After laser resurfacing, how long before redness goes away? (photos)

Question

Is my skin permanently damaged and will it stay red forever. Even with sensitive skin, how long before the red subsides. Procedure was performed Nov 17. Photos are at eight weeks

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It can take some patients up to six months for all of the pinkness to go away depending upon what type of laser was used, CO2 or erbium, and your skin type. I have never had a patient not have their pinkness go away after 21 years of practice although some have persisted slightly longer than six months. There are some measures you can take to reduce redness but you need to discuss those options, if appropriate, with your treating physician.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

You don't mention what kind of laser was used, but it looks like a full field resurfacing, either CO2 or Erbium. Some patients will stay red for weeks and even months after such a treatment. It is very important that you are very good with sun protection. I would also recommend a hydroquinone product if your skin can tolerate it. Make sure you are regularly seeing your provider, at least once a month. There are lasers, like BBL, that can help. Eventually the redness will subside, but I've seen some patients take almost 6 months, and that was with an erbium laser peel, CO2 lasers can take even longer.If any areas become firm or hard, make sure your provider is aware as that can be a sign of early scarring. Early scars can be treated with a dilute steroid very successfully.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Plastic SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

After deep resurfacing the redness can last eight weeks or more. Topical emollients will allow the skin to heal.One per cent hydrocortisone and green concealer will improve the appearance.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

There are patients that will be irritated for a long period of time after resurfacing. Please consider an evaluation by your physician to see if there is an obvious reason for your redness that could be improved. Hope this helps, Dr. Gus Diaz

W. Bryant Walker, MD · Answer

Prolonged erythema (redness) following facial resurfacing is common and may persist for many months following resurfacing.  Vitamin C serum can be used to help decrease the prolonged erythema (redness) following resurfacing with C02 or Erbium laser.  I would recommend at least a 10% Vitamin C serum.  Check with your treating physician to see if they would recommend this in your case.  For more information on laser resurfacing, please visit the link below.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

In my opinion, this degree of redness after laser resurfacing done eight weeks ago is not typical.  I can't tell from the photos if there are any areas of textural change or scarring.  There are some treatments such as topical creams and pulsed dye laser that might be helpful.  I would recommend that you see a dermatologist with significant laser experience to be evaluated in person.

Richard O. Gregory, MD · Answer

This amount of redness two months following fractional laser treatment of the face is unusual. The redness implies healing with new vessels. There are a variety of reasons including the type of laser, degree of treatment, and probably more importantly the patient. Fair skinned patients including blue eyes and blond or red hair would typically stay red longer. This may be treated with topical's such as steroids, bluelight therapy, or even other lasers and IPL. An encouraging note is that people who stay red longer generally tighten and gain more collagen which is also part of the healing process.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Use of hydroquinone and sunscreen will help. But I am concerned about hyperpigmentation issues. Best to see a dermatologist for HP issues.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

For fully ablative CO2 laser - up to 4 months or beyond, however for a conservative setting, 4-8 weeks is quite normal. Erbium laser a few weeks less. Redness is not a problem as we can treat this with a vascular laser, or V BEAM pulse dye laser. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

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