Is this amount of redness normal after CO2? Also, is there any PIH developing? Can I start IPL? (photos)

Question

Attached photos are 10 days post-op from Total Fx. Still pretty significant day 14 (no photos). Deep Fx to acne scars, predominantly on jawline/cheeks. Settings: 17.5 mJ, density 4 Active Fx to entire face. Settings: 100 mj density 3. Active areas are slightly pink today but nearly normal but deep Fx areas are still very red. Q's: Is this amount of redness normal? Were settings reasonable, aggressive? Do you notice any PIH developing? How soon after CO2 is IPL/PDL safe to reduce redness.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It takes several weeks for laser results to settle. I recommend following up with your Doctor for 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. Typically I recommend adding clear and brilliant, fraxel, viva 4-6 weeks after co2 to improve results along with microneedling/prp to get the best outcomes with texture and tone.  Please see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Martin Ray, MD · Answer

Hi JAK09,
Redness following deep CO2 treatments should be expected to last 4-6 weeks. Deep acne scars require aggressive settings, and the settings used for you are appropriate. However, I would like to see more blending and fanning between the deep, superficial, and untreated areas. You can see demarcation lines where there may be minor prolonged differences in skin pigment. 
A healthy diet and good skin preparation before and following CO2 will improve results, speed healing, decrease redness and risk of  post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. PIH most often will become apparent later in the healing process. I do not see any PIH at this time from the photos you've posted; however, better pictures or better still, having a physician see you in person is recommended. Stop occlusive creams immediately after the skin epithelium has healed.
I would not recommend IPL during recovery. Give your skin some love with healing ingredients such as growth factors, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.  A gentle Hydrafacial at 2 weeks is also helpful.  Micro needle or meso injections with PRP and/or HA can help recovery and improve overall results. At 6 weeks your physician can suggest IPL/PDT, VIVA, 1540, needling and filling of acne scars. Timing for follow up CO2 can also be discussed at that time.
Exceptional results will come from a physician-directed, comprehensive treatment plan that is personalized to your specific needs.

Is this amount of redness normal after CO2? Also, is there any PIH developing? Can I start IPL? (photos)

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Is this amount of redness normal after CO2? Also, is there any PIH developing? Can I start IPL? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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