Laser Resurfacing w/ Post-op Pain Medication?

Thank you for the excellent question.  Our office specializes in laser resurfacing and we offer both ablative and non-ablative options.  We use a combination of topical anesthetics and a cool air blower and most patients find the procedure comfortable with this approach.
As always, an in-person consultation with a board certified dermatologist with cosmetic training is the best way to assess your needs and provide medical advice. 

One of our staff answering phones for our office had a deep laser procedure done on her face with a fractional CO2 laser, and she felt comfortable answering phone calls the same day - it was her choice, we didn't require her to work ( : 

This is a common experience with our laser resurfacing patients, that there is little to no physical downtime and little or no pain.  Though, there is significant social downtime, meaning you will not want to see other people for 3 to 10 days depending on the depth of treatment.

Keep in mind that a common complaint with laser treatments is that patients may not get the results they are looking for with "weekend treatments."  If you want a significant result in wrinkles or sun-damaged skin, you may require additional recovery.  An individual consultation can give you a better idea of what will work best for you.  Best of luck!

We offer mild sedation for Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. We almost never need post-op pain medication even for those with lowest pain threshold. When there is pain after 48 hours, one should call the laser surgeon right away to be evaluated for possible secondary infection.

Pain tolerances vary from patient to patient. While it is possible to avoid pain medicine after a laser resurfacing procedure, sometimes advil or alleve is sufficient for the pain or plain tylenol. It also depends upon the depth of the resurfacing procedure. Keeping it covered afterwards with ointment helps to minimize the pain and yes you can use some numbing creams but you have to be careful not to use too much as it can have side effects. Good luck with your procedure.

Most cases of resurfacing do not involve painful recoveries. In fact, sudden pain in the recovery phase can be a warning of viral infection such as a cold sore virus in the skin. There may be discomfort from swelling and itching but pain is more rare. Appropriate wound care is extremely important and moist treatment helps a great deal. Usually this applies for medium depth chemical peels, dermabrasion, carbon dioxide ablative laser resurfacing and fractional ablative carbon dioxide CO2 laser resurfacing. Fraxel Restore is a nonablative erbium laser which is more gentle and its recovery does not involve pain and the treatment is tolerable without pain medication but Fraxel Repair requires pain medication during the treatment usually.  You should not use a topical anesthetic after treatment as it can cause a lot of burning, an allergic contact dermatitis and serious toxicity from absorption.

Most of our laser resurfacing patients do not require any form of pain medication of their treatment. That said, some people do experience a little discomfort and acetaminophen is generally what we recommend or cool compresses. Sleeping on an extra pillow, and on your back, helps reduce any swelling and minimize discomfort further. Minimizing sun exposure during healing is important too.

Dear DeniJ,

Pain medicien pain not be needed after laser skin resurfacing.  It all depende on the individual's pain tolerance as well as the type of laser used and the depth and extent of resurfacing.  In my practice pain medicine is generally not required after a fractional co2 laser treamtent of the face.  Best of Luck

I have performed thousands of laser procedures over 26 years in practice. I can absolutely confirm that pain medication after laser resurfacing (including deep active fx laser) is not necessary.  Ninety percent of my patients don't even take a tylenol.  Only 2 have requested anything stronger than over the counter products.  In fact, pain after resurfacing should prompt evaluation by the physician because it can signal infection which needs treatment.

Most patients will not need prescription pain medications after a laser resurfacing procedure; some will need OTC products such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.  I would not recommend using a numbing cream in the post-op healing phase.  

It depends on the depth of penetration of the laser, and you personally. Best to have few pain meds available. From MIAMI DR. Darryl j. Blinski