My face is swollen after laser. Got laser on Thursday (it is now Saturday) should I be worried?

Question

I got c02 laser on my left cheek quite a big surface and a little on my right cheek. Notice I have some swelling around my jaw area near my laser. Is this ok? I have cream from my doctor to put on and one of the side effects is swelling but I don't know if it's the cream or the laser. Doesn't seem to get any worse. Thanks

Alex Martin, MD · Answer

Hello,

Not at all. CO2 laser is an ablative procedure. This ablation can cause inflammation and swelling due to its nature. This is perfectly normal. If you feel there is a concern however it would be best to consult with your provider to assure everything healing as expected.

Annika Crosby, MD · Answer

Hello! Swelling can be normal and means the CO2 laser is doing its job...or it could be related to the cream/allergic reaction.  As long as it is not getting worse, this is a good sign.  If you feel you need it looked at, return to your provider who did the laser! Best of Luck!

Mary Beth Mudd, MD · Answer

Swelling following a facial laser is very normal and will improve in a few days. I would suspect that the laser and not the cream is the culprit. I like to tell my patients that some swelling is a good sign that the laser created inflammation which will lead to good healing and a better ultimate result. Best wishes, Mary Beth Mudd

My face is swollen after laser. Got laser on Thursday (it is now Saturday) should I be worried?

Answers (3)