What Cream/treatment/supplement if Slow Healing After Laser Resurfacing?

Question

Hello, I have laser resurfacing 8 weeks ago. My derm says I have slow healing and state that my skin is too sensitive (very fair skin). What treatments do you recommend?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. At this point, sunscreen, and a tolerated moisturizer. Skin Ceuticals, Skin Medical, Obagi, La Roche Posay are common names with good reputations who have post peel products which should work. I hope this helps.

Myles Goldflies, MD · Answer

Slow healing may be due to a variety of factors. First, it depends on what laser was used. Fractionation is faster than resurfacing and Erbium is faster than CO2. Next, it depends on how well you have been taking care of your skin. I have always seen that the folks that are the most attentive to their frequency of cleaning and application of the ointment or other immediate skin care products will heal faster. If you are on oral steroids or recently had injections, such as a pain block, that will slow healing. I mention this because they interfere with epithelialization,which is the healing process you need to be progressing faster at this stage. High doses of Vitamin A (such as 15,000 units) can help if you take daily until healed. This can also help with the slowing caused by steroids. You need good nutrition and adequate protein in your diet to heal by making good, strong collagen, one of your main structural proteins. Vitamin C and some minerals are also needed to make good collagen, so you may wish to add these to your supplement list. Arnica montana may help with swelling and discoloration, even at this stage, unless you have been taking already for a while. Proteolytic enzymes have also been shown to help healing such as Bromelain. I have had patients that regularly eat fresh pineapple or juice instead of the supplement pill form. I hope these help!

What Cream/treatment/supplement if Slow Healing After Laser Resurfacing?

Answers (3)

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