How long should redness last after laser?

Question

I had laser around 11 days ago and my skin is still red. And also is there anything I can do to speed it along? Should I be worried? Can't see my derm for another 8 weeks (UK)

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend following up with your doctor for after care. This sometimes takes 3-6 months to improve. Venus legacy, prp and LED treatments can help. The soreness should resolve in a few weeks. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

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

Joseph J. Castellano, MD · Answer

Redness after laser skin resurfacing is one of the most common side effects and can last for days or weeks after your treatment, depending on the intensity and location of the treatment. Unless you’re experiencing other symptoms as well, such as pain or discomfort, I would say that the redness you’re seeing are to be expected. In the meantime, you can use makeup to help cover up the redness until it diminishes on its own. Even though you can’t see your provider right away, you could give him or her a call to ask for skincare recommendations to help calm redness and inflammation.

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

Thank you for sharing your question. Without seeing a photograph of your face it is hard to give guidance. There can be red skin for 11 days depending on the type of laser used and on the depth of treatment. Speak with your doctor.Good luck,

William Groff, DO · Answer

If you had an ablative CO2 laser session, the red face can last for at least two weeks, then gradually fade. It’s a healing process. How long it takes really depends on your own skin. You could be pink for months. But the laser’s good effects will last for years before you need a touch-up. Be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert with lasers so you can feel confident in your treatment.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

Redness after an ablative laser like a CO2 or erbium laser is expected. In many patients, the CO2 laser can have residual redness for months. Most patients who had an erbium laser only have pinkness that lasts weeks. Either way, the redness always resolves over time. Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
Quintessa Aesthetic Centers

Diana Tamboli, MD · Answer

The answer to your question depends on what type of laser you had and how aggressive of a treatment you had. With fully ablative lasers, patients should expect to be red then pink then their normal skin color over a period of 4-6 months while other lasers have very little downtime. It would be best to call your physician and inquire based on your specific treatment.
All the best!
Dr. Tamboli

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing time depends on how aggressive the treatment is. Redness from a deep resurfacing laser may take up to 3 months for the redness to fade. Steroid creams may be applied to the treated areas to help reduce the redness but always check with your laser expert before using products on your face.

Peter J. Malouf, DO · Answer

Redness following Co2 laser can last for several weeks.The redness is a trade off for more drastic results with this modality.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Really depends on the type of laser- erbium or CO2, the depth, and your skin type- patients with background rosacea - fair skin may even have a flare up. To settle redness down faster, make sure you sun protect, Heal Lite can help, but vascular lasers offer the fastest recovery. Be guided by your dermatologist. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

How long should redness last after laser?

Answers (10)

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