How long does CO2 laser resurfacing take to work for sebaceous hyperplasia?

Sebaceous hyperplasia consists of enlarged oil glands, often appearing as small yellowish or skin-coloured bumps. After laser treatment, the spots can be red, tender, swollen or crusted before the surface repairs. A shallow treatment may heal differently from treatment of a larger or deeper bump. Residual redness can outlast the initial crusting, and the final texture is best assessed only after the skin barrier has recovered.

Use only the cleanser, ointment and dressing recommended by your clinician. Keep fingers away from crusts and avoid scrubbing, exfoliating acids, retinoids or makeup until you are told they are suitable. Protect the area from sun exposure during healing. At review, ask whether any remaining bump represents incomplete treatment, normal swelling or a different diagnosis; do not repeat treatment on your own.

Seek advice from the treating clinic if redness expands, pain becomes stronger instead of easing, the area feels increasingly hot, drainage becomes cloudy, or you develop fever. Urgent assessment is needed for significant eye symptoms when lesions near the eyelids were treated, or for bleeding that does not stop with the instructions provided.

Ask how deep the treatment was, when to restart skincare products, how to protect the treated spots from pigment changes, whether more than one session may be considered, and how the diagnosis was confirmed.