Your ability to sweat after a laser treatment should ultimately be unchanged

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD answers: Possible sweat gland damage after laser treatments

I had a full facial MicroLaser Peel (20 micron depth) and 20% ProFractional Laser Resurfacing (200 micron depth) done 16 days ago. I'm worried that the laser treatment could have damaged my sweat glands because even when I work out vigorously, there is no perspiration on my face. Is this normal, and will my sweat glands begin functioning again with time?


Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
11 months ago
By Stephen A. Goldstein, MD - Denver Plastic Surgeon

The laser treatments you received (MicroLaser Peel and 20% ProFractional Laser Resurfacing) were directed to the deep superficial layer of the dermis.  From the diagram below which illustrates the anatomy of the skin, the body of the sweat gland is located in the deeper layer of the dermis with the duct (tubule) penetrating the skin surface.

 

 

Following the clinical treatments at 16 days, you are still in the early healing phase.  No doubt, your face is still red indicative of new skin and there is still a degree of persistent swelling. This will temporarily occlude the sweat gland-ductal system.  Give it more time.  Your ability to sweat after a laser treatment should ultimately be unchanged. 

 

Thanks for your question.

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