Erbium laser resurfacing three weeks ago. Why am I still red and have dark color? (Photo)

Question

Seems like I may need skin lightening?

David W. Rodwell III, MD · Answer

Some redness after laser resurfacing is always expected during the initial healing phase, but it should then quickly begin to fade.3 weeks is still a little early, and it is not unexpected to see some residual redness.This all really depends on 2 main factors:  The first is simply how your body heals.  Some people will be more prone to developing redness and inflammation more than others.  The second factor is a combination of the depth, power settings, intensity, density setting, etc used at the time of the laser treatment.  A more aggressive treatment increases the likelihood of prolonged redness, but it also leads to a more dramatic improvement.Every laser device is different as is every patient.  However, I typically plan on performing a series of slightly less aggressive laser treatments spaced over a few months to more gradually get to the results that we want without the risk of prolonged redness and other potential problems.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

The redness will slowly fade away.  Make sure you use a lot of bland moisturizer to keep it hydrated, and no sun.  Talk to your doctor about using some mild steroid cream as well for a week.  IF they have an IPL that can be done to decrease the red.  Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation usually occurs at about 3-4 weeks after the laser.  So if you are getting brown now you need to be started on a bleaching cream.  These can be irritating and may make the redness a little worse.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

The pink color of the skin is expected after an erbium laser resurfacing and will go away within a couple of months in most cases. If you have pigmentation, or a brown discoloration, that is most likely not going to go away quickly. It is very important that you protect your skin from the sun with a physical sun block that contains titanium and zinc. This should be applied several times during the day, every day. I'd recommend discussing your concerns with your physician. If your skin can tolerate it, I'd prescribe a cream with hydroquinone that you would apply daily. The cream can be irritating to some, and the irritation can make the pigmentation worse, so we don't want that to happen. Fortunately, the discolorations should eventually resolve, and the wrinkle reduction that an erbium laser can achieve is well worth the inconveniences you are experiencing.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Plastic SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

Frederick K. Park, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Redness following erbium laser is normal and expected. The duration of this is related to how deep the laser procedure went, as well as the healing properties of your own skin.It is important to avoid anything which can cause inflammation as this will increase the redness.I inform all of my lower eyelid erbium laser patients that they will have redness for at least two months or longer.It is very important to practice strict sun avoidance. Your surgeon will allow you to put sunblock on your skin after it is totally healed and be sure to reapply often when sweating or swimming.Your redness should resolve slowly over time.I hope this helps.Good luck!

Seth Kates, MD · Answer

Redness after erbium resurfacing is common and almost expected.  The length of time it lasts is usually related to how deep the resurfacing was done and your skin type.  For example, individuals with a tendency towards rosacea are frequently red for a longer period of time than people without that tendency.  Sun exposure can also be a factor.  I would talk to the health care provider that did the procedure and ask him.  Good luck.

Erbium laser resurfacing three weeks ago. Why am I still red and have dark color? (Photo)

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Erbium laser resurfacing three weeks ago. Why am I still red and have dark color? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Redness after erbium laser

Answer: Redness after erbium laser

Answer: Redness after erbium resurfacing

Answer: Redness after erbium resurfacing

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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