Hi, Twice in my life some time ago I had laser resurfacing with poor outcomes. Multiple scars needing steroid injections, rough waxy skin texture, minimal tightening, blotchy discoloration have been some results. My skin is very fair and normally sensitive. Does my skin type make me a poor candidate for laser resurfacing or are bad results more due to poor technique? Dr. was double board certified. I don't understand why the poor outcomes. Any better procedures without bad trade-offs? Thanks.
May 10, 2020
Answer: Laser problems Results from laser resurfacing have everything to do with the provider's experience and the type of device being used. You should be a good candidate for laser resurfacing with your lighter skin, but the fact that you had scarring (which suggests an overly aggressive treatment or a problem with healing) and the fact that you had "minimal tightening" suggests that something else is going on here. You should have had great tightening / wrinkle reduction if the treatment was aggressive. See someone with extensive experience. I see no reason that you can't get a great skin improvement while minimizing risks. Consider several Halo treatments instead of a single aggressive full field resurfacing. Your risks would be minimized but you should still get a nice improvement.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa
Helpful
May 10, 2020
Answer: Laser problems Results from laser resurfacing have everything to do with the provider's experience and the type of device being used. You should be a good candidate for laser resurfacing with your lighter skin, but the fact that you had scarring (which suggests an overly aggressive treatment or a problem with healing) and the fact that you had "minimal tightening" suggests that something else is going on here. You should have had great tightening / wrinkle reduction if the treatment was aggressive. See someone with extensive experience. I see no reason that you can't get a great skin improvement while minimizing risks. Consider several Halo treatments instead of a single aggressive full field resurfacing. Your risks would be minimized but you should still get a nice improvement.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa
Helpful
May 10, 2020
Answer: Bad results after laser resurfacing Fair skin usually responds best to facial resurfacing. Without photos, it is difficult to comment what would be best for your skin. While complications can occur after ANY procedure, it is also possible that your problems may have been a result of faulty technique. In my opinion, based on close to 20 years experience with this procedure, I believe that deep chemical peeling with different strength croton oil solutions, yields results superior to laser resurfacing. And in my opinion, there is a faster recovery and far less chance of complications with this technique over laser resurfacing. Like anything, it is important to choose a physician, not based solely on arbitrary certifications, but based on experience with the desired procedure. Good luck!
Helpful
May 10, 2020
Answer: Bad results after laser resurfacing Fair skin usually responds best to facial resurfacing. Without photos, it is difficult to comment what would be best for your skin. While complications can occur after ANY procedure, it is also possible that your problems may have been a result of faulty technique. In my opinion, based on close to 20 years experience with this procedure, I believe that deep chemical peeling with different strength croton oil solutions, yields results superior to laser resurfacing. And in my opinion, there is a faster recovery and far less chance of complications with this technique over laser resurfacing. Like anything, it is important to choose a physician, not based solely on arbitrary certifications, but based on experience with the desired procedure. Good luck!
Helpful
