Post Laser 1 month, skin turned into leather texture, not healing. Any suggestions?

Question

4 weeks post laser resurfacing around mouth, feels and looks like leather, very bad texture, deep crevices. Have always had smooth soft skin, laser was for lip lines. Followed directions to a T. Skin gets flakey when soaking with wash cloth as directed by Dr. . When skin dries it hardens. Post moisturizer from Dr. office does nothing, only olive oil softens it temporarily. Never had a skin problem in my life. I'm 64. Very upsetting.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

I am glad to hear that you are following your surgeon's recovery directions very closely. That is some of the greatest news a surgeon can hear from their patient. We provide recovery guidelines to ensure that our patients have smooth, effective and painless recoveries as much as possible.Your healing does not sound out of the ordinary. Certainly pictures would be helpful, but I would suggest remaining patient during laser skin resurfacing recovery. I suggest you schedule a follow-up appotinment with the board certified facial plastic surgeon who performed the procedure. Keep in mind that the board certification credential is well-equipped to ensure patients receive the highest quality knowledge, treatment, care and skill available.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Please post photos so we can try and give aid, without photos there is no way we can help.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

I suggest you see dermstolgist to evaluate if you are having allergic reaction to any products. It is safe at this point to use a topical steroid for inflammation. Aloe Vera topically can also be hlepful at this stage.

Adam Stibich, MD · Answer

It would be nice to have some photos. As the skin heals it goes through some changes before getting back to normal and better. You should be looking fairly good at the one month mark with some redness that will fade. You shouldn't see your end product until the 6 month mark when your collagen and elastic fibers have remodeled. For drying there are some good products out there. I like the old Elta melt or now Elta moisture. It goes on a a light Vaseline and melts into a light oil. If you are trying to cover it with makeup it maybe burning if it is dry. There is a product by este Lauder that is in a light blue bottle called a primer. Has some silicon in it. It should allow you to cover the area until it heals a bit more. Best A

Post Laser 1 month, skin turned into leather texture, not healing. Any suggestions?

Answers (4)

Answer: Post laser dryness

Answer: Post laser dryness

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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

Post Laser 1 month, skin turned into leather texture, not healing. Any suggestions?

Answers (4)

Answer: Post laser dryness

Answer: Post laser dryness

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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