same time or we would have given each
other the same advice I'm giving you. If you decide to go ahead,
as previously advised, please get a qualified, experienced surgeon
because a laser in the wrong hands can produce dreadful results.

You've just about convinced me to give the laser resurfacing a pass. On my limited income, I need something that lasts more than 6 months for my money and pain.

I've had mini peels and they don't seem to do much other than make me break out. Is there no hope for me? What do you good folks know about chemical peels?

I had a broken capillary removed and am currently alternating Retin-A with alpha glycolic. It does something but not enough.

Get rid of wrinkles, smoothen out the skin?

For the money you spend and the first two weeks afterwards, it's
just not worth it. Many dermatologists and plastic surgeons have
terrific skin care programs that work. Slower results but
longer lasting and less expensive. You can tolerate Retin A, so
perhaps a laser resurfacing with Retin A afterwords would work and
keep your initial good results. It's a gamble. Try some web-sites
that talk about this kind of thing - lot's of opinions and good advice. Good luck whatever you decide. There is something out there
that can help you, just do lots of research and you'll find your
answer. I know we're supposed to grow old gracefully, it's what's
inside that counts however in this society it's hard, especially
when you're out there working everyday and trying to hold your own.

So many surgeons and dematologists push laser because it's a quick
buck for them. The procedure time is approximately fifteen minutes
and I'm sure you've checked out the price of the proceedure, so it's
a win, win proposition for them.