What can be done to get rid of redness after CO2 laser?

Question

I had COs laser around my eyes and on the front of my thighs for stretch marks. It looks good except that now (2.5 months out) I have been left with redness in those areas. Is this permanent? What can I do to bring the skin back to a more normal color?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor about after care. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme. PDT therapy can help calm inflammation. Stretch marks need a combination approach to get the most improvement. I recommend a combination of microneedling/prp, lasers (Erbium/Fraxel Laser, Excel V, Pulsed Dye Laser) or radiofrequency devices. Stretch marks can't be cured and it will take a series of treatments lifelong. 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.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. 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

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You can treat redness with an ipl machine a few weeks after CO2 skin resurfacing laser treatment.  The IPL (intense pulse light) help to take the red out and make it heal faster.  Please consult with your physician before starting any laser treatment.

Michael H. Swann, MD · Answer

Some skin types especially light skin can stay red with inflammation for months. I would recommend not using any skin care products that seem to make it worse and take an antihistamine like Zyrtec daily. You should wear a physical SPF of at least 30 with Zinc or Titanium, avoid sun exposure and make sure you follow up with the health care provider that performed your C02 treatment.

What can be done to get rid of redness after CO2 laser?

Answers (4)

Answer: Redness after C02

Answer: Redness after C02

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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

What can be done to get rid of redness after CO2 laser?

Answers (4)

Answer: Redness after C02

Answer: Redness after C02

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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