Can Laser Resurfacing Cause Acne Breakouts?

Question

I've had 3 pixel laser sessios done and have experienced breakouts afterwards. My derm told me it has nothing to do with the procedure, but I had never had acne before on my left cheek and when I peeled after my first session I had quite a few pimples and it was quite a shock... the worst episode took place 5 days after my last session: 2 huge cysts popped there (on my left cheek) out of nowhere, and now I'm left with 2 very nasty icepick scars... Is it possible that laser triggered my acne?

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Patients who tend to break out should be on antibiotics to prevent spreading the acne after laser resurfacing. Using Vaseline can only make the acne worse and we normally do not recommend applying it after the laser. Patients actually break out more from the Vaseline because it’s too heavy and occlusive so it does not let you skin breath to recover. Vaseline also traps the heat underneath which will prolong the healing. You may use skin repair creams, such as Cicalfate by Avene or thermal spring water to help with the recovery without making your acne flare up. Once you heal Alceara treatment may help

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

I find that some patients are prone to acne breakouts after laser resurfacing, while others actually see a reduction in acne after the initial recovery period. I do think that the aggressive moisturizers we often use after laser resurfacing contribute to occlusion of pores and subsequent acne production. I find this to be mostly superficial pustules that are short-lived rather than cystic acne.Placing a patient on antibiotics after laser resurfacing and minimizing the use of heavy ointments may be helpful to reduce acne flare-ups.All the best,

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

In all resurfacing procedures that I have done for more than 20 years, dermabrasion, carbon dioxide laser, erbium yag laser, Fraxel Repair, Fraxel Restore, Portrait Plasma, chemical peels, many patients have had some acne flare. There may be swelling that occludes the pores, and the ointments and creams that are often needed after the resurfacing both may contribute to the development of acne, even if the patient never had an acne condition.

	Breakouts do need to be distinguished from bacterial, yeast and herpes infections. Bacterial folliculitis might get confused with an acne break out.  These should be addressed by you seeing your doctor.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

An acne breakout after a laser treatment is usually not due to the laser itself, but the topical agents that are used following the procedure to accelerate healing. Proper cleansing and topical care will cure the acne.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Yes, there were cases when patients break out after Fraxel. It is important that your provider gives your adequate topical and oral medications post treatment, to control your breakouts and help your skin heal quicker. Good luck!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

With severe breakouts, an antibiotic ointment is used. Otherwise an oil free non-comedogenic cream using Opti-Ceramides is ideal and we recommend it to all of our patients after laser resurfacing. They retain deep moisture and hydrate the skin.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Improper use of ointments post laser can lead to breakouts. Proper use of antibiotic should be used for patients with active acne. Consult with an experienced and expert treating physician to understand your options.

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

Laser Resurfacing should not cause an acne breakout. However, following the procedure there are usually topical treatments used for healing that could cause acne. Ask your doctor about skin cleansing products to use to combat the breakout.

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, laser surgery should actually help to reduce the build up of oil within glands of the face that cause acne. However patients may be asked to apply post treatment products to protect the skin and aid in healing that might cause some early problems. Essentially we have to watch our patients during recovery very closely for these secondary effects and make changes as appropriate. Also, some patients in the rosacea spectrum can respond to treatment with inflammatory changes that can lead to acne breakouts. This is rare and very managable. I would speak to a qualified specialist to determine how to best treat your current conditions. Best of Luck, Dr. Todd Hobgood

Deborah Sarnoff, MD · Answer

In my experience, it is not the laser treatment that causes the breakouts, but rather the ointments that are used in the post-op period to facilitate healing. Usually it is helpful to take an oral antibiotic and to apply an anti-bacterial cream instead of an ointment after treatment to minimize breakouts.

Can Laser Resurfacing Cause Acne Breakouts?

Answers (18)

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