How long before significant post-Fraxel Repair redness will resolve around my eyes?

Question

I had Fraxel Repair done around my eyes 17 days ago and I still am very, very red. My derm just prescribed me a topical steroid (fluocinolone acetonide cream USP, 0.025%) yesterday and this is supposed to help with the redness. This cream is VERY drying and it is causing tiny wrinkles to form since it makes my skin so dry. I am rolling into week three with no significant change to this redness from week one. When should I start to panic?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Redness can last weeks to months after laser depending on how aggressive the treatment.  Steroids can help but are often not the best choice.  Better to get on a hydrating calming skin care protocol.  See a laser expert for an evaluation.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Fractional laser resurfacing allows quicker healing than fully ablative laser resurfacing.  The deep redness that was seen for 6 to 12 months, or more, with the old fashioned non fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is not typically seen with the Fraxel Repair. The Fraxel Repair, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing done in our NYC practice, causes weeks of redness which fades to pink and that can take months to go away.  Skin that is resurfaced with any laser, can be more sensitive to sunburns so sunblock is very important.  Topical steroids may help, but other topical products may help initially and there are so many different protocols depending on the physician that does the treatment.The information provided in Dr. Shelton's
answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended
to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should
not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified
health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical
needs.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

I often tell patients one can expect redness to last up to 3-6 months, especially around the eye area. If redness does not settle say at week 6-8 I give them the option for V Beam laser to reduce the redness. See video on the healing process of CO2. (see Web Reference)CheersDr Davin Lim Laser and aesthetic dermatologistBrisbane, Australia.

How long before significant post-Fraxel Repair redness will resolve around my eyes?

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How long before significant post-Fraxel Repair redness will resolve around my eyes?

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Everything you need to know about Fraxel Repair

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