Last minute help needed!
Joined: 07 Jan 2008
| Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:21 pm Post subject: Last minute help needed! | |
| I'm off to my consult in a little bit. I looked over the interviews here as well as a bunch of the threads. I was just wondering if there are any tips on what to ask/look for at the consult.
Things I have on my list so far: - What machine do you use? - How involved is the doctor with the process/procedure? - Have you treated others with my similar skin condition- success rate? - Does my skin/condition look like it can be helped by IPL? - Do you do a test patch? - Do I have to buy a package or can I pay for individual sessions? - Will IPL affect any underlying skin conditions- i.e. eczema? Anything else? Thanks! ~J |
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Joined: 04 Feb 2008
| Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 3:10 pm Post subject: | |
| You may want to ask them how many treatments they think you will need... | |
Forum Moderator
Joined: 08 Jan 2007
Location: new york
| Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 3:11 pm Post subject: | |
| Hi J,
Those are good questions. You might also want to know how much down time there will be after the treatment and what are the possible side effects that may occur. What should you avoid after treatment and for how long. How many treatments she/he thinks you may need to see improvement in your symptoms. What other laser treatment may give you relief in case you don't find any with IPL. Can you do anything in conjunction with the IPL that may add to any benefit you may get with the IPL. Can they take before and after pics so you can actually see the improvement as it occurs. I'm sure there are other questions but that's all I can think of at this time. Best of luck!! Melissa |
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Forum Moderator
Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Location: Dorset, UK
| Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:45 pm Post subject: | |
| I may be too late but.......
I would perhaps try to get a feeling for their ethos in treatment. What do they see as the outcome. If they say you are going to be cured then I would be skeptical. Also if they say they will treat you aggressively to really kick your rosacea into touch then I would get the hell out of there. One more thing: How does they long term use of steroids effect how you will treat me. |
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Joined: 07 Jan 2008
| Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:34 pm Post subject: | |
| Thanks for the replies. Very interesting experience!
I have gone to this practice once before, but they're so hard to get into that I changed derms, and that obviously hasn't worked too well. The nurse who did the consult thought IPL would be a good thing, but wanted to only do one side of my face at a time, to see how I would react. She was very up front about the downtime, side effects, etc. She said it would be a package, but would take longer b/c she only wanted to do one side at a time. She thought the IPL would take care of the redness, but might need to go back with the other laser (not sure which one) after to touch up other conditions- eczema. She left the room once to go check with the derm to see if she would give the okay. The derm thought IPL would be helpful, but wouldn't sign off until I saw her first. I thought that was good. So, I asked how soon, and they actually squeezed me in today! I thought for sure I'd have to wait weeks. Well, after looking at me and getting my story, the derm thinks that I am having a rosacea flare (my other derm refused to call it rosacea!), something about demodex parasites, and that the prolonged use of topical steroids really irritated my skin. She doesn't think IPL is a smart move at this point, she wants to try to get my skin calmed first and see what happens. She put me on Clenia face wash and cream and 100mg of doxy. She wants to see me back in two weeks. She said if the Clenia doesn't work she is going to switch me to something that starts with a "P", but said not to freak about the fact that it is usually used to treat head lice?!?! Eek! Hopefully the Clenia will work. So that's where I stand now. So glad I went to the place that is a dermatology office. Who knows what the other centers would have said. Fingers crossed that this helps me! (and that I don't have a reaction to the doxy!) I'll keep you updated! ~J |
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Forum Moderator
Joined: 08 Jan 2007
Location: new york
| Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 9:26 pm Post subject: | |
| Sounds good J!
I like the fact that she wanted your skin to calm down a bit first before the IPL. My derm did the same thing before he referred me to my laser derm. Keep us posted and good luck! Best wishes, Melissa |
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Joined: 07 Jan 2008
| Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 9:36 pm Post subject: | |||
Thanks, Melissa! I posted in the general board that the Clenia stuff burns like crazy. I'm not sure what to do now. I don't know if I should just not use it or try using just a tiny bit to see if it helps. I haven't tried the face wash. Ugh...I knew I shouldn't have gotten excited about the Clenia stuff. Maybe my skin is just too sensitive still to use anything but gentle cleanser and cream. So frustrating!!! ~J |
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Forum Moderator
Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Location: Dorset, UK
| Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:04 pm Post subject: | |
| What is clenia??
If it is making you red then you shouldnt use it. |
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Forum Moderator
Joined: 08 Jan 2007
Location: new york
| Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:04 pm Post subject: | |
| I agree with Sarah. Definitely don't use anything that makes your face red and irritated. Best to keep it simple. Cleanser and moisturizer while your skin is calming down. | |
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