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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffComplications of ablative laser resurfacing can include:
- Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation — skin tone that turns darker or lighter than normal. It may start three to four weeks after surgery and can last several months. You may be at increased risk of hyperpigmentation if you have a darker skin tone.
- Herpes virus infection — the virus that causes cold sores. In most cases, the herpes virus is already present but dormant in the skin; laser resurfacing can cause the virus to flare up. If you have a history of frequent or severe cold sores, shingles in or near the area of treatment, or a recent outbreak of herpes, your doctor can prescribe a medication to prevent these infections after laser surgery.
Other complications include:
- Bacterial infection
- Acne flares
- Small white bumps (milia)
- Scarring
- Burns
- Inflammation of the skin (dermatitis)
- Prolonged redness
Many types of lasers exist for wrinkle treatment, so talk to your doctor about your options. Newer lasers produce less chance of scarring and pigment changes, create less discomfort, and require a shorter recovery time than do older lasers. For example, nonablative (nonwounding) lasers avoid injury to the surface skin and treat the underlying layer. This technique still stimulates the production of collagen, but requires less recovery time because the upper layer of skin isn't damaged. Because these lasers are less powerful, however, they usually require multiple sessions, and it may take longer to notice the results.
- Tanzi EL, et al. Skin resurfacing: Ablative lasers, chemical peels and dermabrasion. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3007358. Accessed March 9, 2009.
- Roy D. Ablative facial resurfacing. Dermatologic Clinics. 2005;23:549.
- Alexiades-Armenakas MR, et al. The spectrum of laser skin resurfacing: Nonablative, fractional and ablative laser resurfacing. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008;58:719.
- Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed March 9, 2009.
- Anesthesia and you. American Society of Anesthesiologists. http://www.asahq.org/patientEducation/anesandyou.htm. Accessed March 10, 2009.
- Phillips PK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 7, 2009.
