Contraindications for Laser Skin Resurfacing

Description

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).

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Contraindications for Laser Skin Resurfacing

Description

Specialty