TRL for under eye - what is the recovery like and would more be needed around the face?

That’s a great and very thoughtful question — it’s clear you’ve done your research. TRL, or Tunable Resurfacing Laser, is a deep laser resurfacing treatment that can vary significantly in recovery depending on the depth and intensity used.

For under-eye treatment, downtime is typically around 7–10 days, during which you can expect redness, swelling, and mild peeling or crusting as the skin heals. The description of having to “scrape” the skin multiple times a day is not typical of standard TRL recovery and would be considered an unusually aggressive approach. Proper aftercare generally involves gentle cleansing, frequent moisturizing with occlusive ointments (like Aquaphor), and strict sun protection, not mechanical removal of healing tissue.

Regarding the treatment area, your concern about a visible line of demarcation is valid. When TRL is performed only under the eyes, there can sometimes be a noticeable contrast between the treated and untreated skin. To avoid this, many practitioners recommend blending or extending the treatment to nearby areas—such as the cheeks or midface—to achieve a more natural, uniform result. This doesn’t always mean a full-face TRL; lighter resurfacing treatments like Halo or Moxi can be used in combination to balance the skin tone and texture.

In summary, recovery should not resemble a third-degree burn, and aggressive scraping is not standard. A smooth healing process is achieved with proper aftercare and realistic blending of treatment zones for natural results.