From past experience, redness generally resolves within 1-2 weeks after a typical fractional CO2 scar resurfacing treatment for most patients, consistent with what Dr Terence Tan has observed.
Some degree of redness is expected as part of the skin healing response induced by laser skin resurfacing due to the rich vascularisation and immaturity of the thin, newly formed epidermis. Having said that, it can understandably be concerning for many.
The redness may be more prolonged where more aggressive treatment is administered (e.g. in deeper scars). Some patients, who are often fair-skinned, may also be more prone to more prolonged post-laser redness, as well as persistent post-acne redness. In most of these cases, the post-laser redness usually resolves within 4 - 5 weeks from past personal observation. However, there are reports where they take 90 days to disappear, as the new epidermis fully matures and normalises.
Vascular lasers may help more persistent post-laser erythema fade faster.
Besides adjusting the laser treatment settings to suit your skin and lifestyle better, there are several measures we can take to help reduce healing time after fractional resurfacing laser. For example, prompt skin cooling measures, use of professional skincare formulated to boost post-laser healing (e.g. Calecim Professional Serum), LED light therapy, using an appropriate moisturiser and sunscreen regularly, avoiding excess heat and sun exposure after treatment, avoiding picking of skin, etc.
For patients who are still very prone to acne breakouts, it would be worthwhile discussing with your doctor about managing potential post-laser resurfacing pimple breakouts, which can also cause more prolonged redness.
Also, check with your doctor about the suitability of your skincare after laser resurfacing if you are using your own products since the skin is more prone to irritation when it is broken. Contact dermatitis can prolong skin redness as well. It should be mentioned that "natural" or "botanical" products can also cause contact dermatitis, despite the gentle nature implied.
Finally, there are several treatment options for acne scarring to suit different skin conditions. So speak to your doctor to explore further.
