CHANGES IN EXISTING SKIN CONDITIONS WITH SKIN RESURFACING

Although resurfacing the skin usually improves the texture and quality of the skin it may make certain preexisting situations worse or more noticeable. Scars may become worse or thicker after resurfacing, although this may be temporary. Moles often becomes darker. Increased pigmentation in light moles closer to the surface is common. There is no evidence that resurfacing increases the risk of melanoma. or cancer of the pigment cells. Spider veins, or telangiectasia, are sometimes made more prominent. It is unlikely that the laser or peel causes spider veins but simply makes them more obvious. Skin pore size is increased. This often surprises patients who expect a tightening of the skin and therefore a decrease in pore size. Some laser experts have suggested that the changes associated with the laser may decrease pore size but this has not been clearly demonstrated. Superficial skin cancers and keratosis have been treated with sanding and peels. There is some evidence that the CO2 lasers are not as effective in preventing recurrence of these problems. Fulton JE, Rahimi AD, Helton P, Dahlberg K, Kelly AG Dermatol Surg 1999 Sep;25(9):729-732

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