Two weeks after fractional laser. Is this normal? How can I fix this texture??

Question

You can see on the photo a really clear line between the treated and untreated areas. You can see the laser left an obvious texture on my skin. Its still really red and I can still see the red squares and dots (now all raised) clearly. Is this texture normal two weeks post? Is there something i can do to fix this?

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Redness and swelling are very common after a CO2 laser. The redness and the lines between the treated and untreated area can linger for a few weeks after the procedure and should generally fade slowly over time.  Patient should follow their provider's post-procedural instructions, including avoiding sun exposure, wearing sun screen everyday, and not using irritating products on the skin.  I always recommend following up with your doctor for any post operative questions or concerns.
All the best,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist about after care. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme. PDT therapy can help calm inflammation. Typically I recommend adding clear and brilliant, fraxel, viva 4-6 weeks to improve results along with microneedling/prp to get the best outcomes with texture and tone. Please see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Yael Halaas, MD · Answer

Redness and swelling can last up to 2 weeks post-treatment.  It's important to follow all of the instructions you were given prior to lasering; avoid sun exposure, use sunscreen and apply any topical medications your doctor prescribed.  I would also follow up with your doctor if you have any residual concerns.

Adam Sawyer, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Redness and textural changes in the skin are essentially a normal part of the healing process following fractional laser and this should resolve and fade with time. I often find the use of a mild steroid ointment such as 0.5% or 1% hydrocortisone cream at night helps significantly with these post procedure issues. This should only be used for 3 weeks. Combined with regular use of emollients and I would suggest 'Biafine'.

Two weeks after fractional laser. Is this normal? How can I fix this texture??

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