I did the halo laser facial with BBL 2 months ago and my face is still red and swollen on the left side. (photos)

Question

I believe that the nurse did more "passes" on the left side of my face, she promises she did the same on both sides & blames the reaction on that being my "driving side" so it gets more sun exposure. The left side of my face was SO swollen afterwards....it is still red and a little swollen 2 months out. I was told it would be a 3 day recovery time. She prescribed bleaching cream about a month ago, then told me not to use, then prescribed hydrocortisone cream last week. Will my face ever heal???

Kenneth Oleszek, MD · Answer

It sure does look like the left side of your face has a different post reaction!
Yes, it will heal.  I know its only the left now, but redness usually means more collagen production.  After heavy resurfacing lasers the redness can last upto 6 months - but usually fully resolves.
For patients like you - we use red light - low level laser for healing and sometimes even a photo facial to calm it down sooner.  I tend to avoid steroid creams unless I'm worried about scarring - it can exacerbate the flushing. 
And Oxygenetix makeup is great for after laser treatments.
Ken Oleszek, MDLa Fontaine AestheticsDenver, CO

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

Hydrocortisone cream helps with the redness post laser. Redness post laser is common. However, there's not enough information about the intensity of the treatment. It's best to follow up with the nurse that performed the treatment.

I did the halo laser facial with BBL 2 months ago and my face is still red and swollen on the left side. (photos)

Answers (2)

More Halo Laser Questions

I did the halo laser facial with BBL 2 months ago and my face is still red and swollen on the left side. (photos)

Answers (2)

More Halo Laser Questions

Tiny pinpoint holes in my face after a "light" halo treatment (fractional laser)? Will they go away?

Differences between Forever Young BBL and Halo?

Are petechiae normal after a Halo laser treatment? (Photo)