Acne Scar Treatments Archive 3
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  Mr. G -- Charlotte, 05:49:02 10/10/03 Fri

  Beth,
  Back in March, I was thinking about getting a second subcision and emailed Mr.
  G to see how he felt about his second one. He said his skin still wasn't
  perfect, but he was happy with the results from his second subcision. He said
  that close up he still had shallow scars and thought about getting fat
  injections. But when he backed away from the mirror a little bit, the scars
  really weren’t a big deal like they once were. The shallow ones that remained
  really weren't that bad.

  Then I e-mailed him in the summer to tell him that I had needling in July
  instead of a second subcision. I don't think he had heard of it. He seemed
  interested in needling since it is similar in concept to subcision. I told him
  I'd keep him posted with my progress, but I haven't yet. I wanted to send a
  link with photos when I contacted him again and I haven't pulled it together
  yet. I think he said he was not pursuing the idea of fat injections anymore.

  I had a second needling just today, and I've started on a series of Smoothbeam
  laser treatments.

  Anyway, I think Mr. G is happy enough with his improvement that he doesn't
  hang out with us anymore :(
 

  Super CP -- Robert, 23:08:20 10/09/03 Thu

  Thank you, everyone, for the comments. I forgot to mention that, in addition
  to the CP Serum, I'm also using a 15% glycolic acid cream twice a week. I
  can't use it daily 'cause it burned me slightly a couple of times and so I
  have to be careful with it. I'd like to try a 30% peel but seem to be very
  sensitive to glycolic acid. The 15% cream has been exfoliating me well,
  though, and has really cleared my skin of red marks. My scars are mostly
  shallow or medium in depth, so I'm hopeful I'll see some improvement with the
  topicals alone. I've been using them 8 weeks, and am waiting for the Super CP
  and Super COP to arrive in the mail.
 

   Everyone, about Super Serum -- Denise1, 19:31:03 10/09/03 Thu

  Hi everybody. I told Maya the other day I was gonna write to Dr. Pickert at
  Skin Biology to see if he could formulate a Super Serum version that was
  salicylic acid free. I will get back with everyone and let you all know what
  he says.

  I also wanted to remind everyone too that there are many things that slow
  collagen production down. Smoking for one does, ofcourse, and so does the use
  of SSRI antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil). There are ofcourse many variables
  that go into how people respond to different products, but some of you may not
  be aware that things that are used to stimulate collagen may or may not do
  much if you smoke or are on an SSRI.

  I am fortunate, I am very fair: Irish/German/Scotch/English/Native American.
  My mother and her siblings were dark, but I seem to have inherited my father's
  skin tone. I just have very tough skin that tolerates a lot of peels and
  whatnot with no trouble at all. I use Retin A micro .10% and do peels with no
  problem. I have had a TCA with no problem. All of these things stimulate
  collagen production, Retin A by UP TO 80%.

  As Steve said, the Super Serum works excellent with peels. I'm not sure what
  it does by itself as I've always used it with Retin A and peels. I don't
  smoke, am not on an SSRI, and take many supplements that help with the skin.

  While all of us are different, I think that there are many thing we can do to
  help us get the best results from various topicals.

  So anyway....that's my buck fifty on the serum. I truly hope that Dr. Pickert
  comes up with a salicylic acid free formula. It truly has worked like a charm
  for me, ofcourse, along with the Retin A, which is almost like getting
  microderm everynight.
 

  Anyone know how Mr. G is doing? -- Beth, 15:54:22 10/09/03 Thu

  I have not seen any posts from Mr. G in the longest time. Has anyone been in
  touch with him or know how his subcission results are holding up? Thanks! Beth
 

  Thanks, sam-e! -- Beth, 15:50:27 10/09/03 Thu

  I'll do that! I hope to have a good report for you after trying needling.

  For everyone-- I may post some pictures so you can all help me to determine
  the level of scarring and the best treatment for my situation. I have a
  digital camera, but the close range pictures are a bit too blurry. I'm going
  to invest in a better camera soon so you all can compare before and after
  pictures of my needling.

  Thanks again for your concern.

  Beth :-)
 

  Maya/Steve/CP and Super CP -- John, 13:49:12 10/09/03 Thu

  Maya...it sounds like I'm in the same court as you when it comes to Dr.
  Pickart's Super CP Serum. It just hasn't done anything positive for
  me...although I am glad to hear that it IS helping others. I am of
  Irish/Italian descent with light Olive skin, so the Asian factor you described
  doesn't apply to me. I guess it's just one of those things...

  Steve...can you please tell me where I can purchase the Lactic Acid Peel? Is
  there much downtime after using it? I hesitate using a Glycolic Acid Peel.
  Glycolic historically breaks me out and causes A LOT of redness and itching.
  But I would like to try the Lactic Acid Peel, to see if using it will help the
  CP Serum work better for me.

  Thanks very much and continued good health & success to both of you,
  John
 

  Super Copper Peptides -- Maya, 10:14:36 10/09/03 Thu

  I know Denise and others have had great success with Super CP from skinbiology
  - but this is my negative experience:

  I used the regular CP for a few months, found it soothing after peels and it
  had a skin softening effect, I then moved up to Super CP, which I found quite
  staining and I can't say it helped fill in any pits.

  What I did find was that it was starting to cause inflammation under my scars,
  causing them to slightly raise and become lumpy (felt like zits under the
  scars) - I continued to use the super CP for maybe 2 months.

  I had some scars excised 5 weeks ago and I applied the Super CP, then Emu oil
  ... but I was finding that each excised scar was becomeing inflamed .. last
  week, I stopped using the super CP and withinn 2 days, the inflammation
  dissapeared and my scars have continued to improve since.

  I spoke with Dr Chu yesterday (when I had more excision performend) and he
  told me that a few of his patients had had similar experiences with Super CP
  and SuperCop - that it can cause inflamation and makes his scar revision
  methods less effective).

  I have conversed with Denise about this and she had recently found that some
  Asian type skins can have adverse effects with glycolic (I do) and with
  salyctites (spelling?) as founn in the super CP - so I am staying away
  although the standard CP was fine or me.
 

   Beth -- Sam-e, 07:06:06 10/09/03 Thu

  Hi Beth I was hoping to hear that you were 100% now since I had not read any
  posts from you in a while. I dont have glycolic damage, just laser damage.
  Anyway I was just wondering how you were doing because I know you were in such
  distress before, I do hope you find the answer soon. Keep us posted as I will
  continue to wonder.
 

  John -- Steve, 02:30:14 10/09/03 Thu

  You probably need to use the Super CP serums in conjunction with AHA peels..
  Even Dr. Pickart from SkinBio has stated this.. I would recommend you purchase
  a 30% Glycolic or maybe a latic acid peel to use with your Serums..
 

  CP/Super CP Serum -- John, 01:58:40 10/09/03 Thu

  Hi Robert,
  I'm not Denise but I've been using the Super CP serum for several months now.
  I started out with just the regular CP Serum and then in a couple weeks I
  upgraded to Super CP, which I use in conjunction with the Exfol Serum. I'm
  sticking with it but I must be honest with you and say that I haven't really
  noticed that much of a difference. My skin FEELS a little bit better, but
  there has been no reduction of scars whatsoever.(And no "healthy glow",
  either!) In fact, that is the very reason why I have just made an appointment
  with a Dr. Rapaport in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, to discuss doing subcision or
  using a cool laser on my face to eradicate my scars. The CP Serums seem to me
  to be little more than fancy moisturizers with some mild exfoliating
  properties, and that's all. I don't believe they are potent enough to erase
  scars on their own. I guess I'll keep using them for a while, but then again,
  I have to ask myself.....why?? I guess they're helping some people, though,
  and I hope you'll have a better experience with them than I've had.
 

  Question For Denise -- Robert, 23:55:12 10/08/03 Wed

  Denise, are you the person who has been using Super CP Serum? If so, how often
  do you apply it? And have you seen visible improvements? I'm about to
  "upgrade" from CP Serum to Super CP.
 

  To: Sam-e --- Re: Glycolic Acid Damage -- Beth, 15:15:02 10/08/03 Wed

  I think you are referring to me. Do you have some glycolic acid damage too?

  To answer your question...No. I have not found the solution yet, but I am
  leaning towards needling.

  I have to say that my cheeks are much better in that they are starting to look
  more normal and can handle Aveeno soap very well. My chin area is still a
  mess, however, and more sensitive to products than the rest of my face.

  The only area I had a corrective treatment done on was my forehead. I had one
  microderm treatment done on my forehead about 2.5 years ago and I DO think
  that treatment helped a bit. At first I thought it made my skin look worse for
  about a year or so afterwards, but now I can see that my uneven texture has
  smoothed out and my forehead is more tolerent than the rest of my face when it
  comes to skin care products. Somehow I think the microderm thickened my skin
  back up in that area.

  Even though I eventually had a good result with microderm, I am hesitant to
  have this treatment done on the rest of my face as it was quite harsh and the
  rest of my face is much more fragile than my forehead. For this reason I am
  leaning toward needling -- unless someone on one of these message boards
  advises otherwise.

  I am thinking of having this needling treatment done soon, so I'll keep you
  all posted.

  Beth
 

  Message to girl whos skin was ruined by glycolic acid -- sam-e, 04:22:17
  10/08/03 Wed

  Did you ever find your solution? How is your skin these days? I hope that you
  are better.
 

  Message to PK -- HT, 09:53:49 10/07/03 Tue

  Hi PK
  Im a newbie on this board and reading your recent posts about you trip to
  australia has given me hope. I am planning to see Dr Schieber but just
  wondering about downtime for this treatment, I know its not like evasive laser
  treatment but are you still red from the treatment, what does your skin look
  like after the treatment? when did the redness subside?
  Hope you can help me.
  Thanks again for your detailed reports, they are much appreciated!
 

   Robert and Larry -- Denise1, 16:48:41 10/06/03 Mon

  Robert I tend to agree with you.

  Larry, you always want to start with lower amounts of glycolic acid. Glycolic
  tends to be the harshest of the AHA's. It's best to start with lower amounts
  and work your way up.

  Keep in mind that over time, your skin does become immune to glycolic acid,
  and you will actually be forced to work up to higher amounts. At some point,
  you ought to go to salicylic or lactic acids.
 

  70% Glycolic acid peel -- Robert, 19:31:21 10/05/03 Sun

  I wouldn't let ANYONE do a 70% peel on me. Order some 15% glycolic acid cream
  or a 30% peel online. 30% works just as well as 70%; it just takes longer. And
  yes, you can be burned! Err on the side of caution, and be patient. I'm using
  a 15% cream with CP Serum and am seeing decent results. I know it will take
  many more months to see significant changes, but I also know I won't be burned
  or scarred in the process.
 

  What's the worst that could happen? -- Larry, 14:22:50 10/05/03 Sun

  I would like to know what's the worst thing that could happen to someone like
  me that has never used any peel higher than 10% glycolic, suddenly applying
  the 70% glycolic peel? I would apply a lower one but since where i'm living
  there isn't any other lower peel.. Is there any serious danger? could I
  actually get seriously burnt or get a bad reaction? what if I told the doctor
  to apply it for less than 2 minutes? and how long until the redness fades?

  And did anyone ever try the product Bio-Oil? It's quite good but I would like
  to know about anyone who has tried it?

  Ok, thanks a whole lot.
 

  PK First Full Report after treatment by Dr. Scheibner -- PK, 07:21:53 10/05/03
  Sun

  Dear Friends,

  First, thank you everyone for your prayers and support. The past 2 months have
  been a real roller coaster, as I daily saw the worsening condition of my skin
  following a botched laser job, and ultimately sought treatment from Dr.
  Adrianna Scheibner, herself, in Australia.

  Let me try to answer the most urgent questions first, with what time I have
  now to jot down some notes:

  First, I was treated 3 separate times by Dr. Scheibner during my week-long
  visit to Sydney. Dr. S. uses as CO2 laser, which she has “tweaked” or adjusted
  differently than other laser practitioners would, to be able to very gently
  laser the skin and stimulate each cell to begin healing again. It does NOT
  remove any skin, NO destruction of the epidermis. All the work is done at the
  cellular level at the dermis/epidermis juncture where the perfect blueprint
  exists for the re-healing of each cell.

  No anesthesia was needed. I could feel the laser, it felt like a slight
  burning sensation, but nothing that I couldn’t handle . Each session lasted
  about 30- 60 minutes. Very carefully, Dr. S. went over every inch of my face,
  seeing as there was scarring over its entire surface, gently stimulating the
  damaged cells to trigger the rehealing process.

  I am a bit hesitant to report fully yet as to my degree of healing thus far.
  Immediately upon my return, 2 days ago, my nose (the most scarred area)
  appeared to be some 40% healed, and the rest of my face filling in as well. I
  now realize that part of these perceived results were the result of my nose
  having been swollen slightly, and now that it’s subsided, I can see more of
  the original scars reappearing. However, there is definitely improvement from
  prior to my treatments, and the rest of my face continues to look better than
  before, as well.

  I am praying that the skin will continue healing or filling in these indented
  scars, and will report back regularly as things progress. What this DOES tell
  me is that Dr. S’s technique DOES absolutely work, in that I have already
  witnessed skin growth, however, it would likely take several more treatments
  to more fully reverse these scars.

  Dr. Scheibner and her family were saints to take me in and help me as they
  have. I am forever indebted to them, and we have agreed to keep in touch and I
  will be working here to further her efforts to return to the states.

  Thank you all, again, and please keep me in your prayers, as I will also be
  praying for each of you, that we can together find a FINAL cure to these
  blasted scars!!

  PK

  Anna -- John, 01:02:30 10/05/03 Sun

  That sounds like good advice, Anna. Thanks very much.
  P.S. Please give PK my best. I hope she's doing all right. We'll all be happy
  to hear her next report.
  Take care.
  John
 

  Accutane and Surgery -- Anna, 00:49:48 10/05/03 Sun

  John,

  If I were you I would call Dr. Rapaport before your appointment and ask him or
  his staff whether they think it is still too soon for you to start treatment
  after being on Accutane.

  Good Luck!
  Anna

  To: PK -- What treatment did you have? -- Beth, 00:33:09 10/05/03 Sun

  I've been away for quite some time and think I may have missed reading what
  kind of "gentle" treatments you were getting. Please fill me in. It sounds
  wonderful. Thanks! Beth:-)
 

  Dr. Rapaport/Subcision/Accutane -- John, 14:59:22 10/04/03 Sat

  I have an appointment on October 13th with NJ dermatologist, Dr. Jeffrey
  Rapaport, who is supposed to be an expert in subcutaneous subcision and laser
  resurfacing and I was wondering if anyone here can give me some guidance on a
  question I have. I was on a dose of 80 mg. a day of Accutane for several
  months in 2002 and 2003 and when I had Zyplast Collagen injections in February
  2003, it left my scars far worse than they were before. I now know (too late)
  that the Accutane likely impeded my ability to heal and that's why the last
  round of Zyplast injections CAUSED more scars, rather than CORRECTED the ones
  that I previously had.

  My question is: if Dr. Rapaport thinks he can help me a protocol of subcision
  and lasering, is it still too soon after the end of my treatment with
  Accutane, to consider having these procedures done? (I stopped taking the
  medication in April of this year.) I went to different dermatologists for both
  treatments--the Accutane and the Zyplast--so I have no one to blame but myself
  for not telling the Zyplast doctor that I was on Accutane. However, I wasn't
  being deceptive...I honestly had no idea at the time that Accutane caused
  scarring, or that it made past scarring, worse.

  I hope someone here can give me some advice on this, and to those out there on
  Accutane, please take this as a warning not to have any surgical or invasive
  treatment done on your face while you are taking that drug. If I had only
  known......
 

   WHITE SPOTS -- Victor, 23:59:01 10/03/03 Fri

  Hey guys,

  I had some CO2 laser treatments about eight years ago and although I think
  they helped, We probably all go into a semi-dark room and play with the
  shadows to see how bad or good we look.
  I am left with white skin where the laser was applied. Are there any others
  out there who have had this happen with that laser? Has anyone done anything
  about it?
  I am working with Novitel gel (not sure on the spelling) for the
  hypopigmentation.

  Vic,
  anything would be appreiciated
 

 

  Eric And Vs -- Steve, 22:17:07 10/03/03 Fri

  Eric.. THe healing process since my touchup has been pretty slow..Its been a
  little over 2 weeks and my scars are still very redish..Which i feel is a
  positive sign, because it means Dr. Rullan really got under the scar tissue
  and burned them well.. And yeah ive been using Regular CP Serum and EMU oil
  twice a day for healing..

  Hopefully ill see good results within the next month.. But im also doing alot
  of experimenting with various topicals and peel the acne.org people are
  using.. Like the Alpha lipoic home cream, mandalic acid, and even got my hands
  on 50% TCA peel.. So the next couple of months should be interesting..

  VS, Sure we can meet up...Email and ill give you me number.. as of right now
  my schedule is free, ive been trying to get a job recently so i may end up
  being a bit busy.. But im sure we can find time to meet up..
 

 

  Steve...PK...Dr.Rullan -- VS, 23:26:07 10/02/03 Thu

  Well I made an apt to see Dr. Rullan. My apt with him is on the 7th. I'm
  driving down to the LA area this weekend.
  Steve Can we meet while i'm down there?

  PK i'm so happy for you. Can you describe what exactly she does. what laser
  she uses? i'm confused on her whole process. Does she just set the laser to
  really low setting and abrade the skin or what?

  :)
 

 

   PK & Steve -- Eric, 20:31:03 10/02/03 Thu

  PK-

  That is awesome news! I am very pleased to hear such miraculous stories of
  recovery, not only on your part, but also on the part of the former patients.
  The Lord is good! I e-mailed Dr. Scheibner a few weeks ago requesting to be
  added to the list of petitions, I believe it was, to have a clinic opened in
  California again, as well as to get a brochure from her. It seems that she
  truly wants to bring her methods back to USA to help as many people as she
  possibly can recover from the ravages of scarring. I look forward to what the
  future will bring!!

  Hey Steve-
  Just wanted to ask how you are doing after your Exoderm touch-ups! Is your
  skin healing OK, and are you using CP Serum to help? Any new improvement yet?
  Sorry to bug you, but I am hopeful and enthusiastic for your continued
  progress!

  Peace out y'all...

  -Eric
 

 

   PK -- Denise1, 15:33:23 10/02/03 Thu

  Pk: That is truly wonderful news. I'm so impressed with the Dr. To think that
  she put you up, let you use her frequent flier miles, etc....and now you can
  already see such good results. This is truly incredible. I truly hope and pray
  that you will continue to heal and continue to testify to the goodness of the
  woman who unselfishly helps others.

  Thanks for the update, and happy healing!!!!
 

 

  PK -- John, 14:54:22 10/02/03 Thu

  That is great news, PK! Like everyone else here, I can't wait to hear more. I
  have the feeling that your treatments with Dr. Scheibner will be the catalyst
  for many life-altering miracles--not only for you, but somehow, for the rest
  of us, too.
  I hope that each day finds you more and more pleased with the results of Dr.
  Scheibner's work. I am elated for you and will keep sending lots of good
  thoughts your way.
  John
 

 

  PK - Scheibner -- Sweety, 12:50:16 10/02/03 Thu

  PK, thats wonderful news!!
 

 

  PK -- Maya, 09:59:39 10/02/03 Thu

  Wow, your good news is exactly what we all needed to hear right now!!!!!! So
  many have followed your anguish and now there really seems to be so much hope
  again. I believe in miracles :-) :-) :-)

  Please could you post more details about the full procedure. Are you saying
  that you had 3 lots of CO2 laser performed on you at low setting?

  Thanks so much for your update even though you were tired, and I wish you
  continued success!
 

 

  VS -- Steve, 04:22:27 10/02/03 Thu

  I believe the URL to Dr.rullans site is http://www.drrullan.com/

 

  You can get all the info you need from there..
 

 

  PK Your an Inspiration -- John, 02:01:02 10/02/03 Thu

  Hi PK,

  I am so pleased for you and thanks for your posts.

  As I live in Australia, I had better make the most of it while she is actually
  here.

  For all others in this country we had better make the most of this wonderful
  technique.
 

 

  PK initial reporting in after visit to Scheibner Center .... -- PK, 01:51:54
  10/02/03 Thu

  Thank you, Anna, for covering for me earlier. Still very tired, back to sleep
  in a moment, but wanted to first post this.

  I AM NOW CONVINCED BEYOND ANY DOUBT THAT DR. SCHEIBNER IS THE "REAL THING" AND
  THAT SHE HAS DEVELOPED A METHOD WHEREBY SCARS CAN BE REVERSESD COMPLETELY, OR
  NEAR COMPLETELY, DEPENDING UPON HOW MANY TREATMENTS GIVEN!

  My trip to Sydney and visit for a week with S. Family was nothing short of
  miraculous. I saw with my own eyes patient photos wherein scarring far worse
  than mine was eradicated entirely. I met a half dozen former patients whose
  skin looks completely normal - in fact every one of her staff members is a
  former patient who was so changed by the experience of being made whole, that
  they entered her employ. Pretty outstanding testimony.

  MY OWN SKIN is looking far improved - after three gentle treatments, thus far
  it appears that to be a maybe 30-40 % improvement - depressed scars actually
  filling in and the skin healing after having been "permanently" scarred by
  laser resurfacing.

  Given that teh whole world maintains that scarring is permanent, what I see
  occuring on my face is such a miracle, and Dr. S. is determined to bring this
  technology to the US to help others like me. I, along with "Anna" plan to be
  helping her. By the way, I informed her of Marcsheeps' death, and she was
  devastated. Had only he waited but a short week to hear this news. I am so sad
  about this....

  But please everyone, keep the faith, God is at work here and I am delighted
  beyond my wildest dreams to provide all os us good news.

  I promise, more later. Sweetie and others, I DID ask your specific questions.
  NO type of scarring is beyond help, and there is absouteuly no "recovery time"
  as she does not remove any tissue. She is a miracle.

  THank you all for your prayers, more later...

  PK
 

 

  PK -- John, 22:53:14 10/01/03 Wed

  Thanks for letting us know that PK got home safely, Anna, and that Dr.
  Scheibner was able to help her. That is terrific news! I am looking forward to
  hearing all about PK's experiences with Dr. Scheibner, when she posts her
  update. I really feel the need to hear something positive these days. I must
  admit that MarcSheep's passing did a real number on me and I have been very,
  very down since I first heard about it. I am probably too sensitive for my own
  good and I hate to hear of ANYONE being in ANY kind of pain. And of course,
  Marc was suffering the ultimate pain, which, I guess, is a total loss of hope.
  He is in my thoughts a lot.
  It will be encouraging, I think, for all of us, to hear PK's report as I'm
  sure she is feeling much better by now.
  Anna, I send you, and PK, and everyone here, my best.
  John
 

 

  Dr. Scheibner -- Anna, 21:01:55 10/01/03 Wed

  PK is back!

  She is very tired, but she called to tell me that in the week she was staying
  with Dr. Scheibner she was treated three times. Each treatment lasted from 30
  - 40 minutes, no anesthesia or numbing cream. Dr. Scheibner herself performed
  the treatment which involves a CO2 laser at a very low setting. She says that
  she can't believe it, but she sees about 40% improvement and Dr. Scheibner
  says that she should continue to see improvement over the next two months. PK
  will post more later...
 

 

   LT, Larry, and Greg -- Denise1, 15:22:43 10/01/03 Wed

  Greg: I sent you an e-mail! Hope you got it.

  LT: Please don't blame yourself. That's the last thing you should do. Please
  don't do it. Marc is the only one responsible for doing what he did. Think
  about it....!!!

  Larry: 70% sounds incredibly high if you are only at 10%. You can always try a
  30% peel, or a 50% lactic acid peel and spot treat your minor scars with Super
  CP Serum, which will help over time. This isn't a one-time thing where your
  scars disappear in one application. It's a procedure that shows good results
  over time. You can try it, but keep in mind to be patient. Retin A micro .10%
  is very good for helping with scarring too, if your skin can handle it.

  Try: www.homepeels.com
 

 

  LT -- Maya, 09:27:34 10/01/03 Wed

  It wasn't your fault in any way. Marc was already depressed although he hid it
  pretty well when he posted. I had many private 'chats' with him. In fact, it's
  better when people post if they are feeling down, it allows others to support
  them. After all, most of us are in the same boat, and being able to give and
  receive within this community is important.

  Please don't let this stop anyone from posting if they need emotional support.
  Don't go through it alone. There are so many here who are willing to help.

  Maya
 

 

  please help with skin tattoo -- Tina, 21:23:01 09/30/03 Tue

  I have been a listener for a while on this site. This is my first time
  posting. I need help. When will I see the results of my skin tattoo. I am 6
  weeks post procedure and scars look the same. I am anxious to see results, but
  when?
 

 

  Insurance -- Anna, 20:39:20 09/30/03 Tue

  John,
  My insurance company does cover treatment of acne as a medical condition. It
  does not cover acne scar treatment though. I think this is because the
  efficacy of these treatments remains unproven. I believe if a sure fire
  treatment existed insurance funds would become available. I truly think that
  with the advances in the study of growth factors and other biological
  processes we are on the verge of having reliable scar repair available to us.
  Many doctors become arrogant and hostile when they encounter a condition they
  can't address and don't understand. Anyway, that is just my view.
  My best,
  Anna
 

 

  Elaine -- Marcos, 06:28:02 09/30/03 Tue

  Sorry Elaine, but I´m not in the United States.
  You could try to look for Olcadil using "SANDOZ" (its manufacturer) or
  "CLOXAZOLAM" (scientific name). I took it about 9 years ago for some weeks and
  quit when I felt I didn´t need it anymore, since it´s a very heavy drug!
 

 

   70% Glycolic Peel -- Larry, 05:45:35 09/30/03 Tue

  About a year ago a few months after my break-out (had just left Roaccutan) my
  doctor told me he could apply a 70% glycolic peel on my face for 3 minutes and
  then remove it. I've been using a 10% glycolic peel and retin-A mostly for the
  past year.

  I have some mild acne scars which I want to take care of before passing to the
  deeper problems.
  I was wondering if this is a good idea? I've never used a glycolic peel higher
  than 10% in my life. But the doctor doesnt have any lower ones.. I was pretty
  shocked when he suggested it.. But I want to give it a try, should I go for
it?

  Thanks. I'm really Sorry about Marc.
 

 

  70% Glycolic Peel!!?? -- Larry, 05:41:48 09/30/03 Tue

  About a year ago a few months after my break-out (had just left Roaccutan) my
  doctor told me he could apply a 70% glycolic peel on my face for 3 minutes and
  then remove it. I've been using a 10% glycolic peel and retin-A mostly for the
  past year.

  I have some mild acne scars which I want to take care of before passing to the
  deeper problems.
  I was wondering if this is a good idea? I've never used a glycolic peel higher
  than 10% in my life. But the doctor doesnt have any lower ones.. I was pretty
  shocked when he suggested it.. But I want to give it a try, should I go for
it?

  Thanks. I'm really Sorry about Marc.
 

 

  Steve Dr Rullan -- vs, 02:15:57 09/30/03 Tue

  Hey steve, or anyone else, whats dr rullans email
  I'm going to be in southern california soon, and I wanna have a consult with
  dr. rullan. He is in southern cali right?
 

 

  LT -- John, 18:57:03 09/29/03 Mon

  LT, don't do that to yourself. I think A LOT of us have felt that way (about
  wanting to commit suicide), from time to time. To be honest, the thought
  crosses MY mind--albeit, fleetingly--EVERY DAY. I am very angry right
  now...NOT at MarcSheep. On the contrary, I feel nothing but sorrow that he
  felt so desolate and alone, he couldn't see past the pain of his acne scars. I
  am angry at the medical insurance communities that not only refuse to
  acknowledge acne as a medical--rather than a COSMETIC--disease, but also
  minimize the far-reaching negative effects of having facial scars. I can say,
  without equivocation, that my scars were the direct cause of my having
  developed a severe Social Anxiety Disorder over the years, that has only grown
  worse over time. I am CERTAIN I would not have this disorder if I didn't have
  these damn scars! The devastation of a person's spirit is an EXTREMELY SERIOUS
  consequence of having acne scars....WHY CAN'T (AND WHEN WILL) SOCIETY AS A
  WHOLE--AND THE MEDICAL AND INSURANCE COMMUNITIES, IN PARTICULAR--recognize
  this?? Yes, having these scars may have made me a more compassionate, kind and
  empathetic person, but you know what? I would trade in ALL those qualities to
  have a clear, scar-free complexion. If that doesn't sufficiently explain how
  physically and emotionally ravaged I feel by this problem, I don't know what
  else I could say, that WOULD...
  God bless MarcSheep and all of us here. Kindred spirits, we are, and believe
  me, if I could take every last one of our scars away, as God as my witness, I
  WOULD.
 

 

  Marc -- LT, 16:38:38 09/29/03 Mon

  I came here a month ago, and posted about wanting to die. I come back today
  and read that Marc, who replied to my post, has killed himself. I feel that my
  post, talking of not wanting to live with acne scars, might have pushed him in
  that direction.
 

 

  Olcadil, acne scarring -- Elaine, 07:44:11 09/29/03 Mon

  Hello. Actually, I don't have any idea what this page is about. I was looking
  up "olcadil" to see if I could buy it in the United States, as I am almost out
  and can't go back to Brazil and get more. I saw that "Marcos" mentioned it and
  wondered if he got it here. Just as a coincidence, I have acne scars too. I've
  just started using Elicina, a cream that over time is supposed to really help
  acne scarring (I don't have money for surgical treatments). Anyway, I've liked
  Elicina so far. It does seem to at least smooth out the skin. Maybe Marcos
  could leave a note about the olcadil? I don't have a prescription, although I
  could get one, as I have a legitimate reason. Still, it is much more
  convenient when you don't need one. In Brazil, I never needed a prescription.
  Good luck to everyone here. Elaine
 

 

  DENISE1...you are famous:-) -- greg, 03:47:26 09/29/03 Mon

  hi denise,
  Mimi is flying up to D.C. from Florida to get needled by Lilian and she wants
  to meet you as you were the pioneer of needling- she nor I have your email
  address so am posting here...

  My support group is having a needling "live demo" this Saturday 10/4 at 1pm at
  Lilian's place- mimi & I are gonna both get needled as my group watches...

  she wants to see your face:-)

  I know it's a long drive from Richmond but Mimi's coming all the way from
  Florida:-)

  Hope you can make it!
  Greg
 

 

  Marc's death...saddened but not surprised -- greg, 03:35:14 09/29/03 Mon

  I am very sorry to hear about Marc's passing- but i am not surprised- i am
  actually amazed there are not *more* suicides from this scarring mess...this
  is a topic that is hardly ever discussed..but i would venture to say that
  suicide has crossed most if not all of our minds..sorry to say this but i feel
  it's the truth...

  what angers me is that this was a fixable situation-if he could've just gotten
  over the shame part...yes-back scarring is harder to fix than facial
  scarring(not sure why but it is) but this coulda been fixed...the horizon is
  neon-bright for us...within a few years we'll have new sheets of new skin
  grown from stem cells-scars will be 100% fixable soon...

  I'm sure Marc's life was *extended* by this message board- it gave him hope &
  comfort- a place to land , but scarring is still sometimes just too much to
  bear for a young person...

  Greg
 

 

   Clarification about Marcsheep -- Denise1, 20:54:25 09/28/03 Sun

  Marc was more severely depressed about his back than anything. His acne scars
  only seemed to exacerbate his feelings to feeling out of place. His back was
  badly scarred due to a botched surgery, not acne.

  I think that in his last conversaton with Maya, he said that needling had
  helped him in his facial scars. He was thinking about getting needling done on
  his back, but was very ashamed of anyone seeing it.

  I hope this helps everyone understand what was going on with Marc. It's very
  tragic and sad. I only wish I had known everything that was going on with him,
  like so many of us.

  Hope this clarifies things a bit.
 

 

   About Marc -- Marcos, 06:21:40 09/26/03 Fri

  I have never posted here because of my poor English, but it´s very hard to
  know that one more person from this board gave up living because of acne
  scaring. I feel like trying to help.
  I have also considered suicide many times in the past. I couldn´t stand that
  intense endless pain 24 hours a day. Today, many years later, the reasons for
  the despair I used to feel seem so insignificant (scars one of them) but I
  know the situation. When we feel desperate, we can´t see the reality, so
  rational thoughts (such as thinking about people that have worse problems)
  don´t usually help - we are out of the "normal" world. Everything becames
  emotional.
  Fortunatelly, if science haven´t found a cure for scars, it has provided many
  treatments for depression, including great drugs. I used a medicine called
  Olcadil that was amazing, and today I have read there are others even better.
  I´m sad for knowing Marc died when I know (from personal experience) that a
  good psychiatrist could have saved him.

  Time is also a good remedy. After some years, acne scars are no longer an
  obsession, just an annoyance that don´t occupy the mind all the time and don´t
  torture us anymore.
 

 

   About Marc -- Marcos, 06:19:18 09/26/03 Fri

  I have never posted here because of my poor English, but it´s very hard to
  know that one more person from this board gave up living because of acne
  scaring. I feel like trying to help.
  I have also considered suicide many times in the past. I couldn´t stand that
  intense endless pain 24 hours a day. Today, many years later, the reasons for
  the despair I used to feel seem so insignificant (scars one of them) but I
  know the situation. When we feel desperate, we can´t see the reality, so
  rational thoughts (such as thinking about people that have worse problems)
  don´t usually help - we are out of the "normal" world. Everything becames
  emotional.
  Fortunatelly, if science haven´t found a cure for scars, it has provided many
  treatments for depression, including great drugs. I used a medicine called
  Olcadil that was amazing, and today I have read there are others even better.
  I´m sad for knowing Marc died when I know (from personal experience) that a
  good psychiatrist could have saved him.

  Time is also a good remedy. After some years, acne scars are no longer an
  obsession, just an annoyance that don´t occupy the mind all the time and don´t
  torture us anymore.
 

 

  My doctor search -- elizabeth rohan, 06:22:15 09/25/03 Thu

  It's my 45th birthday and 3 years since I started having acne scaring. I
  wanted to take this opportunity and tell everyone, find a good doctor. I spent
  over 5 months seeing Dr. Llorente for scars. It cost me over 2600 plus travel
  and alot of promises from her that she could fix the skin. Terrible if any
  results.
  I saw Dr. Romano in sfo, I have depressed acne scars. I went to him and said I
  had congested sking, clear that up and I probably be be happy. I have 2
  craters, clearing up the skin would not help those. I saw Romano because he
  was in a clinical trial for Artecoll in California.
  I asked him about subcision and he thought Artecoll and not much of that
  either. I saw a board certified doctor in Carmichael and he was insulting. He
  told me, get your hair cut then maybe you can get a job. I saw a doctor at the
  skin laser in Sacramento and she was pushing themage! I think it was her new
  toy, which would have just pulled the skin tighter.
  She mentioned laser resurfacing and I informed her that was for shallow acne
  scars. I saw a different doctor at the skin lasers, and by the time I saw her
  my acne was flairing up and I was extremely depressed and she wouldn't treat
  me. I had a collagen test done, told her about Artecoll, which she had never
  heard of. She told me to see a doctor for depression and then she help me.
  Enough, I went to Canada and saw Dr. Cauthers, the botox king. He is not cheap
  but a very good doctor. He thought artecoll was the way to go. He does do
  subcision but he said I had lost a of tissue. I began to show major
  improvements with Artecoll. I went back to the skin lasers thinking I'd try
  subcison and avoid a trip back to Canada.
  The doctor thought maybe another trip to Canada might be worth my while. She
  said you look so much better.
  I had one really ugly scar that dermbasion did nothing for.
  She cut it out and first I thought it still looked pretty
  white and yuck. The scar is finally showing improvment.
  I've been using some home peels and it it looks like the
  scar tissue is breaking down.
  I saw Dr. Ann Haas, who I like very much for a doctor in Sacramento. She
  thought maybe some subcison and the scars except the one I had excision done
  on. I have to wait on that one a bit. The one scar was really teatherd down
  and they both bleed. I didn't bruise at all. I did look like a chipmunk at
  work for a day. I'm not sure subcison will cure all the depression but it will
  help if I go back to Canada for more Artecoll.
  I also saw Dr Fitzspatrick in San Diego. I think he treats the rich and famous
  there. He wanted $8500 for 3 excision and laser resurfacing. It was such a
  deal, where do I sign up? I also saw Dr. Groot in Edmonton Canada, who was
  ok,he wouldn't treat me because they were having
  problems with people from the states suing.
  He was a kind doctor. It seems like everyone of these
  doctors has a different opinion on how to treat acne scarring.
  Do your research. I'm like everyone else here. We are victims of a skin
  disease, but we are not eligible for help, they consider it cosmetic. I lost 3
  years of my life because I was too ashamed of my scars to be seen by people
  who knew me before.
  If you live near Sacramento, I can recommend Dr. Ann Haas.
  She is very upfront. If you live in Britsh Columbia, Dr. Cauuthers get a big
  A. I think he should have done subcision on the scar but he seemed to think
  Artecoll was the way to go. I still have scars but they are better.
  It's been a hard time as it is for everyone.
 

 

  Marc -- VS, 23:13:15 09/24/03 Wed

  I still cant get Marc outa my head.
  He seemed so ok. On the acne board I remember telling him that needling doesn't work
  and to wait for his swelling to go down and his scars would come back. And he
  replied saying his swelling was down and his skin looked awesome. But I kept
  persisting to wait at least 2 weeks before he gives his verdict, he was only
  like 5 days into the needling. I kept watching the acne board for his responses and
  like the past 2 weeks I hadn't seen one response from him. I thought to my
  self "ya i bet all his scars came back so he isnt responding anymore because
  he was claiming how great his needling went before." I kept thinking about
  Marc in the back of my head, thinking "why isnt he writing anymore on
  on the acne board?" And then poor marc commits suicide. THis gonna sound crazy and
  weird, but maybe i was having sychic powers or god was sending me a message to
  reach out to Marc, cause lately I been thinking about him and kept checking
  the acne board for his needling updates, and he wasnt posting.

  I dunno. I sound crazy for saying that. But i'm so sad. I'm so angry, I'm lots
  of emotions mixed together. I'm angry that he had to go through that pain.
  That everyone of us here has to go through this pain and weight on our
  shoulders.

  We cant just forget this, we cant have Marc be a forgettin memory and in 2
  weeks start posting about our scars without doing something about this. We
  dont deserve to live a life of misery, and no person deserves to be soo
  miserable and sad that they take their life away.

  I've been reading online, and online it says that many people commit suicide
  because of acne scars. We have to make a change. Marcs familly cant just burry
  him and forget this. They have to lobby, we have to lobby. Something has to
  change. I dont know what exactly has to change but something. Maybe have drs
  consider acne more seriously with better drugs. Have insurance companies cover
  scar revision instead of saying its cosmetic. THIS IS NOT COSMETIC, something
  that makes someone commit suicide, something that causes you to see a
  therapist and go on anti-depressants is not just cosmetic. acne scars ruin
  your mind, emotionally, physically, mentally its devestating.

  I'm so confused and sad and angry and ugh so many things built into one, i
  just dont know what to do.
  I dont understand why we dont have any drs in this whole united states of
  america, who can solve our problem. why wont at least 1 dr in this whole US or
  world rather, devote his life to acne scar research to find a cure to our
  problem. I just dont understand, its 2003 and we cant solve an acne scar?

  Sorry for rambling, i know i prolly made no sense. But i'm so frustrated.
 

 

   About Mark Sheep -- Maya, 20:39:01 09/24/03 Wed

  So many on the acne scar board have been pretty shocked and distressed..
  and at the same time the community pulls itself together to reach beyond its
  own pain to see how it can support each other. In fact, I think this incident
  has made an enormous impact in terms of healing for others. Strange how a
  tragedy can help the masses see that choices and hope is within their grasp.

  For my sanity, I can only see it as part of Marcs life purpose was to be
  'chosen' to be a sacrifice so that others could gain wisdom and understanding
  from this experience.

  It's been a really emotional ride last night and today, but it's opened doors
  for people too and that's what counts - to be able to achieve something
  positive out of something which could've sent people the other way. It's
  helped people open up more about themselves and those seeking more help than
  originally envisaged have kind of let down their false, cheerful masks and
  revealed more about themselves so that they can be supported.

  It's interesting to note at times like this how many people believe in God,
  prayer and have their own sense of something more than the ordinary. It's been
  like a prayer circle, with all the good wishes sending his spirit to some
  place of healing. When I lit a candle for Marc, I felt a sense of peace in
  myself too. Knowing Marc, I'm sure he's sending lots of blessings to everyone
  right now! He was a great guy in many, many ways, I'm really pleased I got to
  know him.

  Thanks Marc!

 

  marcsheep passing -- amez, 18:42:26 09/24/03 Wed

  This saddens me as well. As an occasional poster to the board I found his
  messages informative and articulate. It seems he was putting on a brave front
  when he posted the below message. If it's not acne scarring that caused the
  suicide, it certainly didn't help his outlook on life. Hang in there
  everyone...and look at yourself in good lighting a few times a day. this does
  help (in a "fake it till ya make it" kind of way)...

  vs and LT -- Marcsheep, 23:13:11 08/24/03 Sun

  i agree with vs that in some cirumstances suicide is ok ie. terminal illness
  or utterly unbearable living conditions, but to KILL YOURSELF over acne
  scarring is an appalling waste, especially considering how treatable it
  is....I defy anyone with severe acne scarring to say that they have never
  considered suicide as a solution, but LT you've got to realise that people
  exist with worse problems than yourself and myself....Goto a burn survivor
  website to get some perspective on how little significance our problems really
  have...Better yet volunteer at a burns unit in a local hospital (which I have
  done) and see real beauty, strength and pain...If you would rather die than
  live with scarring then rather than kill yourself LT get a facial tattoo,
  literally a black tattoo...It will hide your scars (as black cant cast a
  shadow on black) and though you would look different at least you could live a
  full life...This is however a very extreme solution...

  Marc
 

 

  Marc -- Antz, 13:17:22 09/24/03 Wed

  That's truly a shocking and awful thing, he seemed so together from his posts
  on here and on the acne board. I'm a staunch aethiest and the only good thing I can
  see is that he no longer feels suffering day in, day out any longer. My
  feelings go out to his loved ones.
 

 

   In memory of Marc... -- Denise1, 05:09:58 09/24/03 Wed

  I have spent much of today in tears and shock. I had gotten to know MarcSheep
  pretty well through private messenging at the acne board and am so hurt and
  disappointed at this tragic turn of events.

  I see that people have mentioned God and whatnot in their comments and my
  belief is that God can use things in our lives but he doesn't destin us to be
  horribly disfigured by things. God is sovereign but this is a fallen world;
  diseases abound. The goodness of God is hard to see and comprehend sometimes
  but it is there if you are open to seeing it.

  I personally believe that totally incompetent and ignorent doctors are to
  blame for the way acne is treated and the subsequent scarring. I am going to
  crusade for changes in the way acne is treated. I have thought about writing a
  book for a long time on acne and related scar treatments. I will dedicate my
  book to Marc, who I believe probably suffered needlessly. Doctors put young
  teens on antibiotics and it doesn't do anything but overburden the liver and
  guess what...?? When you stop taking antibiotics, the acne comes back way
  worse, so the doctor puts you on more antibiotics. Is this what sane people
  do? The same thing over and over with no result, but a worsening of the
  symptom?

  The more I have studied about what antibiotics do, and how doctors make acne
  worse by keeping people on them, the more outraged I get. I have always known
  this but recently I have done more studying for my book and am completely
  shocked at just how dangerous antibiotics can be.

  Words cannot express how broken my heart is. Marc was a funny, vibrant, warm
  young man with his whole life ahead of him. I don't believe that God choose
  such a path of torment for Marc or any of us. I do believe that God can make
  good come out of bad things, but I don't believe He authors them. God is
  active on this earth through His people, but this is a fallen world. Diseases
  and sickness are a part of life.

  Well, I have ranted and raged enough. I am just so frustrated and hurt I
  really am quite sad at this. Marc could've been the most awesome man alive and
  yet he was so alone in his pain. I only wish I had known how much.
 

 

  In loving memory of Marcsheep -- PK, 00:32:47 09/24/03 Wed

  Like any of us reading today's posts, I am devastated by the news of
  "Marcsheep" taking his life. THis is so utterly sad - such a loss, such a
  young life. I hadn't corresponded with him, but have read the posts of those
  who had, and how well they spoke of him.

  I concur with all that has been said, especially in the sentiments expressed
  by as Eric, who, like me, apparently is a Christian who believes that there
  must be some greater purpose in all this and a solution to the suffering of
  all of those with facial scarring.

  I'm certain that the scarring on my face as a result of a botched lasering job
  (see former posts...) is NOTHING as compared to what Marcsheep and others must
  suffer with. Yet I know how even this has devastated me, and soured my entire
  outlook on life. I can't imagine living an entire life feeling as such.

  I realize how incredibly blessed I am to be able to receive treatmemt by Dr.
  Scheibner in Austrailia. I am racing around getting work and packing done, as
  I leave tomorrow. As my past posts have indictaed, Dr. Scheibner has been a
  true saint, in making possible for me such treatment, and she and I both
  believe, as Christians, that God has a larger purpose in our meeting. (I am a
  lobbyist in the state of California, and intend to make public
  her...ideally... successful treatment of my scars, publicize her unique
  lasering techniques, and lobby for the reinstatement of her California
  license, which she states was revoked/surrendered as a result of fraudulently
  and falsely filed claims against her.)

  Dr. Scheibner has a real heart for God and those suffering from scarring, and
  has made her life's work treating people such as us. Please don't lose hope,
  please pray with us that through our collective efforts Dr. Scheibner may be
  able to return to the US and not only reestablish her practice, but also teach
  others how to use her unique scar reversal lasering techniques.

  I have faith that my scarring will be completely reversed. But whatever the
  outcome, I'm here for the long haul, and hope to help others like Marcsheep
  not lose hope, but find real solutions.

  May God have mercy on his soul, and may he find the peace and comfort which
  elluded him here.

  PK
 

 

  In loving memory of Marcsheep -- PK, 00:30:58 09/24/03 Wed

  Like any of us reading today's posts, I am devastated by the news of
  "Marcsheep" taking his life. THis is so utterly sad - such a loss, such a
  young life. I hadn't corresponded with him, but have read the posts of those
  who had, and how well they spoke of him.

  I concur with all that has been said, especially in the sentiments expressed
  by as Eric, who, like me, apparently is a Christian who believes that there
  must be some greater purpose in all this and a solution to the suffering of
  all of those with facial scarring.

  I'm certain that the scarring on my face as a result of a botched lasering job
  (see former posts...) is NOTHING as compared to what Marcsheep and others must
  suffer with. Yet I know how even this has devastated me, and soured my entire
  outlook on life. I can't imagine living an entire life feeling as such.

  I realize how incredibly blessed I am to be able to receive treatmemt by Dr.
  Scheibner in Austrailia. I am racing around getting work and packing done, as
  I leave tomorrow. As my past posts have indictaed, Dr. Scheibner has been a
  true saint, in making possible for me such treatment, and she and I both
  believe, as Christians, that God has a larger purpose in our meeting. (I am a
  lobbyist in the state of California, and intend to make public
  her...ideally... successful treatment of my scars, publicize her unique
  lasering techniques, and lobby for the reinstatement of her California
  license, which she states was revoked/surrendered as a result of fraudulently
  and falsely filed claims against her.)

  Dr. Scheibner has a real heart for God and those suffering from scarring, and
  has made her life's work treating people such as us. Please don't lose hope,
  please pray with us that through our collective efforts Dr. Scheibner may be
  able to return to the US and not only reestablish her practice, but also teach
  others how to use her unique scar reversal lasering techniques.

  I have faith that my scarring will be completely reversed. But whatever the
  outcome, I'm here for the long haul, and hope to help others like Marcsheep
  not lose hope, but find real solutions.

  May God have mercy on his soul, and may he find the peace and comfort which
  elluded him here.

  PK
 

 

  In Memory Of Marcsheep -- vs, 23:19:40 09/23/03 Tue

  I just found out marcsheep commited suicide. I'm in complete shock and sad. I
  can feel his sadness during his last moments, lost of hope and frustration
  with life with scars. I pray to god he is in a peacefull place. A place where
  he doesnt have weight on his shoulders. A place of happiness.

  I hope Drs who only care about money could hear about stories like marcsheep.
  A young man who was so devestated with scars, he took his life. Drs consider
  acne scar revision cosmetic, but i'm sorry its NOT cosmetic. Acne scarring is
  something that causes great emotional and physical distress and depression.

  God please help us all, and take care of Marc and give him the happiness he
  deserved on earth.
 

 

  MarcSheep's passing -- John, 23:12:04 09/23/03 Tue

  I am haunted, heartsick and feel ill by the news of MarcSheep's passing. I
  didn't know him personally but he took the time to answer my inquiry about
  needling, here at the Forum. I know the mental anguish that scarring causes
  and I can almost imagine the absolute misery he was feeling. I am so sorry
  this kind soul had to suffer like this. God bless him and his family and
  friends. I send everyone here my condolences. Man, am I ever depressed over
  this news. Please, God, why can't there be resolution for our skin concerns?
  The pain for many of us is just unbearable!
 

 

   Remember Marc -- Eric, 22:15:00 09/23/03 Tue

  Hello all-

  It was with sad news from the acne board forum that I came here and found that
  Steve had already revealed what I have just discovered... that Marcsheep
  committed suicide. The reason for this does not have to do with scars that
  improved from needling... rather from severe scarring on his back that he had
  discussed only with Maya, and his fears of sharing housing when he was to
  begin at the University. These fears I guess were the reason why he chose to
  take his life.

  I am deeply grieved and shocked by this event. Marc was one of the youngest
  members of this forum, he had his whole life ahead of him. I know the pain and
  the suffering that he has felt all too keenly and have myself considered
  suicide in the past. But I will not go there again. Yes, it is true that God
  had an intent for giving us scars. But it is not his intent that we kill
  ourselves over them. He has a plan for each and every one of us, and although
  we suffer, remember also the suffering of Jesus, who died on the Cross. He who
  had done no wrong died for our sins, so that we may be put right with God.
  Jesus has suffered like few mortals have suffered before. He feels our pain
  and he is there to help us, if we will only open the door and let him in!

  Our situation is not hopeless! I will pray for Marc and hope that in death he
  will find the peace and salvation he has sought at the Lord's side. As for the
  rest of us, remember that it is not for us to judge God's choices or question
  the path he has laid out for us. But do remember that God intends for us a
  full and fruitful life, and that if resolution of our scars is one of the
  hurdles that needs to be jumped in order to achieve this, THEN HE WILL DO IT
  FOR YOU. All you need is resolution and belief that through God, you CAN and
  WILL accomplish this! There are many success stories out there by people who
  have triumphed over their scarring. The reason why we are not hearing about
  them so much is because many of those people have left this forum and are no
  longer agonizing over their scars! So take heart, and remember that there is
  hope!

  Let us pray for Marc and for each other and remember that death is not the
  way! In dire times and situations such as this, ask for the Lord for guidance
  and assistance and when he gives you an answer, be prepared to receive it!

  Bless your courageous, noble souls one and all. Remember that we are being
  tested now, as Jesus was tested on the cross, and that if we hang on and
  believe, we will find salvation.

  -Eric
 

 

  PK-Heading to Australia -- cb, 21:39:05 09/23/03 Tue

  Hello:

  Just wanted relay a message from PK, that she's really busy getting ready for
  her trip to visit Dr. Scheibner. She'll post to the forum upon her return. I'm
  wishing her the best and keeping her in my thoughts and prayers.

  On a more somber note-that is very sad news about Marcsheep. I remember him
  talking about his needling procedure. I read his posts on the acne board also. My
  thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Scarring can affect
  more than your physical appearance, evidently in Marc's case it was too much
  to bear.
 

 

  Everyone.. I have sad news.... Marcsheep Committed Suicide Last Week -- Steve,
  19:48:27 09/23/03 Tue

  right now i have mixed emotions about what has happened.. IT kind of makes me
  mad that he gave up so soon, but really i dont know how extensive his scarring
  was and how deeply depressed Marc was.. I understand that Marc had needling
  done not to long ago with good success.. So i just dont understand why he gave
  up so soon.. It seemed as though he was on the path to great skin..

  This situation i admit makes me question God.. Why Does he choose to Humble us
  with dreadful scars knowing that some of us will take our lives because of
  it...

  I pray that Marcs soul is with God.. People Please Never give up.. NEVER EVER
  GIVE UP
 

 

  To MarcSheep - thanks -- Mary, 08:35:11 09/22/03 Mon

  Thank you for responding to my question on 9/1/03 about how the skin heals
  after another trauma/wound such as laser etc. Sorry about the late reply - I
  forgot to check back in here.
  Mary
 

 

  John -- J, 02:51:13 09/22/03 Mon

  hey John,
  So I called up a few places in Sydney that performs aquamid and they all quote
  me like $1000-$1500 per ml. Is that realistic?
  I'm still puzzled by how cheap you got it for, but am happy for you. Is your
  Dr. a normal GP or a plastic surgeon? and did he give you a mates rate because
  you personally know him?
 

 

  dvsadavssdv? -- Anna, 02:20:22 09/22/03 Mon

  Was hat das mit Narben zu tun? Bleib auf dem Thema.

  (translation)
  What does this have to do with scars? Stay on the topic.
 

 

  dvsadavssdv -- asdv, 19:03:12 09/21/03 Sun

  deutsche
  geld verdienen

 

 

  Fat transfer - scarring at location of fat removal -- Cameron, 13:19:32
  09/21/03 Sun

  Cityslicker, thanks for your detailed reply on fat transfer. I had my
  dime-sized scar that was caused by subcission filled in the depressed areas
  with collagen (as a test), and it looks great. Once the collagen wears off,
  I'll probably do fat transfer on it.
 

 

  Scheibner -- liz rohan, 05:32:33 09/21/03 Sun

  I did met Diane and Jim at Dr. Llorente office in Orange County. Dr. Llorente
  was my doctor there I had terrible results with her for a scar treatments

  Diane said she was burned with a laser, part of her
  lip was missing, holes in her skin,
  She looked great I know her ordeal went on for 5 years, searching for doctors.
  I know Scheibner was one of the
  doctors involved in the repair. I think Diane had
  fat injections done. She said what written in that
  article about Scheibner wasn't true at all.
  I spoke with Scheibner awhile back and considered going
  to Australia and having the laser treatment done, but I
  cowarded out. She told me it was a 6-7 hour treatment
  of low heat co2, can' remember what the so-call low heat was, so many
  centigrades, thought it was around 700.
  It is all I know about Scheibner, she maybe a great doctor.
  I always wonder why no other doctors try her treatment if it really works.

  Liz
 

 

   Alice -- meme^^, 09:14:56 09/20/03 Sat

  hey there..is smoothbeam available in singapore now? wat type of scars do u
  have??
 

 

  Cooltouch in Singapore -- Alice, 03:38:29 09/19/03 Fri

  Age :28
  Gender :Female
  Country :Singapore

  Thanks for the column here, and useful suggestions from Ping and LT. I didn't
  feel comfortable with Skin Centre's approach to smoothbeam.

  I finally flucked up enough courage to do my Cooltouch. I still feel more
  comfortable with my doctor's explanation.
 

 

  PK saying "thanks" -- PK, 21:49:10 09/18/03 Thu

  I am humbled and so touched by the each of your messages, offeirng
  encouragment and prayers. THANK YOU EVERYONE SO MUCH! Dr. Scheibner and I,
  along with "Anna" who has posted here before, really feel that this is GOd at
  work in bringing about a solution which will help far more people than just
  me. That is certainly my aim.

  TO all of you who have tried to reach Dr. S. and have been unsuccessful, I
  will do my best to relay your specific issues and concerns and will report
  back upon my return.

  PK
 

 

  Good Luck, PK, and God Bless -- John, 21:31:41 09/18/03 Thu

  PK, you are a wonderful example of the great things that can happen when one
  is proactive and determined. I believe--deep down in my gut and in my
  soul--that you and Dr. Scheibner will be a winning combination and that her
  expertise will totally correct the bungled work of your previous physician.
  God bless you for your courage and your fortitude and I will send my good
  thoughts with you (all the way to Australia) for your speedy and complete
  recovery.
 

 

   PK- Scheibner -- Eric, 19:29:41 09/18/03 Thu

  Yeah, PK!! That is awesome news, and a most miraculous intervention only God
  could provide for you. I congratulate you and wish you the best of luck as you
  travel to Australia to be treated by Dr. Scheibner. It is my hope that
  Scheibner can restore your face to normal and that with your help, she may
  make a triumphant return back to California... for my sake and everyone else
  who is interested in her laser methods!

  Never forget that if you ask, you shall receive, and God helps those who helps
  themselves. I think, PK, that you are a perfect example of this.

  Best of luck to you, and please keep us updated after your return from Sydney.

  -Eric
 

 

  PK- Scheibner -- Guest Again, 19:23:22 09/18/03 Thu

  Hi,
  Would you als ask her if her technique could be used to treat pitted and
  shallow ice-pick type scarring?
 

 

  PK- Scheibner - -- Guest, 19:10:48 09/18/03 Thu

  Hi PK,
  Good luck with your treatment. Could you ask her a couple of questions while
  you are in sydney

  1. Is it okay to use peels before "her" laser treatment( not any technique,
  but "her gentle laser technique"? And if its not okay, then how long should
  one wait to ger "her" treatment after the peels? (Like Jessner peel)

  2.can her method be performed on asian skins?

  3.how soon can we expect her here in US? Will she be treating the patients?

  thanks so much and once again best wishes
 

 

  PK-Aussie bound -- cb, 18:17:31 09/18/03 Thu

  PK:

  What a story - best of luck to you on your trip. Thank you for sharing. Hoping
  good thoughts for you-a safe trip, successful procedure and speedy recovery.

  ~cb
 

 

  PK responding to email re Scheibner -- PK, 16:21:27 09/18/03 Thu

  Copied below text of email re Scheibner:

  HI Simon, not a bother at all. It was a couple named Jim and Diana, I guess
  the best way to put it really what that Diana (her husband was not so much a
  scar victim but someone who lived through the whole experience with his
  wife...) well, Diana had her face lasered about 8 years ago, and the dr went
  so deep that she had "holes" all over her face. Her lip was melted away - you
  know, the defining line between your lips and skin, etc. She didn't go out of
  her house for 2 years, she was so horrified by her looks.

  Well, she was treated by Scheibner and says that her skin gradually "filled
  in" and is now completely normal. She looked beautiful. They say it changed
  their lives dramatically, and have since devoted their lives to trying to help
  Scheibner get her license back here in states. We met for 2 hours, and they
  raved the entire time about Scheibner, her humanity toward treating those
  unable to pay, her amazing abilities AND the fact that she was able to heal
  Diana when everyone else had told her she needed skin grafting or other
  dramatic answers. Truly, this woman had been lasered by a guy who was just
  starting to use lasers, and she was bloody and raw for about a month. The dr
  himself admitted gross negligence, she must have been far worse than I. Yet
  she was healed by Scheibner and was able to resume a normal life. What a
  miracle.

  Hope this is helpful. I think I'll copy text of msg to post on forum, if OK
  with you.

  PK

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: "Simon"

  >
  > Hi PK,
  >
  > Thanks for your response. Sorry to bother you as I know you are busy but
  > can you just let me know what those two previous patients of Dr Sheibner
  > had said who you met with two years ago. Were they happy with their
  > results and her? If you could please let me know I would appreciate it.
  >
  > Thanks
  > Simon
  >
 

 

  Aquamid -- John, 10:47:49 09/18/03 Thu

  City,

  Website address is www.aquamid.info

  Hope this helps
 

 

   PK / John -- Cityslicker, 09:18:11 09/18/03 Thu

  PK, that is wonderful news, an incredible and miraculous turn of events. Good
  luck with your trip, I'm so hopeful, this will be the answer to your prayers.

  John, I do find your postings about Acqumid of interest, however, I can't find
  any additional information about this filler. Do you have any additional links
  or information for further review. Thank you. Regards. :-) Cityslicker
 

 

  PK - Sheibner- Australia -- John, 08:17:15 09/18/03 Thu

  Hi PK,

  That is fantastic news!!! When I met her about three weeks ago, I have to say
  she seemed one of the nicest people plus she tapped me on the shoulder when I
  came in and I thought that was a terrific gesture. I had a real good gut
  feeling about her.

  She also told me how the doctor who is taking over from her was a former
  patient who had scars yet when I saw this doctor her face was floorless. Plus
  the fact that her son works for her has got to count for something. She also
  mentioned how she would be writing a book soon.

  I honestly believe that those reports against her were false as there is no
  way she would have been able to treat for over 23 years if they were true.

  I am prepared to give her a shot....I really hope it works out for you and
  thanks for your posts. You will love this country it is a beauty
 

 

  To PK -- Maya, 08:12:31 09/18/03 Thu

  Wow!! Good luck - I'm sure everyone here wishes you a great recovery. This is
  an amazing story.
 

 

  Exodem touchup -- steve, 07:33:37 09/18/03 Thu

  Hey guys i just had an exoderm touchup with Dr. Rullan..
  THis is actually my second exoderm touchup in which my first yielded little or
  no improvemen..

  But since my last touch Dr. Rullan has revised his techniques.. Dr.Rullan
  basically spot treated all my scars with exoderm solution then tape my face
  over with type of masking tape.. The next day which would be today i went in,
  had the tape removed, then Dr. Rullan scraped off all the dead skin around my
  scars, applied more exoderm, then applied the masking agent used in the main
  exoderm procedure.. So currently my face is all green..

  This touchup was far more invasive then my last...And hopefully much more
  effective.. Ill keep you guys updated on my progress.. his mask will stay on
  my face for a few days
 

 

  PK To Donald -- PK, 06:58:23 09/18/03 Thu

  Dear Donald,

  thank you for your kind message. YEs, dermabrasion helped most all of my skin
  tremendously, but the dr did carve in too deeply on my nose, leaving me with
  the blasted scars which started this whole journey. Pleaes read msg re
  Scheibner, this is my answer for now. THanks again!
 

 

  Dr. Adrianna Scheibner calls PK to lend support!!! -- PK, 06:56:07 09/18/03
  Thu

  Listen everyone, you’re not going to believe this!!! I had emailed the
  renowned Dr. Adrianna Scheibner since this debacle occurred regarding my
  facial scarring, and actually called her clinic in Australia last week,
  seeking some sort of insights into my skin’s condition following this botched
  lasering job.

  In fact, I had met with 2 of Dr. Scheibner’s former patients here in Newport
  Beach when originally researching how to cure the original scar on my nose
  caused by a dermabrasion surgery 2 years ago. Since then, I’ve emailed
  Scheibner occasionally inquiring as to her return to the states, in the hope
  of being treated. But then, I finally gave up on her returning to the states
  any time soon, ended up at a Beverly Hills laser center, and the dr not only
  made my entire nose worse, he lasered my entire face, causing scars over about
  80% of my face!! After this horrific series of events of late, I updated Dr.
  Scheibner as to what all had occurred…..

  Well, last night my phone rings, and the caller identifies herself as Adrianna
  Scheibner. YES! The worlds’ leading laser scar revision expert had called me,
  from Australia! It was unbelievable!! She said that she was so concerned by my
  emails, in that I was made far worse by the dr who was supposed to be helping
  me, that she wanted to offer me any insights or help which she could. WE SPOKE
  FOR MORE THAN AN HOUR!!

  When I told her that this idiot doctor had lasered my entire face in less than
  3 minutes, when audibly gasped. No joke. A typical lasering face job should be
  about 1-2 hours. She confirmed that there is NO WAY that I could NOT have
  sustained severe damage to my dermis and epidermis given the incredibly hasty
  and shoddy job done, and also the newly created craters and abraded textures
  of my skin. BUT she assured me that scars such as this ARE reversible, with a
  laser in the hands of the right practitioner.

  Scheibner explained at length that THE SKIN SHOULD NEVER BE REMOVED
  (“Ablative”) WITH A LASER OF ANY SORT! That the only way to properly treat
  scars is to use a laser (such as what she has developed and patented) which
  very gently targets each individual dermis cell and helps stimulate the
  reactivation of that cell’s’ own genetic blueprint, triggering it to resume
  perfect healing and regeneration of the heretofore damaged tissue. Scheibner
  has treated more than 10,000 scar victims, here and in Australia and other
  countries. At one point, she actually filmed a television documentary in which
  she lasered her own skin to created a scar, ON CAMERA! and then over time
  gradually reversed it entirely. This is how confident she is of her abilities
  to reverse scars, that she would use her own face for demonstration purposes.

  Well, given that conventional wisdom even here in Plastic Surgery Mecca
  Southern California, states that the scarring which I have sustained will be
  permanent, Scheibner is the ONLY person who believes that I can be helped.

  I asked her about the published reports regarding her surrendering her license
  here in the states: she explained that she had been the victim of an
  incredible scheme by her former office manager, to embezzle from her and
  defraud her, and that this person orchestrated the filing of false complaints
  against her to the medical board. It’s a long story, but she insists that her
  license was wrongfully suspended, and that she has been writing a book which
  describes the whole, unbelievable story and all that occurred. She seemed very
  sincere and was listing facts and dates and a litany of events which occurred
  culminating in the loss of her license in the US. While it all sounds so
  strange, I do believe her. Anyone who has treated some 10,000 patients has got
  to know what they’re doing.

  Well, it gets even better: Scheibner offered to treat me, AT NO CHARGE,
  however, the airfare for me to fly from LA to Sydney is close to $3,000, and
  this would be near impossible for me to swing at this point. In response to
  this, SHE THEN OFFERS TO ALLOW ME THE USE OF HER OWN FREQUENT FLYER MILES SO
  THAT I CAN FLY FOR FREE TO BE TREATED BY HER!! YES! You read it right!

  She insisted, and I couldn’t believe it, but accepted her kind offer.

  I just now got off the phone with Dr. Scheibner again, WE SPOKE FOR ANOTHER 30
  MINUTES OR SO TONIGHT, arranging travel logistics, etc. Her son has arranged
  travel plans for me, AND DR. SCHEIBNER INSISTS THAT I STAY AT HER HOME WITH
  HER FAMILY, is this incredible or what!!!???? I will be staying 5 days, so
  that she can treat me several times, very gently, trying to ensure that my
  skin will be on its way to perfect healing by the time I leave.

  I asked repeatedly whether there would be any remote chance of ADDITIONAL
  scarring or problems, given all I’ve endured, and she has assured me that this
  would be impossible. Of course, that’s what the last guy said too, and look at
  me now, but her track record is just remarkable in this arena, and I feel safe
  in her hands. What other choice do I have? Resign myself to living with scars
  on my face for the rest of my life?

  So my friends, I leave Wednesday, September 24 for a week’s stay in Sydney
  with the Scheibner Family, where I will be treated by the scar revision guru
  herself. And all at no cost. (Naturally, I’ll be treating them to dinners and
  finding ways to repay them, etc. but their incredible hospitably and
  generosity is really unbelievable.).

  Oh, by the way, during my visit, that weekend we will be traveling to a small,
  rural town about 2 hours outside of Sydney so that Dr. Scheibner can treat
  several poor residents of that town, who have facial scarring. Somehow I
  suspect she’s not earning much for this, if anything. Does this tell us
  something about this person’s character? To spend her weekend treating poor
  patients who cannot travel to her offices.

  All I can say is that this woman is an incredibly selfless and genuine
  individual, a true humanitarian, to go to such lengths to help someone such as
  me. Please pray that all goes well, and I will report in when I return!

  Now, finally, let me address how all of this may ultimately help scar suffers
  elsewhere: First, Dr. Scheibner is working diligently to be able to resume her
  practice in California. She has an attorney representing her and signed
  affidavits from office members, her former aesthetician, etc. who attest to
  the fact that Scheibner never committed the acts of malpractice or negligence
  alleged by her former office manager who conspired against her. Why this is
  just now going forward, I don’t’ know, but suffice it to say that she believes
  that she will be able to overturn the revocation of her license fairly soon.

  As luck or providence would have it, I am a lobbyist in the state of
  California, the type of person hired by companies to cut through government
  red tape and get things done. I also serve on the board of directors of a
  local hospital and have access to the physicians who serve on the California
  Medical Board, etc. I truly believe that God put Dr. Scheibner in my path so
  that we could be of help to each other, and ultimately, I pray, of help to all
  those suffering from scars here in the US and elsewhere, whom she could treat
  if able to reinstate her practice. In response to Dr. Scheibner’s generosity I
  of course have offered to help her in any way possible.

  Furthermore, you may recall prior posts in which I raised the issue of using
  “micro current” technology to treat tissue wounds, as is already used in
  sports injury therapy. My sister in-law, a licensed acupuncture physician, had
  used this technology very successfully in treating a variety of illnesses, and
  she is convinced that it can also be calibrated to treat facial scars. When I
  ran all this by Dr. Scheibner, she believed that the micro current technology
  – which ALSO works by stimulating the individual cells to trigger their
  continued growth and to resume prefect healing – is similar to her specialized
  laser technology and COULD help scar victims. To that end, perhaps my sister
  in law (Lives in Florida) could start treating scar victims and see if there
  is any success.

  Well, I must get back to work. But wanted everyone to know what has transpired
  here…wish me luck!!

  Lastly, I suspect that I will get alot of emails about all this, please
  understand that I am swamped with work and may not be able to respond soon.
  Typed all of this for the edification and encouragement of others.

  PK
 

 

  Dr. Adrianna Scheibner calls PK to lend support!!! -- PK, 06:55:06 09/18/03
  Thu

  Listen everyone, you’re not going to believe this!!! I had emailed the
  renowned Dr. Adrianna Scheibner since this debacle occurred regarding my
  facial scarring, and actually called her clinic in Australia last week,
  seeking some sort of insights into my skin’s condition following this botched
  lasering job.

  In fact, I had met with 2 of Dr. Scheibner’s former patients here in Newport
  Beach when originally researching how to cure the original scar on my nose
  caused by a dermabrasion surgery 2 years ago. Since then, I’ve emailed
  Scheibner occasionally inquiring as to her return to the states, in the hope
  of being treated. But then, I finally gave up on her returning to the states
  any time soon, ended up at a Beverly Hills laser center, and the dr not only
  made my entire nose worse, he lasered my entire face, causing scars over about
  80% of my face!! After this horrific series of events of late, I updated Dr.
  Scheibner as to what all had occurred…..

  Well, last night my phone rings, and the caller identifies herself as Adrianna
  Scheibner. YES! The worlds’ leading laser scar revision expert had called me,
  from Australia! It was unbelievable!! She said that she was so concerned by my
  emails, in that I was made far worse by the dr who was supposed to be helping
  me, that she wanted to offer me any insights or help which she could. WE SPOKE
  FOR MORE THAN AN HOUR!!

  When I told her that this idiot doctor had lasered my entire face in less than
  3 minutes, when audibly gasped. No joke. A typical lasering face job should be
  about 1-2 hours. She confirmed that there is NO WAY that I could NOT have
  sustained severe damage to my dermis and epidermis given the incredibly hasty
  and shoddy job done, and also the newly created craters and abraded textures
  of my skin. BUT she assured me that scars such as this ARE reversible, with a
  laser in the hands of the right practitioner.

  Scheibner explained at length that THE SKIN SHOULD NEVER BE REMOVED
  (“Ablative”) WITH A LASER OF ANY SORT! That the only way to properly treat
  scars is to use a laser (such as what she has developed and patented) which
  very gently targets each individual dermis cell and helps stimulate the
  reactivation of that cell’s’ own genetic blueprint, triggering it to resume
  perfect healing and regeneration of the heretofore damaged tissue. Scheibner
  has treated more than 10,000 scar victims, here and in Australia and other
  countries. At one point, she actually filmed a television documentary in which
  she lasered her own skin to created a scar, ON CAMERA! and then over time
  gradually reversed it entirely. This is how confident she is of her abilities
  to reverse scars, that she would use her own face for demonstration purposes.

  Well, given that conventional wisdom even here in Plastic Surgery Mecca
  Southern California, states that the scarring which I have sustained will be
  permanent, Scheibner is the ONLY person who believes that I can be helped.

  I asked her about the published reports regarding her surrendering her license
  here in the states: she explained that she had been the victim of an
  incredible scheme by her former office manager, to embezzle from her and
  defraud her, and that this person orchestrated the filing of false complaints
  against her to the medical board. It’s a long story, but she insists that her
  license was wrongfully suspended, and that she has been writing a book which
  describes the whole, unbelievable story and all that occurred. She seemed very
  sincere and was listing facts and dates and a litany of events which occurred
  culminating in the loss of her license in the US. While it all sounds so
  strange, I do believe her. Anyone who has treated some 10,000 patients has got
  to know what they’re doing.

  Well, it gets even better: Scheibner offered to treat me, AT NO CHARGE,
  however, the airfare for me to fly from LA to Sydney is close to $3,000, and
  this would be near impossible for me to swing at this point. In response to
  this, SHE THEN OFFERS TO ALLOW ME THE USE OF HER OWN FREQUENT FLYER MILES SO
  THAT I CAN FLY FOR FREE TO BE TREATED BY HER!! YES! You read it right!

  She insisted, and I couldn’t believe it, but accepted her kind offer.

  I just now got off the phone with Dr. Scheibner again, WE SPOKE FOR ANOTHER 30
  MINUTES OR SO TONIGHT, arranging travel logistics, etc. Her son has arranged
  travel plans for me, AND DR. SCHEIBNER INSISTS THAT I STAY AT HER HOME WITH
  HER FAMILY, is this incredible or what!!!???? I will be staying 5 days, so
  that she can treat me several times, very gently, trying to ensure that my
  skin will be on its way to perfect healing by the time I leave.

  I asked repeatedly whether there would be any remote chance of ADDITIONAL
  scarring or problems, given all I’ve endured, and she has assured me that this
  would be impossible. Of course, that’s what the last guy said too, and look at
  me now, but her track record is just remarkable in this arena, and I feel safe
  in her hands. What other choice do I have? Resign myself to living with scars
  on my face for the rest of my life?

  So my friends, I leave Wednesday, September 24 for a week’s stay in Sydney
  with the Scheibner Family, where I will be treated by the scar revision guru
  herself. And all at no cost. (Naturally, I’ll be treating them to dinners and
  finding ways to repay them, etc. but their incredible hospitably and
  generosity is really unbelievable.).

  Oh, by the way, during my visit, that weekend we will be traveling to a small,
  rural town about 2 hours outside of Sydney so that Dr. Scheibner can treat
  several poor residents of that town, who have facial scarring. Somehow I
  suspect she’s not earning much for this, if anything. Does this tell us
  something about this person’s character? To spend her weekend treating poor
  patients who cannot travel to her offices.

  All I can say is that this woman is an incredibly selfless and genuine
  individual, a true humanitarian, to go to such lengths to help someone such as
  me. Please pray that all goes well, and I will report in when I return!

  Now, finally, let me address how all of this may ultimately help scar suffers
  elsewhere: First, Dr. Scheibner is working diligently to be able to resume her
  practice in California. She has an attorney representing her and signed
  affidavits from office members, her former aesthetician, etc. who attest to
  the fact that Scheibner never committed the acts of malpractice or negligence
  alleged by her former office manager who conspired against her. Why this is
  just now going forward, I don’t’ know, but suffice it to say that she believes
  that she will be able to overturn the revocation of her license fairly soon.

  As luck or providence would have it, I am a lobbyist in the state of
  California, the type of person hired by companies to cut through government
  red tape and get things done. I also serve on the board of directors of a
  local hospital and have access to the physicians who serve on the California
  Medical Board, etc. I truly believe that God put Dr. Scheibner in my path so
  that we could be of help to each other, and ultimately, I pray, of help to all
  those suffering from scars here in the US and elsewhere, whom she could treat
  if able to reinstate her practice. In response to Dr. Scheibner’s generosity I
  of course have offered to help her in any way possible.

  Furthermore, you may recall prior posts in which I raised the issue of using
  “micro current” technology to treat tissue wounds, as is already used in
  sports injury therapy. My sister in-law, a licensed acupuncture physician, had
  used this technology very successfully in treating a variety of illnesses, and
  she is convinced that it can also be calibrated to treat facial scars. When I
  ran all this by Dr. Scheibner, she believed that the micro current technology
  – which ALSO works by stimulating the individual cells to trigger their
  continued growth and to resume prefect healing – is similar to her specialized
  laser technology and COULD help scar victims. To that end, perhaps my sister
  in law (Lives in Florida) could start treating scar victims and see if there
  is any success.

  Well, I must get back to work. But wanted everyone to know what has transpired
  here…wish me luck!!

  Lastly, I suspect that I will get alot of emails about all this, please
  understand that I am swamped with work and may not be able to respond soon.
  Typed all of this for the edification and encouragement of others.

  PK
 

 

  J Guest & Cityslicker from Australia -- John, 02:20:32 09/18/03 Thu

  Cityslicker,

  Man don't bother with Fat Transfer in my opinion. I am telling you guys
  Acqumid is something really really good. Look I have had dermabrasions, laser
  etc and this thing is really good. I only had 1ml J but I am hoping to have
  2mls more or maybe only one ml but I really think this is a good product. OI
  do believe though that you should have scars get to their best result by
  excision and dermabarasion (definately not laser) before having fillers. In my
  opinion it is far better than Isolagen and to be frank my doctor and I weighed
  it up and he advised Aquamid ahead of Isolagen based on a number of reasons
  but especially cost. I can't see see how your own collagen is going to work
  better than a soft permanent filler made of 97% water plus isolagen is very
  expensive. Plus I know a woman who had a $20,000 face lift and was far happy
  with the results of Acquamid. I am telling you guys it is so soft and smooth
  as a filler...cheek impants would be firm I would imagine.

  J I will speak to him when I see him next ( he is an Australian Board
  certified surgeon) and ask if he minds me giving his name as I was the first
  person he has tried with this and I suppose would like to finish my treatment
  before recommending him.

  Guest I reply more about Shiebner when I have more time
 

 

  TO: JOHN -- J, 00:31:38 09/18/03 Thu

  hey john,
  Thats great news with your aquamid treatment. $400? thats quite
  cost-effective, how many mls did you need? Can I ask which Dr performed this
  procedure as I am from Sydney Australia.
 

 

  to john -- J, 00:28:47 09/18/03 Thu

  hey john,
  Thats great news with your aquamid treatment. $400? thats quite
  cost-effective, how many mls did you need? Can I ask which Dr performed this
  procedure as I am from Sydney Australia.
 

 

  Good Luck - City -- cb, 16:17:00 09/17/03 Wed

  Cityslicker - thanks for the update, I admire your tenaciousness in improving
  your self.

  Best of luck w/your procedure w/Dr. Rullan - sounds like you are in good
  hands. I hope you get the result you are looking for.

  Best regards
  ~cb
 

 

   Mike D. / CB -- Cityslicker, 07:53:13 09/17/03 Wed

  Mike D., my fat transfer was $1500 for 2 sessions. I was told that I should
  see results after 2 sessions and that sometimes a third session is needed and
  would be an additional $250. Though, I've had 3 sessions now and they didn't
  request any additional monies at my third visit. I was a little surprised in
  the last week since my last report, I've seemed to lost an additional 5-10% on
  my right side which was about 90-95% improved. And my left side appears to be
  about 70% improved.

  One of my concerns about fat transfer is what my long term results will be.
  While I've been extremely happy with the fat transfer results, I've had it
  done 3 times (total) since March, I'm not sure what my final results will be.
  The Dr. that did the fat transfer said that if you laid it down right that it
  would attach to the blood vessels and begin to grow on it's on. He also said,
  each time you have it done that a little more will stay permanently.

  I visited with a plastic surgeon last week who also does fat transfer. He
  stated that in his opinion fat transfer was not effective long term and to
  achieve the results I wanted, he recommended that I do cheek implants.

  I've not allowed enough time to elapse to make a final determination one way
  or the other, but am happy with the improvement thus far. Though, I am
  considering the cheek implants as that would add a lifting effect to both
  cheeks and also improve any depressions that the fat transfer doesn't
  completely correct. The plastic surgeon had the digital imaging to show what
  my simulated results might be and it made a good improvement if it turned out
  as he projected.

  CB, yes I'm going to do the oxygen therapy after Exoderm, though I realized
  today, I'm not sure if I'll be able to stay in town long enough for 3
  treatments of which Dr. Rullan stated that he recommended or if I'll only be
  able to squeeze in just 2 treatments. One of the things I'm up against is it
  may be a Friday, my 11th day in town, and I may only be at my 2nd oxygen
  treatment. If Dr. Rullan is not open Sat., I'm not sure if I'll be able to
  afford an additonal 3 nights hotel to wait til Monday.

  If I'm able to get my laptop working I'll try to update as I can, otherwise,
  I'll update as I return. Take care everyone. :-) Cityslicker
 

 

  PK -- donald, 05:58:34 09/17/03 Wed

  I wonder about your full-face dermabrasion. What did you get the full-face
  dermabrasion for? Since you said that before your laser tragedy that your face
  was perfect except for the nose, I suppose that the full face dermabrasion is
  what perfected. What sort of problems did you have before the dermabrasion?
  Perhaps your answer lies in another dermabrasion, seeing as how you seem to
  have an expert practitioner as well as only one month of downtime for perfect
  results. I've never heard of anyone else with "perfect" results before...
 

 

  Isolagen? -- Hawkeye, 04:29:51 09/17/03 Wed

  HI,
  Has anyone who's had Isolagen done feel its been worth the cost and has given
  them the results they expected or were told to expect be their doctors? So
  many people have had it done, yet there don't seem to be many people, who
  so-far are really recommending it. From what i've read and been told, the
  final result depends on the person more than the product and still may not
  give a life long result.
 

 

  PK providing copy of email to laser expert re repairing skin -- PK, 21:31:29
  09/16/03 Tue

  Hi everyone. I'm going to paste the body of a message to a Dr. Gladstone
  recommended to me by, I think it was "VS", whom I have contacted. THought that
  this would be helpful to others:

  Dear "PK":
  It usually requires up to one year for the skin (collagen) to remodel after
  laser resurfacing, so I would not attempt any procedure for several months. It
  may improve a great deal during that time. The best person in Southern
  California to see is Ron Moy, MD at 100 UCLA Plaza. You can say that you had
  emailed me.
  Sincerely,
  Hayes B. Gladstone, MD
  Director
  Division of Mohs Micrographic Surgery,
  Cutaneous Laser Surgery, and
  Aesthetic Dermatologic Surgery
  Department of Dermatology W0076
  900 Blake Wilbur Drive
  Stanford University School of Medicine
  Stanford, CA 94305-5334

  ...

  Dear Dr. Gladstone,

  You were recommended to me by a poster on the "Voy Forum" website for scar
  sufferers. I pray that you can offer me some hope that recent scarring of my
  face can be reversed. If there is any hope, I will gladly fly from So.
  California to consult with you.

  I underwent what was SUPPOSED to be a very light, non-aggressive lasering of
  my nose 6 weeks ago, to raise atrophic scarring caused 2 years ago by
  dermabrasion surgery. The laser was supposedly 90% non ablative (building up
  collagen), 10% ablative, akin to getting a sunburn.

  Through a tragedy of errors, the doctor ended up lasering my whole face, which
  I DID NOT WANT! I have been left with my face covered with shallow, intended
  scars where there were none! Two plastic surgeons have confirmed that this
  doctor invaded my