Does CO2 laser resurfacing treat sebaceous hyperplasia?

Sebaceous hyperplasia appears as small, usually skin-coloured or yellowish bumps caused by enlarged sebaceous glands. CO2 laser energy removes a controlled layer of tissue, so a clinician can target individual lesions rather than resurfacing the whole face. The result depends on the depth and number of bumps, their location, and how your skin heals.

A treated bump can become smaller or less noticeable, yet the tendency to develop new lesions may remain. Redness, swelling, crusting, temporary colour change, infection, scarring, and recurrence are possible considerations. Treatment close to the eyes needs particular precision.

Arrange an examination before choosing laser treatment, especially if a bump is new, changing, bleeding, or unlike the others. Your dermatologist may discuss CO2 laser alongside other options such as electrosurgery or freezing, depending on the appearance and site. Follow pre-treatment instructions about skincare and disclose medicines, previous cold sores, and any history of raised scars.

After treatment, keep the area clean and follow the wound-care plan. Avoid picking crusts and protect healing skin from sunlight as directed, because irritation and sun exposure can worsen colour changes.

Seek prompt medical review if a lesion grows quickly, develops an ulcer, bleeds without being touched, becomes persistently painful, or has a distinctly different appearance. After laser treatment, contact the treating clinic for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, severe pain, or vision symptoms.

Ask whether the bumps are definitely sebaceous hyperplasia, whether a test is needed, which lesions should be treated, what healing will look like, and how recurrence or skin-colour changes would be managed.