POSTED UNDER CO2 Laser Reviews
CO2RE-Fractional but Aggressive on Eyes
UPDATED FROM Mytime1966
2 months post
Followed up with my Doc
$1,801
I went to the doctor today who assured me this was not scarring. She said that I am in the remodeling stage at 8 weeks? It doesn't feel like remodeling to me because the skin is really tough and bumpy under my eyes. She said that when a wound occurs that new skin pops up throughout the healing phase and that's why the bumpy texture. The tough skin that feels really rough when I run my finger over it is what concerns me. I was told to use hydrocortisone cream for one week to see if it improves. Also, if I am getting scars shouldn't I be doing something now to resolve it rather than waiting to see if it improves? Just seems like I should fix it now before it gets worse. This is so frustrating!
Replies (5)
Hi there, it will take around 6 months to heal.The rough texture will soften (as with any scar). You're best leaving it alone and distracting yourself during this time. x
Thank you nosetake2.
Hello,
I had fractional laser done around march 9th 2017. I also had it done aggressively around my eye area and I was super upset thinking I was getting scarring there . It has improved but not totally gone. I do like my result on the rest of my face I just wish my eye area was better. You can use a scar treatment called bioCorneum and that might help . With time mine gets less red and I'm sort of just getting used to it. This is an extreme procedure and sort of scary while your healing. Best of luck to you!
I had fractional laser done around march 9th 2017. I also had it done aggressively around my eye area and I was super upset thinking I was getting scarring there . It has improved but not totally gone. I do like my result on the rest of my face I just wish my eye area was better. You can use a scar treatment called bioCorneum and that might help . With time mine gets less red and I'm sort of just getting used to it. This is an extreme procedure and sort of scary while your healing. Best of luck to you!
Hi, the white bumps are probably milia. They can be easily removed without numbing by an aesthetician at your doctors office or by a nurse. No worries! They are caused by too much aquafor or cream under eyes after a procedure like yours. Also for redness, try a hydrocortisone like you would use for a bite. It will NOT hurt your eyes at all, but it's thick, so again, minimize the "thicker" products. Unlike acne, milia has to be extracted. It's like a white head that you can't pop out. You have to take a tinsy needle, poke a hole in the skin, and extract. However, I WOULD NOT do it yourself! It's not expensive to have a derm or doctor's office do it, but you don't want anything else to happen to your under eye precious and delicate skin! Hope this helps Missy. The redness will face, promise! :)
It can go away on it's own. Milia comes when you have been burnt. Give it 6 months and it should just resolve itself.
You guys are great. Thank you for all the suggestions and for lifting my spirits!
UPDATED FROM Mytime1966
2 months post
8 Weeks Today- Scheduled Appointment with Dr. to talk about Rough Undereye Area
Hello RealSelf friends. I am at the 8 week mark and I have an appointment tomorrow to talk to the doc about the rough, bumpy texture under my eyes with a white bumps and lines of what looks like scars. Although I am using very expensive products as mentioned above, I have made the decision to start adding organic, raw, coconut oil to my eye area. I've used it for 3 days now and my eyes seem to love it and soak it right up. We will see and I will keep u updated on the progress.
Going through this only adds to my frustration and yes depression in the fact that my job search is not going as quickly as I wanted. And I HATE putting on makeup unless absolutely necessary. I had hoped I could wear less makeup after this procedure but with my horrible texture issues under the eyes, it makes it worse! I have to cake it on. It makes me feel so fake and gross actually. I guess having OCD doesn't help.
I have to say I am really shocked that doctors have so many different opinions on what to do. It's kind of frightening to think there are so many points of view. You are left not knowing which advice to take or not.
I'll keep you posted and let you know what the doc thinks. Thank you for all the support!
Going through this only adds to my frustration and yes depression in the fact that my job search is not going as quickly as I wanted. And I HATE putting on makeup unless absolutely necessary. I had hoped I could wear less makeup after this procedure but with my horrible texture issues under the eyes, it makes it worse! I have to cake it on. It makes me feel so fake and gross actually. I guess having OCD doesn't help.
I have to say I am really shocked that doctors have so many different opinions on what to do. It's kind of frightening to think there are so many points of view. You are left not knowing which advice to take or not.
I'll keep you posted and let you know what the doc thinks. Thank you for all the support!
Replies (1)
I use coconut oil a couple times a week on my skin! It absolutely loves coconut oil and just drinks it up! I saw your post below as well - it sounds like your doctor is confident that things are progressing in the right direction. I will keep my fingers crossed for you that soon you will be good as new! What kind of makeup do you use? I always try to stay with pretty clean lines, but I really love the Cover Girl that is the cream to powder. It makes my skin look flawless without being cakey. I wonder if it would work for you? It is the one that has the Oil of Olay swirl in it.
Really? I may try that. I have been using IT cosmetics foundation because it has a high spf 50 in it. Thank you for the suggestions. I just looked at your results again and I am so shocked at how much younger you look; 20 years easy. You had great results! So happy for u!!! Thank you for the well wishes!
You are welcome - and thank you for the kind words!
ORIGINAL POST
Well, it's been 7 weeks and 2 days since my CO2...
Well, it's been 7 weeks and 2 days since my CO2 laser and I am concerned. At 2 weeks, I was very happy with the outcome on the rest of my face (all but my eyes). My pores were smaller and my face seemed a lot smoother. I even went and had my hair done and an aesthetician was there and she made the comment that my skin was pretty. I had a ton of makeup on!
Now I'm not so sure. It seems like with each passing day I get something else that pops up and concerns me. My pores are for sure bigger and I have more of an orange peel texture than I did before. I was told that this procedure would improve my pores and texture but it has not.
I do know that everyone heals differently and I hope my results aren't complete as of yet... the collagen thing. But, my eyes for sure are upsetting me because I think I have some scarring. They are still very pink or close to red and I have some bumps under them. I also have some ridges, almost scar-like, on both eyes. I know the pics don't really show the true extent but I tried to get the best shot I could. My eyes aren't as wrinkly as they were before but with all the new stuff popping up everyday I don't know if I would rather have the wrinkles back.
It takes an hour putting on makeup now when I used to do it in 30 mins because I have to go through all this layering under my eyes to get coverage. If I touch my eyes at all the makeup comes off and the red comes blasting out! I was laid off at work and I'm having to go on interviews and do presentations like this. The best I can do is cover it up with very thick makeup (looks terrible to me) but it looks like I have dark circles around my eyes. I wanted to be able to wear less makeup and is why I got this procedure!
I am using SkinMedica products including TNS Recovery Complex, TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream, and Obagi hydroquinone. I went to get ScarAway silicone gel to put under my eyes also rather than the sheets (sheets under my eyes?) but it dried and left this bumpy mess under my eyes that I had to rub and rub to get it off. Then of course my eyes were red as heck again and I feel like I've taken a step backwards in the healing process. When I rub my eyes to get the makeup off the ridges and bumps really plump up and look worse! And yes, I do it as gently as I can.
I feel so rediculous and so vain. I'm supposed to be looking for a job but I am so obsessed with looking in my 8x mirror because I think I'm scarred for life. I also spend too much time on the internet looking for similar stories and ways to fix this! The girl that did my face says it's normal to look like this but I get the feeling that they will say anything, kind of like your hairdresser does, to make you feel better. I don't necessarily think she is at fault, I think I'm just not healing correctly. Or that skin responds differently to injury and sometimes it's not in a good way. I think that's why some people have good results while others do not.
Anyone else still have redness and ridges, bumps, ridges under eyes at almost 2 months? Even if you have any of this I would like to hear from you please.
Thank you guys!
Now I'm not so sure. It seems like with each passing day I get something else that pops up and concerns me. My pores are for sure bigger and I have more of an orange peel texture than I did before. I was told that this procedure would improve my pores and texture but it has not.
I do know that everyone heals differently and I hope my results aren't complete as of yet... the collagen thing. But, my eyes for sure are upsetting me because I think I have some scarring. They are still very pink or close to red and I have some bumps under them. I also have some ridges, almost scar-like, on both eyes. I know the pics don't really show the true extent but I tried to get the best shot I could. My eyes aren't as wrinkly as they were before but with all the new stuff popping up everyday I don't know if I would rather have the wrinkles back.
It takes an hour putting on makeup now when I used to do it in 30 mins because I have to go through all this layering under my eyes to get coverage. If I touch my eyes at all the makeup comes off and the red comes blasting out! I was laid off at work and I'm having to go on interviews and do presentations like this. The best I can do is cover it up with very thick makeup (looks terrible to me) but it looks like I have dark circles around my eyes. I wanted to be able to wear less makeup and is why I got this procedure!
I am using SkinMedica products including TNS Recovery Complex, TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream, and Obagi hydroquinone. I went to get ScarAway silicone gel to put under my eyes also rather than the sheets (sheets under my eyes?) but it dried and left this bumpy mess under my eyes that I had to rub and rub to get it off. Then of course my eyes were red as heck again and I feel like I've taken a step backwards in the healing process. When I rub my eyes to get the makeup off the ridges and bumps really plump up and look worse! And yes, I do it as gently as I can.
I feel so rediculous and so vain. I'm supposed to be looking for a job but I am so obsessed with looking in my 8x mirror because I think I'm scarred for life. I also spend too much time on the internet looking for similar stories and ways to fix this! The girl that did my face says it's normal to look like this but I get the feeling that they will say anything, kind of like your hairdresser does, to make you feel better. I don't necessarily think she is at fault, I think I'm just not healing correctly. Or that skin responds differently to injury and sometimes it's not in a good way. I think that's why some people have good results while others do not.
Anyone else still have redness and ridges, bumps, ridges under eyes at almost 2 months? Even if you have any of this I would like to hear from you please.
Thank you guys!
Replies (4)
Have you gone to a dermatologist? I would look for a board certified dermatologist and head there. There may be something they can prescribe that will help in the healing. I would make that appointment sooner than later. Also, have you posted pictures and questions to the doctors on here? Usually, they are happy to give advice, and they may be able to guide you. Also, if you have al ocal person that sells Norwex, I highly recommend their Baby body clothes for gentle makeup removal with just water. It is best to use them really wet and just place on the area for about ten seconds before gently wiping makeup away. The baby cloths are softer than the regular sized ones. Good luck to you and keep us posted.
Thank you for the great suggestions Vancouver238. You're very kind.
Hi!
I'm at the same time-line in my recovery from deep laser resurfacing and I am experiencing the same things. Nevertheless, I am fortunate in that my twin has had laser resurfacing many times (we are almost 70 years old) and all this redness and bumpiness will go totally away; just be patient and give it time.
And the cover up make up regime is so time-consuming. It makes me sneeze and then I blow my nose and poof! all the make up is gone = red red, red!
But this is only until this new skin heals and in 3 months or so my twin looked absolutely amazing with just sunblock on.
She has had the CO2 laser and everyone asked if I was her mother so I went and had it done too...we are genetic clones!
Good luck and we'll both be patient together!
I'm at the same time-line in my recovery from deep laser resurfacing and I am experiencing the same things. Nevertheless, I am fortunate in that my twin has had laser resurfacing many times (we are almost 70 years old) and all this redness and bumpiness will go totally away; just be patient and give it time.
And the cover up make up regime is so time-consuming. It makes me sneeze and then I blow my nose and poof! all the make up is gone = red red, red!
But this is only until this new skin heals and in 3 months or so my twin looked absolutely amazing with just sunblock on.
She has had the CO2 laser and everyone asked if I was her mother so I went and had it done too...we are genetic clones!
Good luck and we'll both be patient together!
Hi Friedman! Oh I hope you're right! Thank you so much for your feedback. Good for you still looking good at 70! I love it and that's all I want; to look good at my age. I'm in sales and in a couple of months I will be 51. Please keep me updated on your progress. And it was so nice to hear from you!
You sound like such a sweet person!
And you and I and all of us deserve this.
Healing is not on our time table so, thank God, I got to experience my twins processes.
At our advanced age = my twin & I, it's incredible that people think she's in her late 40's! Many times when we were together, people saw a resemblance and when I was asked if I was her mother, I'd reply "Yes, and she's been a very naughty girl!"
Now, I'm in the process and my "leap of faith" is not so high since I've seen her do this many times over the years. My twin is stunningly beautiful and she is so thankful for these opportunities to live life to the fullest and yes, in advance, I am too! Keep the faith!
And you and I and all of us deserve this.
Healing is not on our time table so, thank God, I got to experience my twins processes.
At our advanced age = my twin & I, it's incredible that people think she's in her late 40's! Many times when we were together, people saw a resemblance and when I was asked if I was her mother, I'd reply "Yes, and she's been a very naughty girl!"
Now, I'm in the process and my "leap of faith" is not so high since I've seen her do this many times over the years. My twin is stunningly beautiful and she is so thankful for these opportunities to live life to the fullest and yes, in advance, I am too! Keep the faith!
Hahaha. Yes, we will keep the faith!
Kfriedman do you also have bad texture under eyes or is your smooth but just red?
Yes, Honey!
I've got all of that and I also have huge whiteheads when I've never experienced that before. So, I was told to leave them alone and they're gone the next day but new ones pop up. I am so tempted to squeeze them but my twin says that'll cause scars.
But again, when my new baby skin matures, that will stop too.
So I'm trussed up like a Christmas turkey with the moisturizer, foundation cover up and the sun block. I feel like a Kabuki doll...all I need is the kimono and the elaborate hair thing. Nevertheless, I must keep my proper perspective. I did this, instead of all those filler things that only last a year or so, since I wanted a one time thing. And this is it. It takes more recovery time but it will last for years and years.
So we will, unquestionably, become more beautiful month by month. "This too will pass".
My twin is the kool-aid acid test on this one!
(Of course, you may be too young to get this reference!)
Please don't worry and follow your surgeons advice; they are magicians!
I've got all of that and I also have huge whiteheads when I've never experienced that before. So, I was told to leave them alone and they're gone the next day but new ones pop up. I am so tempted to squeeze them but my twin says that'll cause scars.
But again, when my new baby skin matures, that will stop too.
So I'm trussed up like a Christmas turkey with the moisturizer, foundation cover up and the sun block. I feel like a Kabuki doll...all I need is the kimono and the elaborate hair thing. Nevertheless, I must keep my proper perspective. I did this, instead of all those filler things that only last a year or so, since I wanted a one time thing. And this is it. It takes more recovery time but it will last for years and years.
So we will, unquestionably, become more beautiful month by month. "This too will pass".
My twin is the kool-aid acid test on this one!
(Of course, you may be too young to get this reference!)
Please don't worry and follow your surgeons advice; they are magicians!
Thank you for taking the time to reply back to me. You made me laugh! I pray you are right. Happy healing kfriedman!
So interesting @kfriedman. Can you post pictures at all? I'm sure I'm not only one who'd love to see them...
I had CO2 laser resurfacing under my eyes and they were red for several months. I also made the mistake of having it done in the summer and once the sun hit my skin, even with suncreen, I got some hyperpigmentation. I had IPL to get rid of the brown color from my dermatologist. That, time and gentle sunblock made everything go away. But it is an invasive laser with a long healing time.
Hi SapphireOne. Did you have any bumps or rough texture under your eyes as well? Or was it smooth but just red? Ya, I did it too in summer but I am not working right now and have been a hermit.
I occasionally had a few tiny white milia, but they went away. And some areas seemed to have a thicker skin texture during the red healing phase. But it all goes away with time. That took a long time for me though. It was probably a good 6 months before all the redness was gone.
Wow, that's a long time! Yikes. Thank you so much for answering. You've made me feel better about things!
I had Plexr around my eyes (kind of similar - a plasma laser) and I had similar to you and felt EXACTLY the same. I had little bumps that in certain lights looked like the beginning of scars. Yes, they are scarring but I can reassure you that it does go down. I put hydrocortisone on mine too and it took the redness and some of the inflamed bumpiness away. In regards to the scarring they fade and smooth over time but if I look really carefully I can definitely still see some of them. I used coconut oil too though and it is really good for them. Hope that helps a little.
Thank you! Yes, it's been almost 5 mos and the majority of bumps under my eyes were milia. I had about 30-40 under each eye. I've been slowly working them out by using a little needle and pulling them out with tweezers. They look much better but still not 100% yet. Thank you so much for taking the time to help.
How do you guys choose a doctor for c02? I want to have it done but it is intimidating, a lot of people apparently end up scarred...
Hi muoldbidy....it's best to find someone through word of mouth or ask your derm (if u have one) who they would suggest. Make sure the person has a lot of experience...years of it. I do have less wrinkles than I did and I am overall pleased with the results. I just had the experience of milia- lots of it which has been really upsetting. Read up in it because apparently milia is a very common response for CO2. It's been almost 6 months for me and I still have a couple under my eyes. In addition it's not as smooth under my eyes as I had hoped. However, the reduction in wrinkles on my overall face, I am very happy about. Not perfect but an improvement. Good luck!
It's me again = the twin in the same stage of recovery as you.
Please don't fret; I don't want you to needlessly worry. The good thing is that you are seeing your plastic surgeon and if she says it OK, then I would trust her. I'm in the same bumpy stage and I've seen my twin, as I mentioned, go through this with 3 different laser restructuring procedures over the years. She a water fanatic, still scuba dives and at the beach all the time. Thus, repeated laser work.
As a matter of fact, I did my laser resurfacing with only 2 keflex antibiotic pills since I had, a year ago, a perforated colon and from the IV antibiotics in the hospital for 9 days, I developed C. diff. No more antibiotics for my life since if the C. diff (from antibiotics) comes back, the chance of living through it a 2nd time is very dismal.
Well, of course, I developed back of the ears infections without the full antibiotic regime. It was hideous and I thought "OK, this goes right into the acoustic nerve, right into my brain and then I die." I was seriously freaked. But my plastic surgeon told me what to do and amazingly I am now infection free with no big infection scars. It's like it never happened, praise God!
So, please trust your surgeon and we'll do this bumpiness and redness together and, of course, all the goop we put on our faces. For results that last for 10-20 years, it does take time to heal completely. It's a process. So please don't fret too much.
You and I are in the same stage of recovery and I KNOW, by the time 2-3 months (or even less for you since you're way younger than me) go by, we will be very beautiful and very happy and you'll be falling all over yourself to get your plastic surgeon a very nice thank you gift!
Believe this and keep the faith!
I've had the big white heads and gasped! And then the next day they were gone and new ones appeared. I thought..."What? i'm almost 70 years old and now I'm back to adolescence?" But now, these whiteheads are not appearing any more...again, a process and not a one-time event.
Enjoy the process; stay home and read great books, watch amazing TV and then, before you know it, you'll be amazing.
I went out with my girlfriends a few days ago, covered up with foundation and sun block and they told me I looked amazing = very natural but more bright-eyed and relaxed. And these were my friends who have a very bad view of doing plastic surgery. So, all in all, it's all magnificent!
Just rock n' roll, slide through it all and you will be amazing!