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Can Laser Resurfacing Cause Acne Breakouts?

asked 10 months ago by j82 in Argentina
Latest answer by Daniel Shapiro, MD
Question viewed 728 times
Tags: cheeks, breakout, causes, cyst

I've had 3 pixel laser sessios done and have experienced breakouts afterwards. My derm told me it has nothing to do with the procedure, but I had never had acne before on my left cheek and when I peeled after my first session I had quite a few pimples and it was quite a shock... the worst episode took place 5 days after my last session: 2 huge cysts popped there (on my left cheek) out of nowhere, and now I'm left with 2 very nasty icepick scars... Is it possible that laser triggered my acne?

13 answers to Can Laser Resurfacing Cause Acne Breakouts?

Laser Resurfacing Can Cause Acne Break Outs But THey Can Be Controlled

Thank you for your important question. Yes Laser Resurfacing can cause acne break outs. Swelling of the skin from the procedure, and skin debris-dead skin cells-left behind can block your pores. Blockage of the pores can lead to build up of skin oils and an acne break out. However, good post Laser Resurfacing skin care can reduce this risk by removing skin debris and reducing swelling.Topical Clindamycin antibiotic treatment and occasionally topical steroid application can also help... more

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

Laser peels and post-operative effects

Generally speaking, laser surgery should actually help to reduce the build up of oil within glands of the face that cause acne. However patients may be asked to apply post treatment products to protect the skin and aid in healing that might cause some early problems. Essentially we have to watch our patients during recovery very closely for these secondary effects and make changes as appropriate. Also, some patients in the rosacea spectrum can respond to treatment... more

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD
Phoenix Facial Plastic Surgeon

Laser Resurfacing and Acne Breakouts

In my experience, it is not the laser treatment that causes the breakouts, but rather the ointments that are used in the post-op period to facilitate healing. Usually it is helpful to take an oral antibiotic and to apply an anti-bacterial cream instead of an ointment after treatment to minimize breakouts.

Deborah Sarnoff, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon

It is usually the products that are used after Laser resurfacing that cause acne..

It is usually the products that are used after Laser resurfacing that cause acne. If patients are acne prone, I often use an acne wash during the post operative period along with an antibiotic ointment, Boske Dermal Restore Balm (during the first week) and Boske Dermal Resore Cream (during the second week). With good expert care, that acne will usually go away in a few weeks. see photos

Mark Taylor, MD
Salt Lake City Dermatologic Surgeon

www.gatewaylasercenter.com

Laser resurfacing can aggravate acne temporarily.

In my experience (which spans 16 years of resurfacing) I have seen acne flare up after a procedure. It can be treated with the same medications that acne is treated with (topical benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, retinoids and/or oral antibiotics) and it settles down in a few weeks. With repeat procedures I will sometimes start the patient on acne treatment pre treatment and continue for 2 weeks post treatment to avoid the flare.

Susan Van Dyke, MD
Paradise Valley Dermatologist

www.vandykelaser.com

Common, but temporary

Yes, due to the common use of ointments after resurfacing, pores can become plugged such that milia and acne can form/flare. If it is a severe outbreak antibiotics are given. Topical antibiotics are also useful, but may irritate the brand new skin.

Reginald Rice, MD
Sacramento Facial Plastic Surgeon

Pimples after laser

I agree with all of what Dr. Mandrea has said. I also want to add that sometimes the moisturizer that is used after laser, when very occlusive and used for too long a period, can induce an acne like folliculitis. We use greasy ointments for only a few days and then switch to less occlusive creams

Jo Herzog, MD
Birmingham Dermatologist

Acne after Laser Resurfacing

Unfortunately, you are not alone. I have been doing Laser Resurfacing procedures, first with the Traditional CO2 Laser since the 1980s and with the Fractional Laser for the past 4 years. Some patients develop acne pustules, more frequently after the Traditional than the Fractional Resurfacing. Both types of procedures injure the skin. The new epidermal cells come either from the adjoining intact epidermis or from the sebaceous glands. Thus, the sebaceous glands start... more

Eugene Mandrea, MD
Chicago Dermatologist

www.lakeviewderm.com

Acne Breakouts After Laser Resurfacing

Laser Resurfacing should not cause an acne breakout. However, following the procedure there are usually topical treatments used for healing that could cause acne. Ask your doctor about skin cleansing products to use to combat the breakout.

Daniel Shapiro, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

Acne flares can occur after laser resurfacing even if there is no history of acne

In all resurfacing procedures that I have done for more than 20 years, dermabrasion, carbon dioxide laser, erbium yag laser, Fraxel Repair, Fraxel Restore, Portrait Plasma, chemical peels, many patients have had some acne flare. There may be swelling that occludes the pores, and the ointments and creams that are often needed after the resurfacing both may contribute to the development of acne, even if the patient never had an acne condition. Breakouts do need to be distinguished from... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Acne after laser treatment

An acne breakout after a laser treatment is usually not due to the laser itself, but the topical agents that are used following the procedure to accelerate healing. Proper cleansing and topical care will cure the acne.

Mitchel Goldman, MD
San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon

www.GBKderm.com

Acne after resurfacing is not uncommon

As Dr. Madrea mentioned there is a biologic reason to develop acne after resurfacing and also because of the post-procedural care. Thicker ointments which help with wound healing can sometimes clog pores and cause acne=like lesions, but this is short-lived, will not scar, and is usually not much a problem several weeks after.

Daniel I. Wasserman, MD
Naples Dermatologic Surgeon

Laser Resurfacing and Acne

Resurfacing actually can be used to treat acne. Could it be that you were using something topically that was thick & oily? Loos at anything else that you changed-