Overview
CO2 laser resurfacing had become a common treatment for facial wrinkles and scars, but earlier studies lacked long-term follow-up. The authors reviewed all short- and long-term side effects in 104 patients treated for facial wrinkles and/or scars.
Findings
- 104 patients; CO2 laser resurfacing for facial wrinkles and/or scars; retrospective review.
- Follow-up: 4 to 23 months (average 8.2 months).
- The incidence of side effects, including scarring, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and infection, was generally very low.
- A significant and previously unreported risk of hypopigmentation was found.
- The abstract gives no specific rates.
What it means for a patient
- The authors conclude CO2 laser resurfacing of wrinkles and acne scars can be very safe when done by an experienced laser operator.
- Skin lightening (hypopigmentation) was a significant risk not reported before this study. Ask about it before treatment.
- The authors stress careful patient selection, clear aftercare instructions and planning of treatment areas.
- The abstract does not give rates, and average follow-up was 8.2 months.
Why this paper matters
It reported long-term side effects of CO2 laser resurfacing, which earlier studies had not, and it flagged hypopigmentation as a risk. The authors conclude the procedure can be very safe with an experienced operator and careful patient selection. Cited 262 times (NIH iCite, 2026-09-25).
Terms
- CO2 laser resurfacing: a laser treatment that removes thin layers of skin so new skin grows.
- Rhytides: wrinkles.
- Hypopigmentation: lightening of the skin.
- Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: darkening of the skin after injury or inflammation.
- Retrospective analysis: a study that looks back at records of past patients.
- Follow-up: the period after treatment during which patients are checked.