Hey there, friends! I’m excited to finally share my experience and knowledge about the recent laser skincare treatment I recently had done at CMA Medicine in Jacksonville with you! I was shocked by how interested you all were when I decided to cover it on Snapchat and thank you for your patience in getting this post to you.
This all kind of came about inadvertently. I think I had always known about cosmetic medicine centers but never really sought out more information about what they do for their patients. It’s not a side of healthcare that is covered in nursing school, so when my friend, Christen, was telling me about that industry and what she personally does for a living within it, I was really intrigued. Growing up in Florida, and being raised by a generation of adults who glamorized putting baby oil on to get tan, I can’t say that I’ve been on my best behavior in the sun. Smart sun protection practices and taking care of my skin couldn’t have been further from my mind or certainly not a concern of mine.
Christen shared how cosmetic medicine clinics perform laser procedures to clear a number of skin abnormalities that could have evolved over time, like acne scarring, melasma, sun spots, discoloration, etc. She didn’t know this but, for the past year or so, I wouldn’t necessarily be insecure without makeup on but I had started to notice that my face just looks a bit ‘ruddier’ than it has in the past. I have more spots that are clearly not freckles based on their size and noticeably more redness – all of which are difficult to hide with makeup, even though I’ve given it many a good attempt.
I shared this with Christen and she encouraged me to consider getting a laser treatment because, as much as we like to think a cream or skincare treatment will take care of it, they really aren’t a curative option, at least not completely. She connected me with Dr. Schallen, from CMA Medicine in Jacksonville, and I spoke with her for a long time during our consultation, asking multiple questions and sharing my concerns. She was kind and patient. She never gave me the impression she had other patients to see and was so informative and knowledgeable about her passion, cosmetic medicine and laser treatments. She is very experienced and, as a nurse, I would never let someone I wasn’t sure about do any kind of procedure on me.
For my skin concerns and issues, in particular, Dr. Schallen recommended that we do three treatments with the PicoWay laser and then use Alastin skincare products to help expedite the healing process and provide your skin with nutrients that will help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
My hope in covering this experience and sharing this type of content is to shed a positive light on the cosmetic medicine industry. Dr. Schallen has been an emergency medicine physician for over 20 years – she actually knows a lot of the doctors I use to work with when I was a nurse – and, she said that her favorite thing about having also practiced cosmetic medicine [for the last 10 years] is that she gets to see a patient through the entire patient experience. She shared that she sees it as an honor to see people in their scariest moments in the emergency room and to help save their lives but, once she’s made the decision to admit them, she doesn’t see what happens to them [unless she discharges them, of course]. With cosmetic medicine, she said, she gets to see the patient through their entire experience – the beginning to the end – and these patients always walk out feeling more confident and happy with themselves. It’s so cool that she gets to see both sides and, with only having had one laser treatment, I can attest to how much better I feel about myself and it’s encouraged me to take even better care of myself in the future.
I personally believe we have a choice to make about what is best for us [i.e. autonomy] in terms of what makes us happy and what we want to do about our self-proclaimed imperfections medically, surgically, physically, etc. If you want to be more toned, work out a few times a week with some weights! Do you have some fine lines you want Botox to take care of? Go for it! Want to take care of those chin hairs for good? [Yes. Yes, I do.] Let me introduce you to laser hair removal! Do I think people go a little overboard with it? Sure. But, I just think we should be better to each other and let that person make that decision for themselves. And, also, the nurse in me thinks you should be under the counsel of a doctor who knows what is best for you and isn’t out to just tell you yes to a procedure so they can benefit financially. Choose your doctor wisely and they’ll give you the necessary information and professional opinion to help you make your decisions.
So, now that you have an idea as to how all of this came about and why I personally decided to have this done, I’ll get in to your questions! Here we go!
What is the procedure called, what does it treat and how does it work?
The procedure I had done was called the PicoWay Resolve, also called the Picosecond Holographic Fractional. It is a new fractional treatment capability on the advanced Picoway laser device for benign pigmented lesions, like freckles, age spots, sun spots, etc.
The PicoWay laser sends ultra-short pulses of concentrated high-power energy to the targeted pigmented particles on your face ensuring that the pigmentation is effectively treated, while the least amount of heat gets transferred into the skin. It essentially shatters the pigment into tiny, tiny particles that can easily be removed by the body. The dark spots eventually lift off of your face as superficial flakes.
What are the side effects?
Immediately after the procedure, you will have significant redness to the affected area. It will feel like a bad sunburn for about 20 minutes or so. Once that subsides, your pigmented lesions will appear much darker than normal and will be sensitive to touch for about 24 hours.
What is really important for me to take into consideration before agreeing to do have a cosmetic procedure?
• One of the most important things to take into consideration is WHO you are allowing to do the procedure that is going to solve the problem you’re looking to solve. In my case, I am allowing Dr. Schallen to take a laser to my face. I’m sorry, but that’s a scary thought, in my opinion! So, it’s really important that you take the time to get to know your physician, know they’re background and experience. Before my appointment with her, I did my own research on her medical experience and was extremely impressed. I spoke with a friend who knew her and her team personally as a way of gaining a character reference. I also went on CMA Medicine’s Facebook page and listened to some of the videos that they had featured of interviews she had done. Then, during my appointment, I asked a lot of questions and could tell she was someone who takes the entire patient’s medical history into consideration before making a decision about what would work best. She also has SO much experience with laser treatments, sits on multiple boards for these lasers and is an educator in this field.
If you are in the Jacksonville area, I highly recommend Dr. Schallen and her nurse practitioner, Korrie. They are both so pleasant and experienced in this field. They are offering my readers 15% off their procedure if you mention Haley or Sequins & Things when booking your appointment. Treatments offered at the clinic include laser hair removal, botox and filler placement, tattoo removal, body sculpting, platelet rich plasma treatment (which can be helpful in stimulating hair growth), and facial rejuvenation procedures to help restore tone & texture and reduce redness & pigmentation.
• Also, remember that what I had done might not necessarily be what you need to have done. My issues prior to the procedure were redness, a ruddy complexion, MANY sunspots and discoloration from years of sun exposure and poor use of sunscreen / sunblock. Keep an open mind when you go into your consultation appointment.
• It’s also important to ask about the different payment options. One thing that really impressed me about Dr. Schallen is how much more important it is to her to allow patients to have these procedures than it is to get their money immediately after. She offers so many payment plans and options to make this something that more people can consider. Obviously, you have to seriously look at your finances and be honest about whether this is something you can do right now but that’s why I would say it’s an important thing to consider before having this done.
How many treatments do I need to get?
The physician will determine how many treatments you will need to reverse the damage that is present on your skin and get in order to achieve the results you are looking for. Dr. Schallen said that I will be getting three treatments.
What does the down time look like?
For me, downtime has been minimal. I scheduled my first treatment on a day where I didn’t have a lot going on after it. I could go home and just hang out at home without having to wear makeup or go out in the sun. The next day, I had to shoot and was able to wear makeup to cover up the spots.
What does it feel like during the treatment?
My first treatment involved two short sessions by the PicoWay laser at different wavelengths. Both sessions felt essentially the same, like tiny rubber bands were being flicked against my face, but the second session was a little stronger and more uncomfortable because it was the session where Dr. Schallen was targeting each individual sunspot. The first session is featured in the Snapchat video below and the second session was unable to be filmed because the laser at that wavelength would break the camera on my phone.
Did it hurt?
No, it did not hurt. The second session was a little more uncomfortable than the first but I think the smell bothered me more than anything. It smells like cauterized skin. I know, that’s disgusting but … I know y’all will ask if I don’t mention it hah!
What does it feel like after the treatment?
It feels like a really bad sunburn but, it only lasts for about 20 minutes and they give you cool packs to put on your face.
Will it take away your freckles?
It can if the freckles are targeted by the laser per your request. Dr. Schallen is able to determine the difference between a freckle and a pigmented lesion caused by sun exposure or age so, unless you request she take your freckles away, she will stay away from them. I personally want to keep my freckles. I got them from my Mom, and because they’re not common, I’ve always liked that that was a feature of mine that sets me apart.
How much does this procedure cost?
I’m happy to talk about price because I think it’s something we all naturally wonder and, obviously, have to take into consideration, as mentioned above. The three treatments I am having done – all together – are around $1800. Then, you’ll also need to pay for skin care products to help expedite your healing process. I used the Alastin Skincare‘s Procedure Enhancement products [the Invasive System] and also purchased their HydraTint Pro-Mineral Broad Spectrum Sun Screen. It’s tinted so it offers you that protection but is a better sunscreen option to apply to your face before applying your foundation. Those products together are $400.
So, obviously, that’s very pricey for most people and I completely understand that. One of the purposes of this post is to educate and I hope that talking about price allows you to process that price, see what that means to you and then make a plan if this is something you really want to explore for yourself. Please don’t let price make you completely write your hope to have a procedure off. As mentioned before, if you do have this done at CMA Medicine, you will find that there are so many financing options to make this more reasonable and, after speaking with a professional in the field that has worked with multiple clinics throughout the Southeast, it seems other clinics do the same.
Here are some ways I can help you with the cost:
• Tell the ladies at CMA Medicine that Haley from Sequins & Things sent you to enjoy 15% off your first procedure
• Buy $200 worth of Alastin Skincare get a free SPF 30 with code MYFREESPF30.
Head HERE to check out some of the products Alastin has to offer. I use the products within the Invasive Kit.
Is it covered by insurance?
Most cosmetic medicine procedures are NOT covered under insurance.
How should I take care of my skin after the procedure?
After the procedure, it’s important that you keep your face moist with the Alastin products and protected against the sun with broad spectrum sunblock.
In the morning, I wash my face with the Alastin Cleanser, then apply a few products in this sequence: Alastin Nectar, Alastin Moisturizer and, finally, my Alastin HydraTint Sunscreen.
At night, I take my makeup off and wash my face with the Alastin Cleanser again. Then, I apply more products in the following sequence: Alastin Nectar, Alastin Moisturizer then Alastin Occlusive Moisturizer. The occlusive moisturizer makes you feel like a glazed donut. It eventually dissolves into your skin but you’ll always feel a bit ‘sticky’, almost like you have Vasoline on your face.
Why are these products unique and why are they helpful?
These products are specifically formulated to elevate the results you see from your ablative procedure. They also strengthen the fragile state of your skin, minimizes the risk of complications and supports the recovery process.
Why would I get this treatment instead of a peel?
Peels are great for treating the superficial layer of the skin and a great maintenance treatment. Laser treatments, on the other hand, are able to penetrate the skin on a much deeper level to stimulate collagen and lighten sun spots. So, there’s really nothing wrong with getting either treatment. You just need to choose the treatment that is the best option for your skin.
Is this procedure similar to an IPL?
The PicoWay laser treatment is different from an IPL in that it stimulates collagen on a deeper level because it uses three different wavelengths of energy to target specific skin issues. An IPL uses a broader range of wavelengths. It is a good treatment in some cases but isn’t as safe on darker skin types and doesn’t stimulate collagen in the same way.
Can the PICO Way Laser treat my melasma?
Yes, it can treat and minimize the signs of melasma, however, your skin cells have great memory so, with continuous sun exposure and heat, melasma can return. Therefore, diligent skin care and sun block are necessary to prevent the recurrence of melasma.
Can you wear makeup immediately after you’ve gotten it done?
You can wear make up the next day. You can cover up the dark spots with foundation but you can likely still see them through it. Here is what I looked like the day after with makeup on:
Should I bring anything to the procedure on the day of?
A wide-brim hat for the ride home!
How does your skin feel the day after?
The pigmented lesions were sensitive to touch but, otherwise, my skin felt fine.
Do you really bring a hat with you everywhere?
I typically wear a hat when I go out after the procedure, yes, and I always have sunscreen on.
Applying SPF every 2 hours is unrealistic being that I wear a cream foundation. What do you suggest?
There is a makeup brand called Colorscience that offers beauty products that are good for your skin and provide protection against the sun. I am going to be applying their powder foundation with SPF20 over my makeup every two hours while I’m traveling. I HAVE to be consistent about reapplying because I’ll be outside most of the time and, especially in one of the places I’m visiting, there are a lot of white buildings and water so everything will reflect back on me so bringing a hat and being consistent about sun protection is SO important.
Will you still use TULA after your treatments are complete?
Absolutely! I still love Tula and stand behind products and everything I’ve said about their products in the past.
How long until you get your next treatment and how long until the one after that?
All treatments are four weeks apart so I will get my next one when I get back to Jacksonville in early May.
These are the photos that we took at CMA Medicine before the treatment.
It’s crazy how difficult it is to really see the damage until AFTER the laser treatment was performed, in my opinion!
This was the morning after the PicoWay laser treatment. Sorry the lighting isn’t very good. I think I got up and at ’em pretty early and that’s why I took them in this light, but you can see the sunspots are still very dark and pigmented.
But, on this morning, your skin, especially the pigmented lesions are pretty sensitive to touch, as they are directly after the procedure. Skincare is super important and keeping yourself out of the sun is, as well. Do NOT go outside without sunscreen and a hat.
This was the morning of Day 2. The sensitivity has decreased quite a bit at this point and so has the redness caused by the procedure.
This is the morning of Day 3. The lighting is so much better in the photos here and to follow! This is the day the dark pigmentations started to become more superficial and flaky.
This was the morning of Day 4 when the flakes begin to loosen and fall off.
This was the morning of Day 5. As you can see, quite a few of the smaller ones have fallen off and the bigger ones are next!
This was my skin on the morning of Day 6! It looks so dewy and refreshed with only a few little ones left to fall off! If these don’t make it seem like the treatment was worth it, I don’t know what would!
And, finally … this is what my face looked like the morning of Day 7, a week after the laser treatment. And, to think … I still have two treatments to go! I think this looks 100 times better than my skin did prior!
On the morning of my consultation, I shared on Snapchat that I would share this all with you and that I hoped it would be helpful, informative and educational. Please let me know if you think it has been! When I get back to the States, I will download the Snapchat video to add in to this post for you all to watch again or for anyone who may not have seen it! It’s really interesting and allows you to see what your experience would be like if you chose to do it, too!
Have a great day, guys! I’m off to enjoy ROMMMEEEEE 🙂 Love y’all! xo.
Thanks so much for all this info! Is there any way you can post a no-makeup photo of what your skin looked like prior to the treatment? Thanks!!
I concur.
Thank you so much for writing this post! It was very informative and for someone wanting to have this done, I appreciate it so much! Your results are amazing! Can’t wait to see your final results after the other treatments. Thanks again!
A very wonderful and informative post on laser skin treatment. 🙂
Merci for sharing.
????LA BIJOUX BELLA???? | BY MIA | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
Such an interesting post! Thanks for this awesome review. I really appreciate you sharing this!
I hope you have a lovely Wednesday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk
I actually just recently heard about this kind of laser, but I haven’t done any research on it yet, so thanks for all the info and pictures! I have the same skin issues, too much sun/not enough sunscreen, so I think I’ll go get a consultation! Too bad I don’t live in your area, now I have to do my own research on drs:)
So impressed by your bravery in posting these pics in order to help others considering this treatment. Such a thorough and informative post! Enjoy Rome!
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing????
Thanks for sharing this informative post! Especially just about figuring out what each person needs for their skin, not necessarily the same treatment as you. Also, wow, Day 5/6 on, what a difference in your skin. I’m also glad you mentioned to let people do what they want (cosmetic procedure wise) with their own skin. I would definitely consider something for the starting wrinkles between my brows. I have bangs that cover them but feel like I look older when I wear my bangs back.
Also love your blog and you’re one of my fave snapchatters to follow!
THANK YOU for sharing this experience!!!! I found this so informative and enjoyed following along via snapchat as well. It is so brave of you to be willing to tell us all about such a personal and vulnerable experience. Your skin looks amazing!
Hope you are enjoying your trip!
Allie
https://champagnetuesdays.blogspot.com
Wonderful post! I enjoyed the daily progress photos. Your skin looks beautiful.
Thank you for sharing. So beautiful inside and out. These results are fantastic. Will you still continue with Tula after your procedure?
Thank you for sharing!!! I cant wait to follow along with the whole process 🙂
I do have a couple more questions. How long after the first treatment can you go back for the second treatment? Also in total how long will it take to see full results, ie after all three treatments?
Lastly, will you show a before photo so we can see the progress after each treatment?
I am SO excited and thankful that you chose to be so open and let us follow along.
Wow!!! This is so incredible! Does your doctor have any recommendations for doctors in Atlanta?
Looks amazing after just ONE treatment…worth every penny!! Going to piggy back on another comment and does the doctor have any recommendations for Atlanta?!
Can wait to see how the next two treatments go!
wow! what an unbelievable experience – I can’t get over the difference. Your skin looks amazing. And I totally agree with you on the do -what-makes-you happy thing. People are so quick to bash others for doing a procedure…but the thing is, they don’t have to do it!
Enjoy Rome – I’ve been twice and I loved all of it. Eat lots of Tiramisu gelato – it’s the best
http://www.luellapearl.com
Caitlin
Wow Haley! Your vulnerability and bravery to post is amazing and you look radiant. Thank you for sharing this journey. Your thoroughness does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Your followers have your back every step of the way. ❤❤❤
Thank you so much for sharing this! I have always wondered about laser treatment. I have melasma 🙁 and have tried all sorts of creams (prescription and over the counter) and nothing helps! Thank you for sharing this! I can’t wait to see the end results!!
This is INSANE! I’ve always thought your skin looked much older than you really are, but now it looks amazing. Can’t believe you still have more treatments to go! You’re going to be glowing!!!
Aw .. I’m sad to read that’s what you thought of my skin :\ But, I guess that’s nice to know people won’t think that anymore after these treatments.
I had never heard of this particular treatment before, and I really really want to get it after seeing these photos!
Thank you so much for sharing so many details. Please do keep us all updated on how things go after your next sessions, and if the spots stay away 1 year later. My mom got a laser treatment done a few years ago and she said everything pretty much came back. She is diligent with SPF and generally stays out of the sun. I don’t mean to worry you, as I did a little research, and I believe this is a totally different kind of laser and is known for having way better results.
I think many of us girls in our generation were pushed into tanning in our teens through peer pressure and the belief that tan skin was much prettier. It’s interesting to to see the health effects for someone who lived in a super hot sunny place, and I think this is so important to share. I applaud you for your honesty and bravery to show all the photos when it probably wasn’t comfortable. I can tell The treatment has been really wonderful for you. I bet your confidence has really gone up! So happy for you!
So great!! Thanks for sharing! I’m definitely looking forward to the progress pics after the remaining two treatments!
Have been so anxious to see and read this post after seeing your experience on snapchat!! I’m obsessed with this treatment. I never thought you could get rid of your sunspots in such a fast way. I am quite young and my biggest concern in acne scarring, not so much sun spots. I live in Jacksonville so I will definitely be checking CMA Medicine out! Its so hard to find someone in such a big city to trust with your skin, especially when it comes to your face! Thanks for all the info!
Hi
Where can I find the snapchat video link? Would love to see it
Hi – I just stumbled upon your super helpful post! Thank you for being so candid and sharing your before’s and after’s. I’m actually going to get PicoWay in a few weeks. Can you post an update of how your skin is doing now? How many more treatments did you get ultimately? Thanks so much!
Hi Nancy! Glad you found this post and that it could offer you some insight in what to expect! I am definitely going to post a follow-up to this post. I still have ONE more treatment to get and once I let me skin settle after that one, I should begin working on that update! So, stay tuned! It’ll likely be up early in the new year sometime! xo!
Thank you so much for sharing this and for being real with your before and after photos. My skin has a lot of damage – I guess my mom didn’t believe in sunscreen when I was a kid! I am definitely going to look into this treatment. You have given me hope! In the meantime, do you recommend a foundation that you used for good coverage before you had the treatment done? Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! Really encouraging as I too have my share of time in the sun and prolonged sun damage. I wanted to ask you, It will be almost a year since the procedure, are you still pleased with the results? Have any of the sun damage come back? Any scarring or uneven toning as a result? Would you do it again? Thank you again for sharing this. Love your blog!
Hi Nancy! I will be doing a follow up post in the next couple of months on the results and if I’m happy with them 🙂 Stay tuned!
Thanks for sharing! I have melasma and was looking for a new option. I’m going to ask my Dr about this. I’ve tried a lot of procedures, peels, lasers, etc. and I’m still unhappy. I’m 49 so it’s maybe too late for me. Despite your skin concerns you are one beautiful young lady inside and out. Your willingness to share is so gracious.
Aw, thank you!! I hope it’s not too late for you! I can’t imagine it is! Yes, definitely ask your doctor about the Picoway. I know it’s a new laser that has just started being incorporated into clinics!
Hi, I am actually getting this procedure done on Friday. I am very impressed with the results from your first treatment. Have you received more treatments yet? Could you please share pictures with me if you have?
Thanks,
April
Great results! Dud you get PicoWay for Pigmented Lesions? I got mine done yesterday and was worried these would stay dark! They must have charged you a mint! Just 3 spots I got charged $150 plus tax!
Hi Lina! Yes, I got them for sunspots / pigmented lesions. They won’t stay dark. They will fall off. xo!
Thank you for sharing. I just recently had this done. My scabs have fallen off.. did you have any redness after the scabs fell off? If so did you use any products to help with the healing?
How did this turn out? My scabs are falling off and leaving bright pink red skin areas. I’m hoping they don’t scar.
My skin turned out great, as seen in the last photo. These treatments were done two years ago and I have had a couple more since because, sun exposure can bring back small areas of darkness, but overall, my skin still looks great.
Did you have red spots where your scabs fell off right after?
Loving your results!! Trying to figure out if I should still pursue this option or just regular IPL photo facials. How were your other 2 sessions and are you still loving the results?
Hi Lori! My travels have gotten in the way of me sharing an update on my skincare treatments! I do still love the results and my other treatments were still Picoway but were a combination of wavelengths to treat different skin problems. I will hopefully get a full post on this in the next month or two.
This is really wonderful results. Skin glow is really amazing after laser facial treatment. How much time does it require for the full procedure?
what if the dark pigmentations are not flaked and not fall off. will I have to have dark spots on my face forever like chicken pox?
Kim, if this problem happens, I’d assume you will have to speak with your doctor about how to navigate next steps. I’d assume that if you’re physician is using the laser correctly, you will not have this problem.
I just did my laser pigmentation about 3 days now, but I still not see any flake yet and I am concern It may be turn brown spots forever. The spa place told me it took 7-10 days to clear up. I am so worry about it. I don’t know what to do ? should I wait for 7-10 days before come back to the spa ?Please help me! Thank you
Thank you so much Alyson for sharing. You are so beautiful :-). I finished my first picoway treatment at 2pm on Oct 5, 2018 and my face got extremely red and HOT. Now the dark spots are, not as much, but still sensitive to touch. There are some light redness on the face. I am using Colorscience cover up sunscreen but the dark spots still show 55%. What kind of concealer do you use to cover up? Your picture looks pretty good immediately 1 day after the treatment. Thank you so much for your help.
I had Picoway today and everything you said is exactly the same as my experience . Your skin looks fabulous I can only hope for such great results.
Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome!
Amazing results! I am going to look into this and give it a try. Bye bye sun spots. Thanks you for all the details it was very helpful?
Did you go back for more treatments?
Hi!! Thinking about getting this done for under eyes circles. Did you get this in your eye area as well ?? Any thoughts ?
Hi sweetie,
Id love to hear how your skin is adapting to the sun now that you have completed your treatments? Are you experiencing any dark sports again? Or have they completed disappeared?
Thank you for this beautifully written & documented account of a procedure I am about to have done. I have been concerned with what ‘down time’ would look like?!
Your experience and sharing is sincerely appreciated! Gorgeous results on an already stunning face.
Is it safe to have a nurse practitioner do this type of laser treatment? I am
wondering if it is best to have a physician/dermatologist/plastic surgeon perform
any laser treatments. I hear that nurse practitioners are doing this procedure
in my area.
I would say yes, 100%! They, of course, need to have been trained under a physician, who specializes in aesthetic medicine and obviously know what they’re doing but also know how to assess your skins’ needs and determine what the best course of action is.
I did have pink spots where the dark spot scabs came off. This is your skin healing and in the fresh new cells stage. It will take several months to change from pink to the more skin tone, but it does go away. I also used red light therapy a week after treatment and it helped with the recovery.