Redness After CO2 Fractional Laser

Question

I was treated with CO2 Fractional Laser for acne scar on my whole face 4 weeks ago. Now, it's still pretty red, and I feel hopeless because it seems like my skin is getting worse.  Is there any possibility that my normal skin color will return?

Johnny Mao, MD, FACS · Answer

Persistent redness after ablative laser skin resurfacing is common. Sometimes it can take several weeks to resolve...just be patient.  Things that can promote faster recovery and not worsen: Sunblock containing Zinc or Titanium, gentle moisturizers (Cetaphil and Aveeno), stay away from products that can make it more red (Retin-A, retinoid based products), Mild topical steroid cream/ointment (be careful sometimes the products can irritate the skin).  You can try applying a small amount to a small region to see how you tolerate it.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Redness is to be expected after any laser treatment. Each patient's recovery time is going to vary depending on the laser, intensity of treatment, and the patient's skin type/response. In some cases, redness can last many months. When patients have delayed redness, we always go in-depth on what products they are using on their skin and recommend that they avoid products that cause inflammation (like retinols, retin-A, many acne treatments, etc) and use products that protect the skin like gentle moisturizers and SPF protection. Sun avoidance is also critical. In some cases, it is simply a matter of time to let the redness fade while protecting the skin in the mean time.All the best,

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

The skin is compromised after a Fractional Laser treatment and special care is needed post procedure.  Whether you did an ablative or non-ablative laser, following the pre and post care instructions is vital in the successful outcome from this aggressive treatment. A follow-up visit is recommended and the recovery products maybe adjusted to your particular needs. The number one reason a person may continue to be red, is sun exposure. Even driving in the car during the daytime can affect the skin and cause inflammation from the sun post procedure. Another reason is that a product that you previously used maybe too aggressive and may contain ingredients that are irritating to the skin during this time. When your skin returns to your normal state...meaning when your skin feels like your skin again, which could be a few months, then you can introduce your skincare routine one product at a time.

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

The redness you are experiencing sounds normal, you are still in the healing phase.  Make sure you are following your post op instructions carefully and using SPF!!

Julian De Silva, MD · Answer

Redness is dependent on patient and treatment characteristics including skin type, type of laser and depth of the laser treatment.

Redness is a common immediately after laser treatment and for the first week after laser. Occasionally there can be redness for up to six weeks and rarely for six months. To reduced the chance of redness several measures can be taken during your laser treatment:

•      Avoid in certain high risk skin types, identify before treatment

•      Safety protocol for every patient

•      Clear post laser resurfacing instructions

•      Use of bio-technology to enhance recovery after laser

•      Use of test-patch of laser to avoid risk

•      An experienced doctor who has used laser resurfacing for many years with good results

•      State-of-the-art modern laser designed for safety and fast recovery

If you have redness after laser, skin creams can be prescribed that will reduce the redness faster, these include moisturisers, sun block and anti-inflammatory creams.

Redness After CO2 Fractional Laser

Answers (9)

Answer: Laser

Answer: Laser

Answer: How common is redness after CO2 laser?

Answer: How common is redness after CO2 laser?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fractional Laser

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

Redness After CO2 Fractional Laser

Answers (9)

Answer: Laser

Answer: Laser

Answer: How common is redness after CO2 laser?

Answer: How common is redness after CO2 laser?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fractional Laser

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