What are some of the risks of laser skin resurfacing?

Question:
What are some of the risks of laser skin resurfacing?

Answer:
There are many different types of lasers used for skin resurfacing.  Some of them have very few risks other than pigmentation changes.  Erbium and especially C02 lasers have the greatest risk, but also the greatest potential reward.  Fractionating these lasers has made the recovery and the risk much less while maintaining a very nice result.  With a fractionated technology only a portion of the skin is removed instead of the entire outer layer being removed. This portion can be adjusted to improve outcome or limit down-time.  Risks still exist and while rare include, hyperpigmentation (increased pigmentation which is temporary), hypopigmentation (which with traditional C02 is common, but rare to impossible with properly administered fractionated laser), milia (temporary white bumps), acne outbreak, prolonged redness, bacterial infection, viral infection, fungal infection and possible scarring. 

Posted by Dr. Buckingham