Quick recovery from co2 resurfacing. I just have an itchy face. Thoughts?

Question

My doctor assures me she did a very aggressive treatment. However, I had almost no swelling, pretty much no blood, no major oozing, no peeling... Just an itchy face. I had the procedure only 3 days ago. I'm in my mid 30's and in good shape.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This doesn't mean you won't have a good outcome. However, if you have questions about your treatment, I recommend following up with your practitioner. It can take several weeks to settle. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme to give improvement. PDT therapy can calm inflammation. Sun protection is essential. Lasers like Co2 work best in combination with other treatments in order to improve the skin's texture and collagen. After Co2, I recommend adding fraxel lasers, microneedling/prp, and Cosmelan treatments to get the most improvement. Best, Dr. Emer

Vanessa Phua, MBBS, MRCS · Answer

It is good news that you made a good and quick recovery after your Co2 laser resurfacing treatment. Itch and dryness are common after a resurfacing treatment as the skin are trying to renew itself. Remember when you fell off your bike and got an abrasion on your skin and how it itched when it was on the way to recovery? It's the same response, all part of the healing process. To counteract the itch, do use a moisturizer rich in phospholipids, and/or Vitamin C, or a skin emollient which helps to hydrate the skin as that reduces transepidermal water loss. When skin is hydrated, it heals better and itches less. Alternatively, if the skin remains sensitive and pink or itchy, I would recommend the Dual Yellow laser. This is a yellow light laser that reduces inflammatory lesions and is great for Rosacea, eczema as well as vascular conditions. I hope this helps you!

Quick recovery from co2 resurfacing. I just have an itchy face. Thoughts?

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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Quick recovery from co2 resurfacing. I just have an itchy face. Thoughts?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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