Will CO2 Laser Treatment Under Eyes Cause Loss of Pigment?

Hypopigmentation after laser therapy can be a permanent complication. The CO2 wavelength is especially prone due to thermal collateral damage. However, the CO2 wavelength also is very good at removing wrinkles and tightening the skin. There are some less aggressive alternatives such as an Erbium or fractionated CO2 lasers.

If you have ablative non-fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing there is a chance that you can develop delayed (one year after) long term lightening of pigment. This tends not to happen with ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser such Fraxel Repair.

Hypopigmentation or loss of pigment under the eyelids is something that is feared by many patients. We have all seen people walking around with lighter circles around the eyes or mouth from an old resurfacing treatment.  Most lasers these days are fractionated or ultrapulsed (meaning super fast) so the risk of hypopigmentation is extremely rare.  Talk with your physician and see what type of laser they offer