Will these white streaks from CO2 laser ever go away?

Question

I'm more than a year out from co2 laser. I had grid marks and pinkness that lasted months, and I still have noticeable white lines. Between this and the TCA peel I had before it, my skin looks worse than when I started. I religiously wear sunscreen.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I am really sorry that this has happened to you. It is to avoid potential complications, such as these (i.e. persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation) that I have long been cautioning my regular followers against the use of aggressive, superficial ablative procedures, such as the CO2 laser. Much earlier treatment of the post-inflammatory erythema (redness) may have helped to minimize the development of the PIH. Sorry. At this stage, a series of in-office superficial peels, employing high concentations of salicylic or glycolic acid or Jessner's solution combined with the at-home regular use of topical, prescription-strength bleaching medications may prove helpful for the lightening the PIH and blending these areas better with the persistent hypopigmented bands. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Danielle Shanley, MD · Answer

This is a great question. Thank you for your photos! It does look like you have some sun damage or possible melasma that needs to be treated in order to give your skin a more even skin tone. I would recommend doing IPL treatments if the pigment is only sun damage or Pico treatments if you have melasma. Its hard to tell exactly which one you have from these photos. These treatment will help lighten the pigment to get it the same skin tone as the areas from your co2 Laser. Please always have a consultation in person for your skin to be assessed.

Will these white streaks from CO2 laser ever go away?

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