CO2 Laser Resurfacing with Fat Transfer to Under Eye Area - Chattanooga, TN
I am 7 days post op from full face CO2 laser...
I am 7 days post op from full face CO2 laser resurfacing with fat transfer beneath my eyes. My chest was also lasered. My primary concern was to eliminate fine lines under the eyes as well as lines on either side of my mouth. Crows feet & creases in the forehead were secondary areas that I wanted to address. My chest area had sun damage from years of tanning that I wanted addressed as well. I also had Radiesse and Juvederm placed at the time of the laser surgery which accounts for some of the bruising noted on the chin area. The fat transfer definitely caused the swelling and bruising under the eyes. I am 53 yrs old and had considered a facelift, but wanted to try this as a way to combat skin laxity and loss of volume in my face.
This is NOT a procedure to be taken lightly! The recovery has been difficult and down time is significant. I still have not worn makeup or been out of the house in public. Not sure when my face will be "normal" but after day 6 with continued swelling & extreme redness, I contacted my doctor who immediately asked me to return to the office for evaluation. He thought I may have a reaction to the Aquafor and placed me on steroids and told me to use Gold Bond Ultimate Healing cream instead of Aquafor. My other aftercare included Keflex, Acyclovir, Arnica, Lortab, Ativan, vinegar + water, & Aquafor. (standard of care)
After care is SO important for this surgery. I have attached pictures beginning with day 1 through Day 6 and will continue to update as I continue to heal.
At this point, I am very hopeful that I will have fabulous results, just understanding that time is the best healer and I must be patient. I have been given Elta MD sunscreen samples and I look forward to using sunscreen and makeup to be able to go out.
This is very intense and it is a very personal revelation, but I think people must understand what this procedure is about and the downtime that it involves while healing.
Day 8 dilute Vinegar & water compresses...
Day 8
dilute Vinegar & water compresses provide relief, but the redness persists. I have updated my daily picture I can see daily improvement with less swelling.
I would love to hear from others who have started post laser skin care regimens that have been successful in decreasing the redness. Anybody familiar with copper peptides and emu oil? I know about use of Vitamin C and Retin A, but not sure when that type of product can be used. I see my Dr. again in 2 days and this issue will be addressed.
Replies (3)
10 days post op and I had a follow up visit with...
Had first makeup application with Jane Iredale products and the makeup artist was so helpful with countering the redness and being gentle. I loved the make up products which all contain spf protection. I am starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.
See attached pic
Replies (17)
Hi skin,
Oh my, your one day post picture looks so painful, but I and the community so appreciate you posting your picture timeline, it helps others going through the same thing. Your 10 day out picture with makeup is awesome, you look great. How is your chest is it still red?
Thanks so much,
-Britt
Yes Skin you are so right about realizing intensity of procedures, I think sometimes that is forgotten. I'm glad you are getting better everyday. I have heard the chest takes longer to heal, but just think how fantastic everything will look in the end.
Thanks for being such an awesome part of the community. :)
-Britt
HI Skin girl,
Thanks so much for passing along info about your experience to florecita and helping them have an easier healing road. It's community members like you who made the community such a useful informative place.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
-Britt
i am a math teacher in high school and teenagers tell you any thing they see in you.
If you don't have time to work with someone to get started, definitely use a great moisturizer first as a primer and try an all over yellow tinted base before applying mineral based powder. Jane ire dale makeup has SPF in each layer that is zinc and titanium based. Sunscreen is a must. I am using eltaMD 46 clear sunscreen under the makeup too.
My last piece of advice.....forget the teenager comments, they have no clue what you have just been through. My favorite comeback when someone makes an offensive or stupid comment is " why would you say that?"..... Usually stops 'me dead in their tracks. Have a great day no matter what! Good luck, girlie!
I bought some Jane Iredale makeup at The Cosmetic Market in Nashville so I was a little familiar with it. I googled in Chattanooga and the Center for Facial Rejuvenation actually sells the products and has a trained esthecian on site who was very comfortable with working on my post lasered skin. My doctors office recommended Bare Minerals but I wasn't ready to go to the mall and I wasn't sure they would do me as I was VERY red. Check out the Jane Iredale website too. The pressed powder is $ 48 which I thought was very expensive but I really needed the yellow tinted base, it's the key. Glad youre not going to work til tues, girly.
Are you taking arnica? See what products your Dr. Recommends also. He may have someone in the office that does makeup, my dr sells sunscreen and another skin are line called Vivite which is supposed to be nice,but I didn't buy it . I am still researching all the options.
Hang in there!
Arnica is a homeopathic option that reduces bruising and helps healing commonly used for facelifts, with facial fillers, and laser procedures. I think it was helpful as I was bruised from the fat transfer. I keep it on hand. You get it at organic health stores. Ask your dr.
Every day gets a little better but yes we will be red for 6 weeks or longer, that's my plan anyway!
Replies (5)
What I've noticed today is that the skin on the side of my face next to ea. eye us super puffy. Much more puffy than the last 2 days (today is day 3of recovery).
I've been using coconut oil and Aquafor and cold cucumbers to help with the itchiness.
I'm so itchy I can't even think straight.
My question is were you this itchy?
Thank you,