Lines on face & hyperpigmentation after CO2 Laser a year ago - is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I had a a co2 laser done over a year ago; left me with lines all over my face and extreme hyperpigmentation. I have tried everything. A plastic surgeon recommended fully ablative erbium laser did a test spot 2 passes is this look like normal healing

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that you are experiencing this. It is quite common to find this complaint on Realself following laser treatments, and, as any one of my regular followers would tell you, I have been cautioning readers for years to exercise a healthy dose of "buyer beware" when considering treatment with any of the "bells and whistles" laser and RF gizmos out there that are being so heavily marketed. Unfortunately, the hard science to support their use lags well behind the heavy marketing hype and social media buzz to promote them. You might wish to consider the use of professionally performed, manual microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) to blend the lines better in both color and texture with the surrounding normal skin. Unlike so many of the here-today-gone tomorrow gizmo treatments, manual microneedling (which I personally have been performing for nearly twenty-five years) has a proven track record for both safety and efficacy in all skin types. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Lines on face & hyperpigmentation after CO2 Laser a year ago - is this normal? (Photo)

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Lines on face & hyperpigmentation after CO2 Laser a year ago - is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (1)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.