I'm torn...(kinda long)

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 05-12-2010, 10:22 PM

Ok, I'm putting this here because it was definitely an emotional issue before...and still, somewhat, is...

When I was 18 & 19 I had BAD cystic acne...it left acne scars all over both of my cheeks. When I was younger they were VERY DARK red/purple and I spent a lot of time using cover up -- never to be seen out of the house without make-up.

Well, I'm 33 now and they've faded considerably. If I think about it there's still some emotional 'scarring' and yes, they still show even with foundation. But, I am less sensitive about it.

So, here's my dilemma.

On Monday I went to see a medical esthetician at a doctors office to find out what could be done about it. (Free consult).

She recommended 4 treatments of "fractional non-ablative skin resurfacing". And...ouch...they are $750 EACH... So, yes...that would be $3000. Additionally, you need to have several days (she recommended 4 days) of 'down time'...because you won't want anyone to see you.

I can afford the down time this summer (I'm a college student) as I'm only taking Tuesday/Thursday classes. Next summer my schedule is much more full, so the timing isn't good.

You have to do each treatment in 4-6 week spacing, as well...so it's not like one in May and one in December.

Financially DH says it's fine. We have MEGA student loans, but we're paying WAY ahead on everything (planning to pay off in 5 years total). I feel bad, as it would delay paying off our debt by 2 months (which in the grand scheme of things isn't the end of the world, but then we have vacations and what not also budgeted in and that's not "practical").

Emotionally, I'm not sure... I worry about "new" procedures (it's only been around since '07). I've been a tomboy/geek all my life and this seems so "girly" (it's in a plastic surgeons office, for goodness sakes!)... It kinda feels like I'd be giving up who I am??? I dunno...maybe that's kinda silly?

I just feel really confused. It is a fairly major procedure. I hate spending that kind of money...especially in this economy (although Dh's job is very secure). I would love for the scars to be way lighter. (Can you see me yo-yo-ing back and forth?).

I don't know if anyone here has been through anything like this? Advice? I feel so stressed out over this and I don't really know why???

**craftypam** · 05-12-2010, 11:02 PM

Is there a way you could look into the results of people who have had it done? If so and the results are good, I think you should have it done. I think you will feel so good about yourself. Let us know what you choose. Since you can afford it; you deserve it and how wonderful of your dh to agree for you to have it done. I have a very supportive dh and they are GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**stinkbug** · 05-12-2010, 11:12 PM

I too would love to have this done....I am 51 and still have acne :-( I've yet to find anything to treat mine, or the scarring from many years....

I will fess up that I had the new laser treatment for toenail fungus.....

**leighcat** · 05-13-2010, 06:37 PM

I would do it. It will boost your confidence and make you less self-conscious.

**frugalwarrior2** · 05-13-2010, 07:16 PM

You should read and read up all you can. When this procedure frst came out you had to stay out of the sun from then on. I have NO idea if this is still true. I have very large pores on my face and a little scarring So i had considered it.
That said,How important is it to you? Will ins. pay any of it? They paid to have a cyst on my eye removed by a plastic surgeon. It was way more than that.
I like the suggestion of talking to real people who had it done. See if there are downsides later. I might be inclined to do it. But i would ask a billion questions first.

**shoiji** · 05-13-2010, 07:39 PM

I would talk to as many people as possible who have had this done. Also find out what time of the year is best to have this done. Meaning will the summer heat aggrivate your skin more during the down time?

It doesn't sound as if you have to have it done right away so take the time to research and plan it out. If this is something you would like to do then by all means go ahead and do it.

I have a mole removed from my chest. I planned to have it taken off during the winter so less chance of scarring during the summer months. You can not even tell where it was.

**craftypam** · 05-13-2010, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by stinkbug

I too would love to have this done....I am 51 and still have acne :-( I've yet to find anything to treat mine, or the scarring from many years....

I will fess up that I had the new laser treatment for toenail fungus.....

This is info if it works for anyone who reads this. I read somewhere that to get rid of toenail fungus to put vicks vaporub on it. My dh had it for a long time and did this and it worked. I asked a foot dr about this and he said sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I wonder for those that it didn't work if they were diligent enough putting it on.

**nodmicks** · 05-13-2010, 10:27 PM

Have you ever tried 14% AHA? I had some pit type scars on my cheeks. I had bad acne as a teen and took accutane. I picked up 14% AHA about 2 months ago at someones recommendation. I didn't think it would do much but I was kind of amazed to see the difference after 2 months. They are MUCH smoother. It even made a difference on my smile lines. It stung when I first put it on but is worth it.

Ok now that I rambled there. I am really anti debt and think debt should be paid first but if it were something that really bothered me I would do it debt or not .

**NewLeaf** · 05-14-2010, 12:24 PM

After you research and if you feel comfortable then do it. There are things I would do if I could afford it right now.

**Greebo** · 05-14-2010, 12:27 PM

You're on a plan to get out of debt, and this is a want (a very understandable one!) but not a need.

I would suggest you wait until you are debt free - and use the time waiting to observe all the results you can find.

**frugalfriend** · 05-14-2010, 12:39 PM

You know yesterday I read this and I really couldn't decide what advice to give you. I mostly thought if it was really important to you then you should do it, but after reading Greebo's post I totally agree. That would be the best way to do it.

**TigerGirl1226** · 05-14-2010, 12:42 PM

I would do it. As I understand, you guys look to be financially sound. Maybe I missed it, but does this come out of pocket or will it be finance?

**Libby** · 05-14-2010, 12:55 PM

It seems that you're optimistic b/c its a potential solution but not at the 'OMG I need to do this now!!!' type enthusiasm.

Personally, I would save up the funds for the treatments in advance before agreeing to it. I only say this b/c you're still sounding iffy on this procedure and are not 100% 'all in' or 'gung ho' about it right now.

So while you continue to research this procedure further, it will allow you to put aside money for it for when you make your final decision. And I do think its wonderful that your DH supports you in this all the way

You've lived with the acne this long - whats a lil bit longer for you to make the best informed decision for you both mentally and financially.

I hate to be a downer but is there some sort of guarantee that if this procedure doesn't work you get monies refunded fully if not only partially? Not one procedure will work for everyone.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 05-14-2010, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by frugalwarrior2

You should read and read up all you can. When this procedure frst came out you had to stay out of the sun from then on. I have NO idea if this is still true. I have very large pores on my face and a little scarring So i had considered it.
That said,How important is it to you? Will ins. pay any of it? They paid to have a cyst on my eye removed by a plastic surgeon. It was way more than that.
I like the suggestion of talking to real people who had it done. See if there are downsides later. I might be inclined to do it. But i would ask a billion questions first.

No, you don't have to stay out of the sun, but you do have to wear spf 30 for 3-6 months after your final treatment...which is no biggie.

Originally Posted by shoiji

I would talk to as many people as possible who have had this done. Also find out what time of the year is best to have this done. Meaning will the summer heat aggrivate your skin more during the down time?

It doesn't sound as if you have to have it done right away so take the time to research and plan it out. If this is something you would like to do then by all means go ahead and do it.

Summer heat isn't an issue...I live in Alaska. I would think it would be better to not have it done in the winter, exposing sensitive tissue to extreme freezing?? I don't know, though?

Originally Posted by nodmicks

Have you ever tried 14% AHA? I had some pit type scars on my cheeks. I had bad acne as a teen and took accutane. I picked up 14% AHA about 2 months ago at someones recommendation. I didn't think it would do much but I was kind of amazed to see the difference after 2 months. They are MUCH smoother. It even made a difference on my smile lines. It stung when I first put it on but is worth it.

Never heard of 14% AHA? I'll look into it. Thanks!

Originally Posted by TigerGirl1226

I would do it. As I understand, you guys look to be financially sound. Maybe I missed it, but does this come out of pocket or will it be finance?

I guess I wasn't too clear on that point. It would *not* be financed at all. It would be "cash on the barrel"... We would just not be applying the *extra* $$ toward our student loans during this summer while I had the treatments.

Originally Posted by Libby

It seems that you're optimistic b/c its a potential solution but not at the 'OMG I need to do this now!!!' type enthusiasm.

Personally, I would save up the funds for the treatments in advance before agreeing to it. I only say this b/c you're still sounding iffy on this procedure and are not 100% 'all in' or 'gung ho' about it right now.

So while you continue to research this procedure further, it will allow you to put aside money for it for when you make your final decision. And I do think its wonderful that your DH supports you in this all the way

You've lived with the acne this long - whats a lil bit longer for you to make the best informed decision for you both mentally and financially.

I hate to be a downer but is there some sort of guarantee that if this procedure doesn't work you get monies refunded fully if not only partially? Not one procedure will work for everyone.

No, no guarantee & no refunds. The statistical success is VERY good, though. Minimal improvement at worst, significant improvement at best. Either way, it's improvement.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 05-14-2010, 05:46 PM

Another note... If I don't do it this summer, because of the timing required for healing and the spacing of the treatments that's also required...it would mean that I couldn't tutor, one of the next 3 summers, as I'm slated to (math tutor at the college). So, there's a consideration there, as well --> lost income...and missing out on excellent experience! (I'm not eligible to tutor this summer...not far enough along, yet).

Aside from losing the $$...I reeeeeeeeeeeeeally don't want to miss out of the experience. That's why I'm wanting to either do it this summer or forget it.

I've looked online, but haven't been able to find much at all as far as personal experiences with the treatment. The esthetician I saw has had the treatments and she looks GREAT.

Additionally, it's supposed to shrink pores (I have big ones) and help prevent acne breakouts (I'm not sure how, but it's in the paperwork). So, there are additional benefits...

Dh is still encouraging me to just do it... He'll be getting a raise in 6 months (we're already comfortable), we'll be getting other monies in October (extra), and I just found out I got grants for ALL next school year!! ($10K!!! - it will cover it ALL and have a good chunk leftover...I'm excited!). On the other hand...I hate spending money at all!!! ARGH.