Will I Lose Pigmentation with a Total CO2 Face Treatment?

After CO2 laser treatment of the face you will always lose some facial pigment cells. That does not mean you will become white necessarily but definitely lighter in complexion. These pigment cells protect you from sun damage but secreting more pigment when you are exposed to ultraviolet light of the sun. We then call that a tan. Since you would have fewer pigment cells and therefore less natural protection from the sun after the treatment you have to be careful and minimize sun exposure... more

The CO2 laser used in facial skin smoothing and tightening emits a high energy beam which vaporizes a deep section of the skin AND heats the adjacent area. It is thought that the heat damage to the melanocytes, the skin pigment producing cells, causes skin bleaching or hypopigmentation. No one can predict if you will become pale (hypopigmented) after a CO2 laser treatment but this complication is common enough with CO2 lasers to warrant careful consideration. Maybe you can be treated with... more