Does this look normal for 3 days after CO2 laser resurfacing? (Photos)

Question

I had done in May but it didn't work on my lip lines so they redid but my face is really red, sore, and hot. I have itching too.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist for after care recommendations. We have a specific protocol. 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 radiofrequency treatments. Best, Dr. Emer

Mira Mahajan, MD · Answer

Hello buttons66,
Thank you for sharing your photos. From looking at your pictures it looks very normal for day 3. Just be sure to gently cleanse the area with a gentle cleanser, keep the skin moisturize with a thick petroleum jelly base moisturizer, and spf daily. Avoid sun exposure as much as possible. And follow up with your physician a couple weeks after you got treated. Good luck on your recovery.

Mehdi (Robert) Motazedi, MD · Answer

I been performing CO2 laser resurfacing since  1994.   It looks like you were treated with a full ablative CO2 laser in which case you look normal for 3 days out.   It typically takes  10 days for the tissue to heal up enough to where it not prone to infection and you can go back out into the community.  Lip lines are the most difficult type of problem to treat with the laser and it usually requires a combination of laser treatment followed by fillers.  I hope this helps, Dr. Bob

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

If its red, its normal if its more sore as time progresses its not. I suggest seeing YOUR dermatologist or plastics, swabs etc... each will have their own post op protocol, in my practice I use the HEAL LITE and have every fully ablative laser procedure followed up by my nurses. That way we pick up any potential complications early. The standard of care should be - no one gets 'discharged for care' until skin has completely re-epitheliased or healed. Not referring to redness. I wish you well. Dr Davin S. Lim  RealSelf Advisory Board Member, Australia.

Does this look normal for 3 days after CO2 laser resurfacing? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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