How Long Does Redness Around the Eyes Last After Active FX?

Question

I had the Active FX done around my eyes 26 days ago. It is still quite red. There is no scabbing or peeling anymore, just redness. One eye seems to be healing properly, but the other is still VERY red. It looks almost like I'm recovering from a black eye. I also noticed that the skin feels different, rougher on the red part. My application of hydrocortisone 1% seemed to have made it worse. Why is this happening?

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

ACTIVE FX resurfacing is a very safe technology but complications can occur.  As Dr. Maas pointed out, redness usually subsides within a few weeks.  And so the fact that you have persistent redness this far out is concerning and may suggest that you have something else going on.

	Your best plan of action is to call your doctor and have he/she evaluate you to determine a course of treatment.

	I hope this helps!

William Ting, MD · Answer

Post-inflammatory redness after Fractional CO2 laser is quite common and is a normal part of wound healing. However, if the redness does not subside signficantly in a couple weeks, you should see an experienced board certified dermatologist who needs to rule out allergic contact dermatitis or infection and may consider low dose antibiotics to bring about anti-inflammatory effect.

Corey S. Maas, MD · Answer

In our experience, the skin is healed by 5 days and patients can use make up to camouflage any redness. The redness should be gone in a few weeks. If you're having persistent redness at a month, you should see your surgeon promptly to rule out possible contact dermatitis, infection, or scarring. These need to be treated to prevent permanent damage.

Peter J. Malouf, DO · Answer

The tradeoff with C02 laser is thermal contraction (a good thing) for persisting redness (a bad thing). 

	This can last several weeks and as impart due to revascularization due to thermal damage and possibly in your case due to irritation and inflammation resulting from your compromised skin barrier. I would recommend eliminating anything in contact with your skin such as fragrance, fabric softner, detergent with fragrance etc..

	It is also possible that the hydrocortisone cream vehicle which has alcohol and water in it can be exacerbating.

	I would request desonide ointment but not cream.

	Dr. Malouf

Fernando G. Serra, MD · Answer

With Active FX, 5-10 days with redness and then the pink or amber color can last up thru 6-8 weeks.... There are a few variables that could leave redness prolonged such as:   your ethnicity, sun exposure, excess exercise, chemicals that irritate the skin, excess rubbing of the area,  after care or after care products can all play a factor.

How Long Does Redness Around the Eyes Last After Active FX?

Answers (9)

Answer: C02 tradeoff

Answer: C02 tradeoff

Answer: Prolonged Redness with Active FX

Answer: Prolonged Redness with Active FX

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about ActiveFX

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How Long Does Redness Around the Eyes Last After Active FX?

Answers (9)

Answer: C02 tradeoff

Answer: C02 tradeoff

Answer: Prolonged Redness with Active FX

Answer: Prolonged Redness with Active FX

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about ActiveFX

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.