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What should you know about CO2 laser and melasma?

How the structures involved in Melasma differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Melasma differ from normal

Short answer

CO2 laser treatment can sometimes aggravate melasma, so diagnosis and a pigment-safe plan should come before considering resurfacing.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Main point
CO2 laser treatment can sometimes aggravate melasma, so diagnosis and a pigment-safe plan should come before considering resurfacing.
Before treatment
Confirm the device, indication, operator, preparation, and aftercare.

Direct answer

CO2 laser treatment can sometimes aggravate melasma, so diagnosis and a pigment-safe plan should come before considering resurfacing. Melasma is influenced by light, heat, hormones, and skin inflammation. Injury from an aggressive procedure may leave patches darker or make them harder to control.

What it means

Melasma commonly appears as symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or jaw. A clinician may distinguish it from other causes of [Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/) or [Uneven Skin Tone](/symptoms/uneven-skin-tone/). The depth and activity of pigment, your skin tone, recent sun exposure, and history of dark marks all affect the discussion.

CO2 resurfacing removes or heats skin in a controlled way, but that does not make it a routine melasma treatment.

What to do

Arrange an assessment before any laser session. Discuss daily broad-spectrum sun protection, shade, hats, heat exposure, and products or medicines selected for your skin. A clinician may consider gentler options such as [Laser Toning](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-toning/), [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/), [Microneedling](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/microneedling/), or [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/), depending on the diagnosis and skin barrier.

Do not start a strong lightening routine immediately before a procedure without clinical guidance, because irritation can intensify discoloration.

When to seek care

Seek review if pigment spreads quickly, becomes markedly darker after a procedure, or is accompanied by pain, blistering, crusting, or persistent redness. New, one-sided, bleeding, or changing pigmentation also deserves examination rather than assuming it is melasma.

Questions for your doctor

How was melasma distinguished from another pigment problem? Could CO2 energy worsen my pigmentation? Which treatment and sun-protection plan fits my skin? What is the plan if darkening occurs?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Is a CO2 laser suitable for everyone?

No. Suitability depends on the concern, skin characteristics, medical history, medicines, and the exact device and settings.

What should I ask before treatment?

Ask what the device will do to the skin, what recovery involves, how pigment and infection risks are managed, and when to seek help.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.