3 days post op Pearl laser treatment I have whiteheads surrounding my mouth, chin and nose. Is this normal?

These are very common - they are called milia and happen because aquaphor may clog pores. Do not pick at them - it may cause an infection and/or scarring. They will most likely resolve on their own. 

It is very common to get little whiteheads after the Pearl laser treatment.  LEAVE THEM ALONE!  DO NOT PICK!  Please!  Nothing makes a physician/provider more nervous than hearing that their patient is picking or considering it.  This is when problems arise and potential scarring or infection or both.  The whiteheads will resolve on their own, most likely when the skin starts to peel.  If they haven't resolved, when you return to the office for follow up they will address them and take any action necessary to help eradicate them.  Keep going with the vinegar soaks and only a very thin layer of aquaphor...or possibly aquaphor in the just the very dry, very tight areas and switch to something like cetaphil cream in the other areas.  Always best to follow up with the office that performed the procedure.

 

Dr. Grant Stevens       

The whiteheads are milia from oil trapped in the pores after Pearl and is likely the result of the Aquaphor. Your dermatologist will extract them after 7 days if necessary, or put you on a retinoid. The occlusion from the aquaphor causes this common, temporary side effect from Pearl as well as from any resurfacing procedure that requires occlusion for healing.
Good luck. www.drmarylupo.com