LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hello Dr. Lam,

Approximately a year ago, a dermatologist (very famous) I was seeing for some mild-bordering-on-moderate acne recommended a laser procedure popular in Taiwan called "black face doll" (when translated into English). I'm not sure what the procedure is called here, but during the treatment, a layer of black carbon is placed on your skin before the dermatologist makes two passes with the laser.

I was assured that there would be very little post-laser redness, that active acne would simply dry up (skin would clear up after two-three more laser sessions), and that I could go back to work the next day with minimal makeup. BUT, I was red like a hot tamale for a week and a half afterwards and my acne escalated from mild to severe!

I went back to the doctor and she only recommended even more laser treatments. So my breakouts kept getting worse for a month afterwards. Every single pore was inflamed and my acne looked like it was in lattice formation. I finally went to a different doctor and it took three-four more months of Skinoren treatment to finally get my skin smooth again.

Now, my question is, I used to have fair, Asian skin, but now the skin on my face is always a very visible shade redder than my neck. The skin around my lips and eye sockets are "normal" colored, but the rest of my face is noticably tomato-y. It's been like this for the past 8 months...

Was the laser treatment responsible for this prolonged erythema? I've since stopped using all harsh products (glycolic acid, retinoids, etc) and avoid the sun like the plague, but the redness has not faded one bit. Will the erythema fade with more time? Or is there a facial procedue (Vbeam?) that successfully treats this condition?

Thank you for reading through this rather lengthy post. I am grateful for any advice and genuinely appreciate you simply listening. =)

Julie

hmmm, obviously it sounds as if the laser was the causative factor. staying away from irritating products and sun exposure are very wise. with proper consultation, i would suggest (without seeing you) the Vbeam (which is a 589 Pulse Dye Laser) or KTP-532 laser. Either vascular laser is fantastic. I have the latter.
best,
sml

Hello Dr. Lam,

Thank you for your very prompt response. I will definitely look into your suggestions.

I have another question regarding rhinoplasty that I will ask here, but if I should start a new comment for it, please let me know and I will.

I live in Houston and would like to get a consultation from you for an Asian rhinoplasty. My question is, after surgery do you advise staying in Dallas for a week post-op until the follow-up? Or to return to Dallas for the followup?

Thanks again!

either way is fine. however, i like to remove the sutures at 7 days myself. i do it in a way that does not hurt and i want to make sure everything has healed perfectly.
best,
sml