What can go wrong with CO2 laser?

These complications included patchy erythema, demarcation zones, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, acne, scarring, herpes infection, bacterial infection, Candida infection, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, ectropion, and lack of desired result.

Can CO2 laser go wrong?

Results: The incidence of side effects are generally very low for CO2 laser resurfacing, including scarring, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and infection. However, there is a significant and previously unreported risk of hypopigmentation in an area of the population who often seek improvement in the appearance.

What can go wrong with laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The most common infection is a flare-up of the herpes virus — the virus that causes cold sores. In most cases, the herpes virus is already present but dormant in the skin. Changes in skin color.

Can CO2 laser make your skin worse?

Are There Any Side Effects? Since the fractional CO2 laser procedure introduces heat (through the laser) into the skin, patients may find some redness or swelling in the treated area. Some may even experience discomfort and scabs.

Can CO2 laser cause scarring?

The two most notable and well documented side effects of CO2 laser resurfacing are scarring and delayed onset hypopigmentation. Tissue ablation and thermal coagulation of the dermis are thought to drive the robust dermal remodeling that translates into clinical improvement following CO2 laser resurfacing.

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Can laser damage face?

In most cases, laser resurfacing is very precise and causes little damage to the surrounding skin and tissue. It is done most often on the face. But it may be done on skin in other areas of the body, such as the hands, neck, and chest.

How long after CO2 laser will I see results?

After your skin heals, which may take up to 3 weeks, patients will experience a period of their skin appearing slightly pink. During this time, you will see improvements of skin texture and tone. Full results can be seen 3-6 months after the initial treatment, once the skin has completely healed.

Is CO2 laser resurfacing worth it?

The revolutionary CO2 fractional laser is a great treatment for those patients who are suffering from severe sun damage, deeper wrinkles, uneven tone and texture, as well as acne scars. It also offers the benefits of skin tightening, a smooth and even complexion, and a radiant glow with just one session.

What causes hyperpigmentation after CO2 laser?

Unfortunately, poor patient selection and laser choice can often cause this unwanted side effect from laser treatment. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can be caused by injury to the skin as a result of a sunburn, surgery, laser treatment or other cosmetic procedure.

Can laser damage skin?

Lasers can harm the skin via photochemical or thermal burns. Depending on the wavelength, the beam may penetrate both the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outermost living layer of skin.

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How long does hyperpigmentation last after CO2 laser?

In our experience if treatment is begun early after diagnosis, the hyperpigmentation always clears within 2 to 6 weeks.

What are the side effects of laser therapy?

Does CO2 laser have side effects?

In the current study, the most common aesthetic indication for fractional CO2 laser was post acne scarring (38.4%). The most common early side effects reported were erythema (95.38%) and burning sensation (92.30%) after the procedure. Post procedural dryness and edema was seen in 72.3% and 69.23% patients (Table 3).

Can laser make scar worse?

It is also possible that the laser scar treatment could prove ineffective or worsen the scar's appearance.

How long is recovery after CO2 laser?

After CO₂ laser treatment, it usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks for your skin to heal. Your skin will be very sensitive during this time. Follow the guidelines below to help your skin heal and prevent infection. Once your CO₂ laser treatment is done, your nurse will give you an ice pack to cover the treated area.

Can pigmentation come back after laser?

The results from laser treatment are permanent. However, due to sun exposure or other factors, pigmentation may come back again. You may need to do further laser sessions in future years.

Why am I breaking out after laser resurfacing?

Some patients have skin breakouts or small white bumps (milia) 4-5 days after the procedure. The Halo treatment causes damage and swelling to the skin around the pores which causes the pores to close up. Once the pore is closed from the swelling, the bacteria deep in the skin proliferate and cause acne.

Can CO2 laser cause hypopigmentation?

Hypopigmentation is a recognized side effect of CO2 laser resurfacing. Pigment abnormalities are a major side effect of facial laser procedures and can cause much emotional distress.

Which is better Fraxel or CO2 laser?

Fraxel™ laser¨: Either laser can be used to treat acne scars, wrinkles, sun damage, or texture. But Fractional CO2 is our first choice for sun damage, wrinkles, and texture while the Fraxel laser is our first choice for acne scars. These choices are purely based on which laser is more effective for each condition.

How often should you get CO2 laser?

Experts agree that the effects last for as long as eight years or even longer. CO2 laser skin resurfacing rarely requires any repeated treatment. If your doctor is doing a facelift, they may go over the same area on your skin very lightly once more. Otherwise, you no longer have to go through the procedure again.

What does your skin look like after CO2 laser?

You'll have some redness and swelling. You may also experience itching or stinging for a few days after the procedure. Depending on the treatment, some people may have what looks like a severe sunburn. The skin will be raw, oozing and may even blister.

How can I speed up healing after CO2 laser?

How many sessions does a CO2 laser have?

Q: How often should you get a CO2 laser? A: Three to five sessions are required if you want to get rid of wrinkles or acne scarring. Sessions for both acne and wrinkles should be spaced out four weeks apart. You should schedule sessions six to eight weeks apart to reduce photo damage.

Does skin peel after CO2 laser?

Skin peeling is expected after fractional laser treatments. This is the old superficial layer of skin peeling off to reveal the fresh new skin underneath. Peeling usually starts about 3 days post treatment and is gone by 7 to 10 days.