What to expect from CO2 laser resurfacing for sebaceous hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia consists of enlarged sebaceous glands that often appear as small, skin-coloured or yellowish facial bumps. The clinician confirms that the bumps are suitable for treatment and distinguishes them from other lesions before using focused CO2 laser energy.

Each treated spot may become red, swollen, crusted, or tender. The crust lifts as the surface heals, while redness or darker pigmentation can last longer, especially after inflammation in susceptible skin. The aim is to reduce the visible bump; the underlying tendency for oil glands to enlarge can remain.

Follow the clinic’s instructions for cleansing and ointment, and leave crusts undisturbed. Avoid scrubs, retinoids, acids, fragranced products, and makeup on open areas unless the treating clinician approves them. Keep the face away from unnecessary heat and friction during early healing.

Use sun protection when advised, because ultraviolet exposure can deepen post-treatment colour changes. Tell the clinician about cold sores, active acne, eczema, medicines, and previous pigment changes. A review can identify spots needing additional treatment or a different approach.

Contact the clinic for increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, significant swelling, or crusts that are not healing as expected. Seek urgent help for facial swelling with breathing difficulty. A bump that changes, bleeds, or does not behave like the others should be examined rather than assumed to be sebaceous hyperplasia.

Ask how the bumps were diagnosed, whether focused treatment or another method is more suitable, how pigment changes will be prevented, when makeup can resume, and what to do if new bumps appear.