Will very slow healing effect the results of CO2 laser resurfacing? I'm 6 weeks post.

Question

I am 6 weeks post co2 laser and I'm very red with hyperpigmentation. I also have lots of breakouts, big pimples.I've been advised to use hydroquinone and retina a but I'm really afraid to put anything on my skin. And I feel like I have even more lines. He said he went deep but I never peeled or scabbed. I used aquaphor for 2 weeks per the doctor.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor about appropriate after care. Laser results take 6-12 weeks to settle. Photodynamic therapy can help healing. Lasers like Co2 work best in combination with other treatments in order to improve the skin's texture and collagen. After Co2, I recommend adding fraxel lasers, microneedling/prp and radiofrequency treatments.  you may need acne treatment and skin lightening at this time. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question madisonaidan. I
am sorry to hear about your situation. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is an
outstanding treatment that can address multiple aspects of aging in a single
treatment. Recovery can take several weeks. For those with darker skin I recommend using a good skin care regimen including products such as hydroquinone and retin-A for 1-2 months prior to the treatment to avoid hyperpigmentation. The depth is determined by the settings on the device, not on the recovery. Also results should not be based on recovery, they should be based on photographs. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations.
Good luck!

Dinesh Maini, MBChB · Answer

Dear Madison 
Thank you for your excellent question. 
This comes up a lot and is best prevented by keeping the setting conservative with the laser and prepping yhe skin beforehand.
But we are where we are....
There is a cream called Neoretin which is very good and very safe (any combination of kojic acid, phytic acid and few other bits is good but not too much retinol) . If really stuck then you will  have to use HQ but apply only to pigmented areas and sparingly and get some proper advice as to protocol because it can cause issues.  
Also look to see someone who has the dermalux lamp. If you use this 3 x week for 2 weeks it will bring down the redness quite quickly.
Good luck 
Kind Regards 
Dr Dinesh Maini

Will very slow healing effect the results of CO2 laser resurfacing? I'm 6 weeks post.

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Will very slow healing effect the results of CO2 laser resurfacing? I'm 6 weeks post.

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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