Complications of resurfacing.

Skin resurfacing procedures with the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, chemical peels, and dermabrasion have similar complication profiles. The most frequent complications are pigmentary disturbances, erythema, infection, and scarring. Patients should be well advised of the potential untoward side effects. Proper preoperative skin preparation, postoperative wound care, adequate physician training, and physician alertness will reduce the frequency and severity of these complications.