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

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

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.

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

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.

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