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Laser Resurfacing w/ Post-op Pain Medication?

asked 1 year ago by DeniJ
Latest answer by Richard Castellano, MD
Question viewed 440 times
Tags: medication, pain

I have a higher pain tolerance and I also do not take anything I don't have too, (other than antibiotics). I am wondering after laser resurfacing is it possible to not take ANYTHING after for pain (this includes ibuprofen, tylenol, vicodin, etc.)? I am sure there is some discomfort but can it be managed with just numbing cream?

14 answers to Laser Resurfacing w/ Post-op Pain Medication?

Laser Resurfacing has little or no pain afterward for most people

One of our staff answering phones for our office had a deep laser procedure done on her face with a fractional CO2 laser, and she felt comfortable answering phone calls the same day - it was her choice, we didn't require her to work ( : This is a common experience with our laser resurfacing patients, that there is little to no physical downtime and little or no pain. Though, there is significant social downtime, meaning you will not want to see other people for 3 to 10... more

Richard Castellano, MD
Tampa Facial Plastic Surgeon

Pain with laser resurfacing

Most of our laser resurfacing patients do not require any form of pain medication of their treatment. That said, some people do experience a little discomfort and acetaminophen is generally what we recommend or cool compresses. Sleeping on an extra pillow, and on your back, helps reduce any swelling and minimize discomfort further. Minimizing sun exposure during healing is important too.

Benjamin Barankin, MD
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon

Pain Meds and Laser Resurfacing

The degree of discomfort will be based on a number of factors including the areas to be treatment, the type of laser being used, and the pain tolerance of the patient. I have seen some patients need little or no medication and others who need more. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon. best wishes!

Michael Sullivan, MD
Columbus Facial Plastic Surgeon

Pain medication after Laser Resurfacing

Most patients do not require any pain medication after Laser Resurfacing. I have my patients use vasoline ointment for about three days and then wash their face lightly. Keeping the face occluded with vasoline helps lower any discomfort level. I do not use any numbing cream after surgery and do not recommend it. Most patients will have some mild swelling and they may experience some itching in the post operative phase. It is important that you tell your physician prior to surgery if you... more

Michael Elam, MD
Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

Pain medication typically not needed after laser resurfacing

We offer mild sedation for Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. We almost never need post-op pain medication even for those with lowest pain threshold. When there is pain after 48 hours, one should call the laser surgeon right away to be evaluated for possible secondary infection.

William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrWilliamTing.com

Pain medicine often not needed after laser treatment

Dear DeniJ, Pain medicien pain not be needed after laser skin resurfacing. It all depende on the individual's pain tolerance as well as the type of laser used and the depth and extent of resurfacing. In my practice pain medicine is generally not required after a fractional co2 laser treamtent of the face. Best of Luck

Mark Ginsburg, DO
Media Facial Plastic Surgeon

Laser resurfacing: recovery is not painful.

I have performed thousands of laser procedures over 26 years in practice. I can absolutely confirm that pain medication after laser resurfacing (including deep active fx laser) is not necessary. Ninety percent of my patients don't even take a tylenol. Only 2 have requested anything stronger than over the counter products. In fact, pain after resurfacing should prompt evaluation by the physician because it can signal infection which needs treatment.

Susan Van Dyke, MD
Paradise Valley Dermatologist

www.vandykelaser.com

Pain Medications After Laser Resurfacing

Most patients will not need prescription pain medications after a laser resurfacing procedure; some will need OTC products such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. I would not recommend using a numbing cream in the post-op healing phase.

Timothy G. Rodgers, MD
Dallas Dermatologist

Postoperative discomfort after laser resurfacing

Pain tolerances vary from patient to patient. While it is possible to avoid pain medicine after a laser resurfacing procedure, sometimes advil or alleve is sufficient for the pain or plain tylenol. It also depends upon the depth of the resurfacing procedure. Keeping it covered afterwards with ointment helps to minimize the pain and yes you can use some numbing creams but you have to be careful not to use too much as it can have side effects. Good luck with your procedure. more

Scott Trimas, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Laser resurfacing patients normally do not find recovery painful

Most cases of resurfacing do not involve painful recoveries. In fact, sudden pain in the recovery phase can be a warning of viral infection such as a cold sore virus in the skin. There may be discomfort from swelling and itching but pain is more rare. Appropriate wound care is extremely important and moist treatment helps a great deal. Usually this applies for medium depth chemical peels, dermabrasion, carbon dioxide ablative laser resurfacing and fractional ablative carbon dioxide CO2... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Laser Resurfacing w/ Post-op Pain Medication?

It depends on the depth of penetration of the laser, and you personally. Best to have few pain meds available. From MIAMI DR. Darryl j. Blinski

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Pain management after laser resurfacing

Before addressing what options there are for pain management after laser resurfacing, I want to state quite clearly that numbing creams are not an option. Depending on the amount of open surface area, you may absorb numbing medication which may result in a contact dermatitis or even systemic absorption of medication. That may have serious adverse effects. As far as managing pain afterwards, superficial resurfacing usually does not require pain medications, and the... more

Emily Altman, MD
Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

Pain following laser resurfacing

There are no requirements for you to use pain meds following laser resurfacing. Over 90% of my patients use no pain meds after their resurfacing procedure. The postoperative wound care is critical to minimizing discomfort. Different laser resurfacing procedures and devices will vary on how deep you go and whether you use a CO2 or erbium yag laser to do the resurfacing. Healing times are usually shorter with erbium yag and prolonged pinkness as well as skin discoloration... more

Shawn Allen, MD
Boulder Dermatologist

Pain after Laser Resurfacing

Pain and medication requirements after any surgery vary from patient to patient. After laser resurfacing the pain levels also vary as to resurfacing depth with lighter laser peels having less pain than deeper laser peels. For patients who dont like to take pain medication we will have you get some just in case you need it but have you use your discretion as to taking it. Some may do well just by having the face covered with occlusive gel.