I am 4.5 weeks out from Erbium laser resurfacing under my eyes.

Question

It still looks like a semi-circular iron was placed on the skin in those areas. It is puffy and red with well-defined edges. Is this normal for this time frame? What can I do to minimize the red? Adding makeup seems to cause the skin to puff up even more, as if there is an allergic reaction.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Its important to avoid future damage to the skin. Prep the area with Melarase AM and Melarase PM, followed by light PDL to reduce the redness. To soothe your skin, apply Elevase Moisture Booster twice daily.Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without pictures. It can take several weeks for skin to settle after laser treatment. I recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist 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. Sun protection is essential. A silk peel and or photodynamic therapy therapy can also give improvement. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Redness can last for a long time if you have fair skin and a high power was used.  For the redness we often use an anti-oxidant cream on the skin.  Some steroid cream can also help.  IPL can also be used to help decrease the redness.  It will eventually go away, but can take a long time in some patients.

Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD · Answer

Erythema with an ablative device can take a while to heal (up to 6 weeks and sometimes longer).  Was any treatment (chemical peel, resurfacing on lower settings) used to blend the rest of the face?  I agree that it is difficult to assess the healing without photos.  I would suggest bringing this up with your doctor.  Best of luck!

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns. It is difficult to determine what the issues are without seeing photos of your eyelids or in-person evaluation. You might just have prolonged inflammation which requires steroids. Please post photographs and follow up with your doctor.Good luck,

Carmen A. Traywick, MD, FAAD · Answer

This procedure can take months to heal so you sound like you on track.  Hang in there and be careful with anything you apply to the area.  Some things could cause irritation.  Treat this brand new skin delicately!

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

It may take many months to settle down. Your specialist will know what to do to help, including low setting V BEAM lasers. In the past with CO2 lasers, redness often last 6 months, so at 4.5 weeks it is early days still. Protect your skin from UV- hats, sunscreen etc.. consult your specialist for reassurance and advice. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Prolonged red color in an area treated aggressively, especially in fair, complected patients is not is not uncommon. Skin needs to be  protected from the sun at all times with a strong sunscreen. Likewise, it's the best to avoid any acidic creams that could cause irritation. We have had good success in our office with broadband light therapy as well as red diodes. It may take many months, but most of this red color will resolve.

I am 4.5 weeks out from Erbium laser resurfacing under my eyes.

Answers (8)

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