Cinde was clear-skinned and outgoing all throughout her teen years, but when she turned 21, acne showed up with a vengeance. After dermabrasion and laser surgery, she felt she'd have to live with pock marks for the rest of her life -- until now.
Cinde's Story
"I got severe pustular acne when I was about 21."
In high school, I was really outgoing and witty. When I started getting acne, it was horrible. My self confidence went down. I wouldn't go out in public without makeup on, and I wore pancake makeup so thick that it would cover it up. Then when the pustules were gone, there would be pits. Then I met my husband, so it was like I could just hide from the rest of the world.
"I was all consumed with it."
I would go out of my way if I was in the sun or on the beach to wear a hat or stand in different lighting. I was self conscious about whether there was light coming up or if it was shade because you could see the pits really bad. I always liked the light straight on because it wasn't as bad. I couldn't look at myself in pictures or on video. My kids would try to take video of me, and I just looked terrible.
"I had dermabrasion and laser surgery, but it ended up taking off all my derma to where I can't tan anymore."
In 1985, all they could do back then was dermabrasion, which was invasive and painful. My head was wrapped in a bandage; I looked like a mummy. After that came off I wasn't happy with the result at all. Then I had laser surgery, and that is when they took off the top layer of my skin. That was painful; it was like a third degree burn and I kept having to put on lotion. It finally healed, but I still wasn't happy with the result. I had it done again, and this time it took off all my derma where I can't tan anymore.
"I needed a new job."
I am going through a divorce, and I still work for my ex-husband. I would walk to my car, and I would see my reflection in the glass. I had no confidence. I wasn't going to go out and find a job. Then I found Dr. Lamb, [a plastic surgeon in Dallas], and he said, "I can give you micro-silicone injections to fill in the pock marks." I was kind of afraid of silicone because of what you have heard, but I decided to try it.
"I have had three procedures done, and it is wonderful."
I am so happy with the result. All those years I tried so many different procedures, but nothing has worked like these silicone injections. That day it doesn't hurt. I put an ice pack on for the swelling, but the next day I could put makeup on. There may be a few tiny bits of bruising, but you can barely see it.
There is a lamp in my mother's bedroom, and I go stand and put my face over it. I used to see shadows, but now it is so smooth compared to what it was. I am just so much more confident when I go out. It is just amazing.
