title: Problems and complications of full-face carbon dioxide laser resurfacing for pathological lesions of the skin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Facial resurfacing with a CO2laser has been used for treatment of pathologic lesions and for cosmetic purposes. Postoperative complications and problems after laser resurfacing include infections, acneiform lesions, and pigment changes. This retrospective study describes the most common problems and complications in 105 patients and assesses postoperative pain in 38 patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients received CO2laser resurfacing for treatment of malignant/premalignant lesions and had postoperative follow-up to assess problems and complications. Some had follow-up to assess postoperative pain. All patients had Fitzpatrick I-III skin types and underwent the same perioperative care regimen.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 11 problems and 2 complications. Problems included infection, acneiform lesion/milia, and uncontrolled postoperative pain. Complications included hyperpigmentation. Among the postoperative pain group, 53% reported no pain and the rest had mild or moderate pain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Complications are rare. Infection and acneiform lesions/milia were the most common problems, as previously reported. Most patients do not experience postoperative pain.
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. Electronic address: andrew.readfuller@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Andrew M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Read-Fuller
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Yates
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: David D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Vu
authors.affiliation: Safety and Business Continuity, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hoopman
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Finn
mesh_terms: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide