How long is the healing process after ematrix procedure? I'm 3 days post op and my face is really swollen (Photo)

The redness on the face after Ematrix can be improved with a combination of Elevase ceramide cream and cortisone ointment. Topical wound care can help expedite your healing. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

It is common to have this reaction occurring after eMatrix.  It will resolve in about a week or so.  Ice and a mild steroid if needed for a couple of days can help.  Then you will love your results.  The inflammation is how the procedure works and as long as you use a gentle cleanser and strictly avoid and protect against UV rays you will be fine.  Be sure to return to have after photos to compare your results. 

Thanks for the question and sending in the photo and I am sorry that you are having the concern that you are having. I love eMatrix and have been using it and teaching it since its onset and helped with the FDA trials that led to its acne scar approvals. When the treatment is done, there are three settings that can be used. And there are power settings within these settings. So if an aggressive treatment is given, swelling and crusting is common and should have been reviewed with you before the treatment and also at the end of the procedure as part of the post-operative instructions for you. And I would want to know what the skin care routine that was given to you – this is also important to make the redness and swelling less. We often will use a steroid medication when needed. We have found that Skinceuticals CE Ferrulic works well here – and helps reduce the redness of procedures that we do everyday in our offices. As well, we also use Neocutis Biocream often – we wait 24 hours here and then we find it works well to decrease the redness and swelling. Other skin care products will work here as well – again, your provider should be able to help here.

I have seen patients who have had aggressive eMatrix procedures for inflammatory conditions and there is significant facial swelling and crusting of the skin, even though the manufacturer markets this as sublative, where there is no epidermal sloughing or crusting or destruction .... I recommend a 1% hydrocortisone cream and head elevation during recumbency and very gentle cleanser daily and of course, avoidance of sun exposure at all cost while the healing process continues. More than anything, remain patient and it will go away. 

eMatrix is an excellent laser to treat acne scars on the face.  The main side effect is redness and swelling which can last for several days.  I would recommend consulting your physician about an oral cortisone if the swelling is severe.  Within a few more days you should be back to normal and the swelling gone.  eMatrix with the RF technology will minimize your scarring and leave your skin looking clear and rejuvenated.

Some people will be swollen for a week.  It is also common to get micro crusting and peeling.  Elevating your head on extra pillows when you sleep helps reduce some of the redness.  I also have my patients apply a healing ointment like Vaniply or Aquaphor after gentle cleansing.  Hang in there,the first few days are the worst.

Some people take upto one week after RF to heal. It really depends on 2 factors- How the treatment was performed, namely how many passes, and at what level. The second factor is how sensitive you skin is. For example, rosacea patients may have prolonged redness that last for a few weeks. For now, ice and a bland emolient such as aqueous cream will help, and stay out of the sun. RegardsDr Davin Lim Laser DermatologistBrisbane, Australia.