Can laser skin resurfacing go wrong?

Author: Terence Fay  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

Laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The most common infection is a flare-up of the herpes virus — the virus that causes cold sores. Changes in skin color.

What happens if laser treatment goes wrong?

Laser Injuries Caused by Human Errors

The laser may also be targeted at areas for fractionally too long with similar results. Typically, these types of mistakes will burn the skin, causing blistering and temporary, or in some cases permanent scarring.

Does laser resurfacing damage skin?

Laser skin resurfacing can be good for your skin and make it look and feel better by reducing wrinkles, scars and blotchy patches, for example. But there are also risks to consider, such as long-lasting redness and scarring.

Can you overdo laser resurfacing?

Overexposure to laser light can result in skin burns, varying in severity from mild redness and discomfort to more blistering, severe burns. Individuals with sensitive skin or undergoing multiple laser therapy sessions in a short timeframe are at a higher risk of experiencing these burns.

Who is not a good candidate for laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing helps reduce the appearance of acne scars; however, it is not for clients who still have active acne. Patients who have very dark skin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take specific medications like Accutane may not be viable candidates for laser resurfacing.

C02 Laser Resurfacing: Before, During & After

Who should not have laser resurfacing?

You may not be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing if you have: Active acne. Very dark skin. Deep wrinkles.

What are the bad results of laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The most common infection is a flare-up of the herpes virus — the virus that causes cold sores. Changes in skin color. Laser resurfacing can cause treated skin to become darker or lighter than it was before treatment.

What is the best age for laser resurfacing?

Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.

How much does skin resurfacing cost?

Determining the Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost

A single treatment session usually costs between $500 and $3,000. But it's important to keep in mind that you might need more than one lesson to get the results you want.

Can laser make hyperpigmentation worse?

The hyperpigmentation associated with melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may be worsened by laser treatment, as the heat and energy can cause the pigment itself to become further entrenched in the skin.

How many years does laser resurfacing take off your face?

Even if you don't see immediate improvement, your initial results will continue to improve throughout the year. On average, most patients get to enjoy silky-smooth skin that lasts for anywhere between three and five years after undergoing laser therapy.

Is laser resurfacing cancerous?

Although laser and IPL technology has not been known to cause skin cancer, this does not mean that laser and IPL therapies are without long-term risks.

Why is laser resurfacing so expensive?

Laser skin resurfacing prices will be based on the expertise and qualifications of the person performing the procedure, the type of procedure used, the time and effort the treatment requires, as well as geographic office location.

What are the disadvantages of laser on face?

Cons of Laser Resurfacing

Risk of Side Effects: Potential side effects include redness, swelling, and temporary discomfort. In some cases, changes in skin pigmentation or scarring may occur.

Will I notice a difference after 1 laser treatment?

After your first session, you'll notice an immediate reduction in hair growth on the treated area. The laser technology targets hair follicles, effectively disrupting their ability to grow new strands. This is excellent news for those who are tired of the constant cycle of shaving and waxing.

What is the fastest way to heal skin after laser treatment?

Use cold compresses: Applying cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Stay cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for the first few days after treatment. Heat can increase inflammation and slow healing.

Who should not do laser treatment?

Who shouldn't have laser hair removal?
  • Are pregnant.
  • Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
  • Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
  • Have keloid scars (raised scars).
  • Have or have had skin cancer.

Does insurance cover laser skin resurfacing?

Does insurance cover laser skin resurfacing? Because laser skin resurfacing is an elective cosmetic treatment, insurance does not cover the costs. However, if you are getting a resurfacing procedure to treat precancerous skin conditions or improve certain types of scars, insurance may cover at least some of the costs.

How much is a chemical peel vs laser resurfacing?

However, chemical peels are generally less expensive than laser treatments. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average for the cost for chemical peels is $700 whereas laser treatments can range from $800 to $3,000 for a single session.

How much younger does laser resurfacing make you look?

A typical result is an 8-10 year reduction in age appearance when laser treatment on the face is done on a highly effective setting so that a 55 year old may look 46 after treatment and healing is complete. Milder treatments can be done, but are not as effective.

What is the best laser for a 60 year old?

If you're in your 50s-60s: At this point, you want your laser skin resurfacing treatment to remove the topmost dermis layers, as that's the best way to reveal glowing skin. For these reasons, we suggest using one of the following laser resurfacing systems: EndyMed Intensif, Fraxel Dual, and Fraxel CO2.

What is the best moisturizer after laser treatment?

Searching for over-the-counter products meant for dry, sensitive skin will be a good place to start finding the right moisturizer for you. Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.

What is better than laser resurfacing?

MicroLaserPeel is different and much more effective at rejuvenating the skin than microdermabrasion or chemical peels. It is also less invasive than Laser Skin Resurfacing, so the recovery time is significantly less.

Can laser therapy go wrong?

For example, several complications of pulsed dye laser therapy such as purpura, blisters, pain, crusting, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, dermatitis, and atrophic scarring have remained. However, researchers have identified that laser therapy is associated with a relatively low complication rate.

Does skin look worse after laser?

After laser resurfacing, your skin may look worse than before. Flakiness, redness, and crusting are commonplace. You may be tempted to cover these imperfections with makeup to hide scabs and flakes, but this will irritate healing skin.

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