Anti-aging and rejuvenating procedures like cosmetic surgery, laser treatments and even chemical peels can help eliminate the signs of aging, fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots. But keep in mind that they can also leave your skin red for days (and in some cases weeks). “Post-procedure redness occurs when the skin tissues have been traumatized or stressed,” says West Palm Beach, FL, aesthetician Tammy Fender.
After a noninvasive procedure, like a light peel, your skin may be slightly red for a few hours to a few days. But if you’ve undergone something deeper like a fractional resurfacing or even facial surgery, you can expect the redness to last upward of a week. Lymphatic drainage massage can help reduce the redness since it manually removes blockages in the lymphatic system, as well as toxins in the body. If your skin is still red weeks after your procedure, it’s best to seek out the advice and treatment of your doctor. Post-procedure redness usually subsides on its own but a balancing hydrator can be used during your recovery period to calm and cool redness and inflammation.
