Laser skin resurfacing can be used to remove the top layers of aged and environmentally damaged skin, allowing re-epithelialization to occur. While this can result in healthier, younger-looking skin, it can also result in scarring or hyperpigmentation that can be disfiguring.
Caveats to patients:
(1) Healing takes about 10 days after the procedure.
(2) The patient will be restricted in activities for the 7 days after the procedure.
(3) Cover-up makeup cannot be used until healing is complete.
(4) Sun exposure must be avoided.
(5) Antibiotics and antiviral agents may be needed as prophylaxis to prevent infection.
(6) Wrinkles and skin imperfections may be reduced but will not be eliminated.
Condition |
Risk |
skin type IV, V, VI |
postinflammatory hyperpigmentation |
history of hypertrophic scar or keloid formation |
scarring |
history of Herpes simplex infections |
reactivated infection with scarring |
recent use of isotretinoin |
scarring |
recent laser resurfacing |
scarring |
recent chemical peeling |
scarring |
recent radiation therapy (within past 6 months) |
scarring |
sun exposure after procedure |
hyperpigmentation |
bacterial or fungal infection after procedure |
scarring |
insufficient recovery time for proper healing |
scarring and/or hyperpigmentation |
where:
• The skin type refers to the skin's response to sunlight (see below).
Specialty: Dermatology, Surgery, general