Prolonged Swelling After Laser Treatment. Advice?

Question

I am a 42 year old Asian woman and I had full facial MicroLaser Peel (20 micron depth) and 20% ProFractional Laser Resurfacing (200 micron depth) a month ago. A week after procedure, I started to get a hyperpigmentation reaction and after a few days, my face broke out in a lot of red, pimple-like lumps. So I went to the emergency room and was given Mupirocin for topical, and Sulfameth/trimethoprim orally. What could have caused these post-procedure conditions? Is this prolonged swelling normal?

William Ting, MD · Answer

Prolonged swelling after laser resurfacing should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist who is very well versed in laser resurfacing. Swelling is to be expected for at least few days after laser resurfacing; however, prolonged swelling can signify possible secondary staph or herpes infection and/or allergic contact dermatitis to emollients or cleansers utilized.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

I apologize for not being clear, but did a physician peform your laser? If so, you should be seeing that individual. If you had this done by a non-physician, I would srongly recommend you see a dermatologist.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It sounds like you might have developed a bacterial infection from what you describe and still have some subsequent swelling. The infection should be gone by now as it sounds like that is the case. The swelling could also be an allergic reaction to the medications you were using. 
I would recommend you see either your physician who performed the procedure or a Dermatologist or Facial plastic surgeon to follow-up with as you may get hyperpigmentation especially with your skin type.

Michael Tomcik, MD · Answer

I agree that an allergic dermatitis from post operative creams is the most likely answer. However, a bacterial or Herpes infection cannot be ruled out. See a Board Certified Dermatologist immediately. You did not state if this procedure was done at a spa or in a physicians office. The state of Florida now requires that a M.D. must be in the Spa (not across town or across the country) when a laser is performed by a nurse. This legislation needs to be enforced in every State to insure patient safety

Lenore Sikorski, MD · Answer

I can't tell the exact sequence of events but you really need to see a professional.  You need to have someone look at your skin and tell you if  you have developed an allegic reaction to the products you are using. Swelling is reversible once you know the cause. 
Good luck.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I agree that you need to see an expert who does laser resurfacing.
Reading your history, with delayed onset of swelling, after treatments for possible infection, I would say that an allergic reaction to one of the topical medications is most likely.
Your doctor most likely will stop everything except moisturizer, aquaphor, and may consider a steroid to reduce inflammation.

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