Four days post laser resurfacing I have painfully swollen eyelids; face is swollen (peeling now). (photo)

Thank you for your question. During the first few hours and days after the procedure, there is usually mild burning and discomfort, which feels like a sunburn. Oral painkillers and ice packs should help you control the discomfort. I suggest that you apply cream to your face to minimize the amount of dryness as well. It seems that you should experience a significant decrease in swelling shortly, however, I suggest that you keep your board certified facial plastic surgeon updated as to your healing process. 



Best wishes,

As long as the discomfort is not your actual eyeball, everything sounds and looks like it's going well. You are rather dry, so I'd recommend applying any balm that they recommended more often throughout the day. In a few more days most of the peeling should be over. Any swelling also usually goes away quickly, also over the next few days.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Plastic SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

It looks like you had a deep resurfacing.  The lids will get very swollen.  You look very dry!  I have patients put on a lot of vaseline or aquaphor while healing.  This allows the crusts to soften and fall off more easily, and helps with the tight feeling you can get from all the scabs. 

Hi:Thanks for your question. Although its not clear what procedure you had it seems like you had at least a medium depth treatment. Based on that assumption everything you are experiencing is within normal limits. The swelling is part of the reason you face feels stiff. You will be suprised how much things change even over the next few days. Hang in there

Congratulations on your procedure and thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.



The swelling should start decreasing after the 4th day. head elevation, icing, anti-inflammatories could be alternative methods to accelerate the healing processFinally, make sure that your doctor is aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.



Wishing you the best in your journey