Lasers, chemical peels and sanding(dermabrasion) all work in essentially the same way. Although there are some risks associated with each technique many of the complications are the same.These include but are not limited to:
INFECTION: infection following resurfacing is unusual but bacterial, fungal, and viral infections can occur. Herpes infections around the mouth, can occur develop.
SCARRING: abnormal scars may occur in the skin and deeper tissues. Keloid scars may result.
PIGMENT CHANGE:resurfacing may change the color of your skin. Redness usually lasts 1-3 months and even longer following laser treatment. Irregular color can occur including areas that are lighter or darker. A line of demarcation between normal skin and treated skin can occur.
INCREASED PORE SIZE: contrary to most patients expectations resurfacing can make pore s appear larger..
AGGRAVATION OF EXISTING SKIN PROBLEMS: scars and existing skin conditions can be made worse by these techniques.
DARKENING OF MOLES; moles which are close to the surface may appear darker after surgery.
ITCHING: intense itching can occur
SUN SENSITIVITY: after resurfacing the skin vulnerable to burns and excess sun will cause then skin o remain red for along time.
PROLONGED REDNESS: the skin will remain red after any form of resurfacing but seems more prolonged after laser resurfacing.
MILIARY CYSTS: small cysts (like whiteheads) can develop in the skin.
ACCUTANE (ISOTRETINOIN): this prescription medication is used to treat some skin diseases like acne. It can impair the ability of skin to heal .
BLEEDING: this is very rare but as the scabs separate may cause concern.
SKIN SPECIMENS: resurfacing can damage the skin making laboratory examination impossible.
DISTORTION OF FACIAL STRUCTURES: resurfacing can produce distortion of the eyelids or mouth.
SKIN CANCER: skin resurfacing may not protect from or treat skin cancer.
PAIN: occasionally chronic pain may occur after resurfacing.
ALLERGIES: allergic reactions may require treatment.
PATIENT DISSATISFACTION: these treatments may not completely improve wrinkles or other problems. Additional operations may be needed to tighten loose skin. In additional they can leave unacceptable deformities,skin damage or loss or permanent color changes in the skin. Skin that has been previously treated with peels or dermabrasion may heal abnormally.
DELAYED HEALING: slow healing may occur and may result in thin skin.
ANESTHESIA: local and general anesthesia have risks. Complications and even death from all types of anesthesia and sedation can occur.
SPECIAL LASER RISKS:
UNKNOWN RISKS: Unlike sanding and peels , lasers are relatively recent and a long term experience with them is not possible. For this reasons unexpected complications are theoretically possible.
LASER SMOKE: smoke produced by the laser is noxious and a possible bio-hazard.
BURNS: Lasers can cause burns so that other structures, like the eyes may be injured.
FIRE: inflammable agents like surgical drapes, hair, and clothing can catch fire.
SKIN PATTERNS: visible patterns may develop in the skin.
SPECIAL SANDING RISKS: the dermabrasion machine consists of a rotates rapidly if this touches hair or eyelashes then can be pulled out and a serious injury can occur.
SPECIAL PEEL RISKS: if the peel drips at all it can cause streaking and an abnormal appearance.