My Skin Completely Broke Out After 2nd Session of Laser Resurfacing, What Do I Do?

Exacerbation of acne is not a uncommon complication after laser resurfacing such as Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. This is due to combination of inflammatory nature of laser resurfacing where CO2 energy gets deposited via myriad of microscopic holes drilled across skin surface as well as clogging of pores from the post-op wound care emollient. If you are acne prone, laser resurfacing should be deferred until acne is under control and your laser surgeon should have put you... more

It could have been due to the vaseline that you use for the post treatment. I would stop that immediately if you are already healed over. You should ask your doctor about oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics and then you will need to be on a skin care regimen including salicylic acid cleanser 2%, retin A, and hormonal treatments are also possible.

Common situation. During Laser resurfacing, the Epidermal layer is completely removed (and some superficial Dermis) The recovery of the Epidermis comes from the oil glands which start dividing much more rapidly to provide epidermal cells that glide over the wound to restore the epidermal layer. This may take 7-9 days, sometimes longer. Once the epidermal layer is reconstituted, the oil glands are supposed to slow down the pace of their reproduction, but often this... more