I have stripes and bumps all over my face. Is this normal?

Question

I had encore active fx on March 17 and and today there are stripes and bumps all over. Please let me know what I can do!! Washing with cetaphil and moisturizing. Tried Aloe gel today.

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Post t laser treatment stamp like patterns can be seen.  This is more common with the  deep fx laser than the Active co2 laser treatment. With proper post laser care this typically resolves with time.  In certain cases I use a micro laser peel a fully ablative Sciton Erbium to help diminish the marks.

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

This is not uncommon after the treatment.  One reason for the lines and dots is that the dots are from the scanning device.  However the lines are from the direction that the treating physician had moved the treatment handpiece. I recommend that you give it time usually fades in the first 3-4 weeks.  The areas of the dots act as points of extrusion of the bad collagen that needs to be removed.  I recommend that you speak to a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon in order to get the best in person evaluation.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would prep the skin using Luminase and Exfolase creams to help with the healing and reduce PIH after laser. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

Peter P. Kay, MD · Answer

This is not uncommon in the early recovery from FX laser treatments. In the vast majority of cases this eventually go away. Once everything has settled in about 4 to six months a second FX treatment may help even the skin color out.

Bradford A. Bader, MD · Answer

This kind of irregularity can occur in the early period after Active FX. Your physician likely used the fractionated laser setting for your treatment. This leaves small islands of untreated skin amongst the resurfaced skin. When the face is viewed as a whole these small islands of untreated skin create a visual effect that can described as streaks, stripes and bumps. This is normal and temporary and should not cause you concern. Keep in touch with your physician for reassurance.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes this is common and can occur with any laser or RF that delivers fractional energy. The stripes are due to the areas treated. Keep up with the moisturisers and SPF, this usually fades within 2 weeks, depending on the energy, passes, and density. Your dermatologist or Plastics will guide you as to the healing up time. Heal Lite or gentle QSL may help however this is usually self resolving ..all the best, Dr Davin Lim . Brisbane. Australia.

I have stripes and bumps all over my face. Is this normal?

Answers (6)

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