Treatment to Even out Pinkness/redness After Laser Resurfacing?

Question

Hello, I am 8 weeks out of laser resurfacing (20 microns Micro Peel + 450 microns profractional - Scition). It took four weeks for the redness to start to fade out but it its not doing it evenly (in some areas the skin is darker pink in other light pink and in others starting to be my skin color). Is there anything I can do to accelerate this process. Can a VBeam laser help out? Are there any risk on doing the VBeam laser 9 weeks after the resurfacing? Thank you,

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I use the pulsed dye laser and vbeam after laser skin resurfacing if there is any excess redness or broken capillaries.

Lori Stetler, MD · Answer

Redness or erythema is very common after laser resurfacing and fades slowly over time. Depending on the depth of the procedure, redness duration will vary. The deeper the procedure, the longer the redness takes to resolve, but generally the more dramatic the result. Tincture of time is the best way to resolve the issue. Aggressive sun protection during this time is crucial to optimize healing. If the redness persists past several months, IPL or intensed pulse light treatments may be an option to discuss with your dermatologist.

	Dr. Lori Stetler

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

some people experience more redness then others after laser resurfacing. in fact some believe that more redness implies more inflammatory response which leads to better results. we usually start with a mild topical steroid like 1% hydrocortisone or locoid. if this does not work as expect we will use a vascular laser like vbeam or pulse light (IPL/BBL)

Richard Fitzpatrick, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Treatment with the V-Beam laser after undergoing laser skin resurfacing can absolutely enhance the healing process to effectively even out blotchy redness. There are not many risks associated with having this treatment after laser skin resurfacing, though excessive bruising is possible if treatment with the V-Beam laser is too aggressive. I would advise that your doctor use a lower setting to not aggravate the situation further.

H. Michael Roark, MD (retired) · Answer

It is normal for the face to heal at different rates especially after an aggressive laser treatment. The settings used will yield great results, however, residual redness is a common complaint from patients. The redness can be improved by using the BBL application of the Sciton (same laser used for your procedure). I had great results using this type of laser on my patients for post procedure redness. Your other option is to do nothing, over time your skin will heal and the redness will subside. The most important advice I have is to stay out of the sun and always wear sunscreen. Red skin can turn into permanently dark skin if exposed to sun light. This is called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and is much harder to remedy than red skin.

Treatment to Even out Pinkness/redness After Laser Resurfacing?

Answers (5)