What product can I use to reduce redness after aggressive CO2 dot laser treatment? (photos)

Question

I am 11 days out & still have extreme redness. I am black Irish & scar easily & tend to hyper pigment. What product do you recommend to treat the redness as I would like to be proactive? I am using aloe vera directly from the plant & this help to calm my skin. Would a prescription steroid cream help to reduce the redness or make it worse?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For redness post co2 I have patients use a combination of topical steroid creams ("strong but not long" is my moto) and Mirvaso gel (which is an anti-redness topical for rosacea).  If it persists beyond a few weeks, pulsed dye laser or KTP laser (Excel V) can be used to help the redness.  Sun protection is essential and to avoid any topical irritants such as detergents, vitamin A creams (retinoids) or chemicals such as chemical sunscreens (I prefer physical blockers).  I suggest if you are concerned to speak to your physician for both a short term and long term plan.  Best, Dr. Emer.

A. David Rahimi, MD · Answer

Good morning, The photo is from 4 days out but you are now 11 days after the procedure. Are you still just as red? I perform a lot of CO2 laser treatments. I control the redness with a short course of prescription strength Triamcinolone cream for 3 days. Too much steroid or for too long can cause atrophy (indentations) and also permanent light spots. The diolite laser can also be used to bring redness down. Please see an experience Dermatologist to discuss your concerns. Sun avoidance is a must. Dr. david R.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

At 12 days post op, I usually prescribe a steroid cream to reduce redness.  See your Plastic Surgeon so that you can confirm that you are healing from this laser.

What product can I use to reduce redness after aggressive CO2 dot laser treatment? (photos)

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What product can I use to reduce redness after aggressive CO2 dot laser treatment? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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