CO2 Laser: Q&A

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Risks from Ablative CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

After having done some research, it seems that one of the largest risks/complications of ablative CO2 Laser resurfacing is permanent hypopigmentation. Are certain skin types more prone to this, or is this a complication that is mostly related to aggressiveness of treatment?

Also, does the hypopigmentation extend uniformly to the entire treated area (i.e., in the case of full face treatment, the whole face takes on a mask-like appearance), or does it usually manifest itself in a more spotted manner across the treatment site? I would think permanent lightening would be desirable for somebody with severe sun damage.

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Samili_love in Sunshine, USA

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Hypopigmentation is rare but can occur

Probably the most publicized side effect of heavy CO2 resurfacing is hypopigmentation. This occurred more frequently years ago when CO2 lasers first came out. The lasers back then were slower and hotter making all types of side effects more common. Today, CO2 lasers are faster, better controlled through computer scanners and are very safe. With more aggressive treatments, however, there are small chances of delayed healing, or theoretically hypopigmentation. More common issues to be... more

CO2 and hypopigmentation

With the traditional fully ablative CO2 lasers, there was a risk of hypopigmentation or waxy white discoloration to the skin. The hypopigmentation risk is significantly less with the fractional co2 laser. The fractional CO2 drills tiny column in the skin, thus treating only a certain portion of the skin as opposed to the fully ablative one. Overall, its a lot safer with less risk of side effects. Dr. Behnam, Santa Monica

Decreased pigmentation following CO2 laser resurfacing

I am in Florida where people don't like to wear a lot of makeup due to the heat. One of the nice advantages of newer fractional CO2 laser resurfacing techniques is that I really don't see any pigment change (other than desired removal of solar lentigos (brown spots)). There is no need to cover up the interface between where the laser was used and where it was not with the fractional CO2 laser because there is no persistent alteration of baseline skin pigmentation. ... more

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