Skin Resurfacing

What are the risks and complications of this procedure?

Just as there may be benefits to the procedure(s) proposed, medical and surgical procedures also involve risks. These risks include allergic reaction, bleeding, blood clots, infections, adverse side effects of drugs, heart attack, stroke, and even loss of bodily function or life, as well as risks of transfusion reactions and the transmission of infectious disease, including hepatitis and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, from the administration of blood and/or blood components.

There are also particular risks associated with the procedure(s) proposed.

Failure to heal properly: This is more likely in those who smoke.
Inadequate results: Need for repeat procedures
Bleeding
Hyperpigmentation: This means increased color in the skin. The redness of the skin is called erythema. It usually fades away after two weeks but in some cases the skin continues to be very red and, in some cases, itchy. This may require treatment with steroids and antihistamines. Hypopigmentation: This means an abnormal lightness of skin color. It is caused by destruction of cells in the skin that produce color called melanocytes. This is more likely to occur in patients who have darker skin. These color changes may be permanent and untreatable.
Infection: Persistent pain, increasing redness and/or low-grade fever may be signs of infection and may require treatment with antibiotics.
Scarring: Delayed healing may lead to the formation of abnormally thick tissue instead of normal skin resurfacing. This is called hypertrophic scarring. This requires aggressive treatment and may eventually require a second procedure to excise the scar tissue. Some of the scarring may be permanent.

Before you agree to any operative procedure it is important to remember that each patient is different and that the outcome of any surgical procedure can never be guaranteed. You should understand that there may be complications that have not been mentioned and that it is not possible to anticipate all complications or to answer each and every question.Again, you should be aware that in the practice of medicine unforeseen and unexpected risks or complications not previously discussed may occur. You should also understand that during the course of the proposed procedure(s), unforeseen conditions may be revealed requiring the performance of additional procedures, and such procedures may need to be performed.Keep in mind that there is no substitute for an open and honest discussion with your own surgeon/physician regarding this procedure.You should also be given any available treatment alternatives to this procedure by your doctor. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

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