I had laser resurfacing 3 days ago and I'm in agony. My face is swollen and oozing. Is this normal?

Question

Hi I had laser resurfacing 3 days ago and the pain is so bad, my face is swollen and oozing yellow pus! I am cleaning my face every few hours and applying Nova incentive tissue repair creme.I have got pockets of pus under my eyes and these are very very painful.I was told it would just be like sunburn! I'm worried I'm going to end up scarred for life! I didn't have wrinkles under my eyes but looked tired all the time and I was starting to get a few lines on my lips.Is this normal pls??

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your
question.Swelling, redness and mild secretion can occur after laser resurfacing. I would recommended following up with the provider who performed your treatment to discuss your concerns and to rule out any infections or possible reactions from the cream you are using. To be sure, see two
or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to
make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have
treatment.

I hope this helps.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Laser resurfacing may lead to facial edema and swelling. Check with your surgeon to determine whether the amount of swelling is consistent with the depth of laser used. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

This can be uncomfortable.  Asprin and motrin can help in higher doses.  topicals including thick layers of aquaphor or other will provide comfort.cold compresses frequently with dilute vinegar water is also helpful

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

it is hard to believe that you are sitting at your computer writing these questions instead of going to see your doctor.  While we expect discomfort, pain and pus are not normal.  It may not actually be pus, but instead the normal secretion that occurs after a resurfacing.  But you need to see your doctor to determine this.

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

Many patients experience oozing and weeping of the skin following  laser resurfacing. Depending on the depth of treatment this can vary from very little to significant amount. You described that there is Pus and I would be concerned of a possible infection. Pus generally  has an odor to it, and is milky in nature.   If this is the case I would discuss this with your plastic surgeon and follow-up with him immediately.

I had laser resurfacing 3 days ago and I'm in agony. My face is swollen and oozing. Is this normal?

Answers (8)

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I had laser resurfacing 3 days ago and I'm in agony. My face is swollen and oozing. Is this normal?

Answers (8)

Answer: Laser resurfacing post-op

Answer: Laser resurfacing post-op

Answer: Postoperative laser

Answer: Postoperative laser

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.