Is permanently more pinkish skin the norm after most laser resurfacing treatments?

Question

I have seen many before and after photos of laser resurfacing. While the skin is always smoother looking and the color always more uniform, the tint often changes. Many pictures that show results over 6 months after a treatment, show skin that is slightly pinker. In some "after" photos the skin is the exactly the same color, while still showing smoothness and uniformity. Is this something that can be controlled, or is a pinkish color just the color of healthier skin for many people?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your
question.Pink skin is typically expected after laser treatments, and can last up to a few months. Permanent pinkness should not occur after treatments. To be sure, see two
or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to
make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have
treatment.

I hope this helps.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! A permanent pink skin color after laser resurfacing would not be expected.  The duration of redness or pinkness can vary depending on the type of laser used and agressiveness of the treatment.  I hope this helps!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The skin can be pink for weeks to months depending on how strong the laser procedure is.  Permanent pink is not a normal result of this type of procedure. It is essential you go to a well trained laser dermatologist for this type of treatment and do not compromise your care for cost or distance. Best, Dr. Emer.

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

I have not seen anyone with a permanent pink color after laser resurfacing and I have been doing laser resurfacing for 20 years and have done more then 3000 cases. If you are seeing redness in pictures either the photos were taken too early or its a funny tint from the camera. Its not unusual for the pink tint to last for a few months in very deep cases. newer devices do not cause skin whitening (hypopigmentation) like the older lasers although skin is lighter after the sun damage is removed. The newer lasers are really quite remarkable for better results with limited downtime. I especially love the Sciton Halo laser (I am a little jaded as we helped in the development)

Is permanently more pinkish skin the norm after most laser resurfacing treatments?

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Answer: Skin color after laser resurfacing

Answer: Skin color after laser resurfacing

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Is permanently more pinkish skin the norm after most laser resurfacing treatments?

Answers (4)

Answer: Skin color after laser resurfacing

Answer: Skin color after laser resurfacing

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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