6 weeks since my under eye Erbium ablative laser surgery. My eyes are not improving and are very red and mottled. Advice?

Question

It has been 6 weeks since my under eye Erbium ablative laser surgery. My eyes are not improving and are very red and mottled. I’m concerned, please advise. Is this normal? What products or treatments will help?

Adam Scheiner, MD · Answer

Dear Bella,
The ablative laser process involves removing the top lasers of your skin and then having them grow back. As they grow back, blood vessels help their growth. The pinkness is normal and will fade usually over 4-6 months. Its a good sign that your body is building even more new collagen in this area.
Best to discuss this with your surgeon.
I hope this was helpful.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and posting your photograph. Some patients get prolonged redness following laser resurfacing. Sometimes it is best to do nothing, because additional topical treatments can be irritating. Steroid creams and bleaching agents (Hydroquinone) might be necessary. See an experienced Oculoplastic Surgeon for comprehensive evaluation and discussion of treatment options.Good luck,

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 microneedling/prp after laser to help improve outcomes. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

The color changes can occur in some patients.  Hard to tell from this photo if it is mostly red or also some brown hyperpigmentation.  Need to discuss with your doctor since so treatments may make it worse, but there are things that can help:if red some steroid cream, or vitamin C creams can help.  IPL may also decrease the redness.If brown - some bleaching creams can help.   They may be irritating at times and make it more red, so need to start slowly with those.  The color will also eventually improve on its' own.

Annika Crosby, MD · Answer

Hello! Every patient is unique and sometimes prolonged redness can happen.  Some patients get prolonged redness following laser resurfacing.  Best advice is to see the provider that did the erbiu laser to see what options are available.  Best not to put any topical creams on the area until evaluated by a medical professional.  Best of Luck!

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

Redness from Erbium lasers can stay red/pink for up to 3 months. Eyes typically take the longest because hydrocortizone cream is not recommended to be applied so closely to the eyes. Follow up with your laser expert for further instructions. Be sure to protect the skin with a physical block and camouflage with make up during this healing process.

Patrick Flaharty, MD FAACS · Answer

It is normal to have discoloration after ablative laser resurfacing of the lower eyelid and this can last several months. The good news is that it is always temporary and will gradually resolve over time. Initially the eyelids are red with the inflammatory response to the laser. Around three to four weeks you can develop post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) which appears as a bronzing or darker pigmentation over the cheek bones. Although the redness just takes time to heal the PIH can be treated with a topical bleaching cream. I recommend that you consult with your treating physician regarding the best course of action at this point.  Make up can be very helpful to hide the redness or PIH until it resolves.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

This is normal, given the depth of erbium laser resurfacing. There are a few ways to help with the recovery. 1. SPF, lots of sunscreen, hats and sun avoidance 2. Heal Lite- IR light can help with the recovery.  3. Low dose 595 Pulse dye laser can reduce redness 4. Laser genesis can also help. 5. Low energy IPL 5. TIME TIME TIME. If you take another picture in 2 weeks time this will show that it is fading. Always solutions, but this is entirely normal. I tell my patients that with fully ablative lasers, expect redness for 3-6 months, depending on the depth of resurfacing. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

6 weeks since my under eye Erbium ablative laser surgery. My eyes are not improving and are very red and mottled. Advice?

Answers (8)

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