Skin is pink, red and scabby after CO2 laser - Normal? (photo)

Question

I had CO2 laser on my stomach for stretchmarks a few days ago and I’m kind of freaking out. My skin looks really red and pink and scabby. Is this normal?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor about after care. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme. PDT therapy can help calm inflammation. Stretch marks need a combination approach to get the most improvement. I recommend a combination of microneedling/prp, lasers (Erbium/Fraxel Laser, Excel V, Pulsed Dye Laser) or radiofrequency devices. Stretch marks can't be cured and it will take a series of treatments lifelong. I recommend you see an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Trent D. Douglas, MD, FACS · Answer

Because CO2 laser treatment is an ablative procedure, you will see some raw surfaces and dry skin that is "scabby" and flakes off over the first 3-4 days.  If there are any questions about your recovery, make sure you followup with the office where your procedure was done.  Keeping the area well moisturized during recovery helps with the discomfort associated with the treatment.

Jennifer Reichel, MD · Answer

First, if you are having questions about your treatment - make sure that you contact the practice where you had it done - and see someone. CO2 laser is ablative - so it will leave your skin open and raw. If you are having a lot of pain after a couple of days, you should go in to be sure there is not infection and that you are healing appropriately. The photo looks like you had a CO2 - scabbed, red, raw. But it is not possible to tell if something outside of the normal post-op healing is happening. Of note, the skin on the arms and trunk will heal slower than skin on the face. So expect that healing may take some time. Also be sure that you are have good post-op care instructions. I recommend at least saline soaks and vaseline or aquaphor.

Skin is pink, red and scabby after CO2 laser - Normal? (photo)

Answers (3)

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