Sun exposure after traditional ablative CO2 laser done a month and a half ago, did I cause damage? (photo)

Question

I had traditional ablative co2 laser done on my cheek for a scar a month and a half ago. Yesterday I was outside for a few hours while it was very cloudy with light rain, I had SPF 55 on my face to try and protect the treated area. I noticed this morning a part of the treated area is more red than before. I'm worried I caused damage to my skin even though I wore SPF and it was very cloudy and I couldn't see the sun through the clouds. Please give me advice on what I should do, I'm so worried.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor for 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 after co2 to improve results along with microneedling/prp to get the best outcomes with texture and tone.  Please see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Sun exposure after traditional ablative CO2 laser done a month and a half ago, did I cause damage? (photo)

Answers (1)

More CO2 Laser Questions

Sun exposure after traditional ablative CO2 laser done a month and a half ago, did I cause damage? (photo)

Answers (1)

More CO2 Laser Questions

How to get rid of and flatten pitted chicken pox scar/hole on face. Would Fractional CO2 Laser work? (photo)

I had a laser procedure on a small broken capillary - some skin/scab flaked off, and the capillary is red again. (photos)

What is the best treatment for the wrinkles under my eyes and the loose crepey skin on my neck? (Photo)