Plexr Recovery Day by Day: What to Expect After Treatment
So, you’re interested in Plexr. You like the idea of tightening loose eyelid skin without surgery, but you have heard that, unlike injectables, recovery comes with a whole lot of tiny scabs.
It can look a little alarming. The good news is that the scabs are supposed to be there.
“The scabs are part of the healing process. The best thing you can do is leave them alone and let the skin heal underneath.” — Dr. Godley
Here is what each stage of Plexr healing looks like, what is normal and what requires a call to the clinic.
Does Plexr Recovery Look Different on Darker Skin?
Before we jump into the timeline, let’s answer an important question: Is Plexr only suitable for people with lighter skin?
Plexr can be used on a range of skin tones, but recovery may look different on darker skin. Swelling, scabs and tenderness are still expected during the first week. However, darker skin is more prone to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which means the treated dots remain darker after the scabs fall away and can take longer to fade. Not everyone with darker skin will experience pigmentation. Dr. Godley will assess your skin tone, medical history and individual risk before recommending treatment.
Day 0: Warm, Tight and Tender
Immediately after treatment, the skin will look red and feel warm and tight. It may still feel numb from the numbing cream. As it wears off, the area may begin to sting or feel similar to a mild sunburn.
Tiny brown dots will be visible where the Plexr device touched the skin. These will darken and form scabs over the next several hours. Eyelid swelling may also begin before you leave.If you are sensitive to pain and require additional pain medication, please arrange a ride home. You can return to light activities, but the swelling and dots will be visible.
Days 1 to 3: Swelling and Scabs
Tanya, day after Plexr in Abbotsford B.C.
Do not be surprised if you wake up looking more swollen than you did immediately after treatment. Swelling is often most noticeable during the first few days, especially around the eyes.
The tiny dots will look darker and more defined as the scabs form. The area may also feel dry, tight or itchy. This is when you may be most tempted to touch the area. Do not scratch, rub or pick at the scabs. Removing them too soon can interrupt healing and increase the risk of scarring.
Days 3 to 7: The Scabs Begin to Fall Away
Tanya, day 6 after Plexr treatment in Abbotsford B.C.
The swelling and tenderness begin to settle. The scabs start to loosen and fall away naturally, although some will remain longer than others. Let them come off in their own time. Do not peel them or try to speed things up with a scrub or exfoliating product.
You may feel ready to return to work or social activities during this stage, but some visible dots may remain. It is best to plan for approximately one week of healing.
Days 7 to 10: Most of the Scabs Are Gone
By this point, most of the scabs have usually fallen away. Don’t worry if a few are still hanging on, as everyone heals at a different pace.
The fresh skin underneath may look pink, red or slightly darker than the surrounding skin. It can also feel dry and more sensitive than usual. The most visible stage of recovery may be ending, but the skin is still healing. Continue to treat it gently and protect it from the sun.
Once the scabs are gone, small pink, red or brown dots remain. These gradually become less noticeable, but they may take longer to fade on darker skin tones.
Keep your skincare simple. Do not restart retinoids, exfoliating acids or other potentially irritating products until the clinic confirms that the skin is ready. Some patients look fully healed within a couple of weeks. Others have pinkness or pigmentation that lasts longer.
Weeks 4 to 12: The Skin Continues to Improve
The skin continues to heal and remodel over the following weeks.
Many patients need more than one Plexr session to achieve optimal, longer-lasting results. While a single treatment can provide noticeable tissue contraction, a series of treatments is often recommended for the best outcome.
What Is Normal and When Should You Call the Clinic?
Call the clinic if you experience:
Pain that is increasing or not improving
Redness, warmth or swelling that continues to spread
Pus, fever or other signs of infection
Severe swelling or swelling that worsens after the first few days
Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
Blurred vision or any other change in your vision
If you are unsure whether something is part of normal healing, contact the clinic and send a photo.
Plexr Post-Procedure Guidelines
Is Plexr Right for You?
Plexr can improve the appearance of loose eyelid skin without surgery, but the visible recovery period needs to fit your schedule. Dr. Godley will assess your eyelids, skin tone and treatment goals, then explain what results and recovery you can realistically expect.
Book a consultation with Dr. Godley in Vancouver or Abbotsford to find out if Plexr is right for you.
