Whiteheads After Pearl Laser

It is very common to get little whiteheads after the Pearl laser treatment. LEAVE THEM ALONE! DO NOT PICK! Please! Nothing makes a physician/provider more nervous than hearing that their patient is picking or considering it. This is when problems arise and potential scarring or infection or both. The whiteheads will resolve on their own, most likely when the skin starts to peel. If they haven't resolved, when you return to the office for follow... more

This is a fairly common side effect from a number of procedures. They are called milia (milium singular from the Latin millet seed) There is nothing to become alarmed about. As the skin heals sometimes the keratin in the pores is plugged up. Aquaphor too, as much as we dermtologists love the stuff, occasionally can cause this occlusion. It is a simple matter for your physician or aestheteician, to take a small needle or blade and open these up with either forceps or a comedone... more

The whiteheads are milia from oil trapped in the pores after Pearl and is likely the result of the Aquaphor. Your dermatologist will extract them after 7 days if necessary, or put you on a retinoid. The occlusion from the aquaphor causes this common, temporary side effect from Pearl as well as from any resurfacing procedure that requires occlusion for healing. Good luck. www.drmarylupo.com