Development of multiple warts after skin resurfacing with CO2 laser

BACKGROUND. Skin resurfacing with CO2 laser is a common surgical procedure to improve photodamaged skin. Many complications may occur after this proce dure, however, common warts is relatively rare. OBJECTIVE. To report a case of multiple warts after CO2 laser resurfacing a nd discuss the complete involution of these lesions. METHODS. A 78-year-old woman with multiple warts after CO2 laser resurfacin g is described. RESULTS. The patient developed multiple common warts on the face after resu rfacing with CO2 laser. Retinoic acid was introduced and complete involutio n of the lesions was observed after 5 days with no scars. CONCLUSION. Although emphasis is placed on the hazards of the laser plume t o the medical staff, one should be aware of this complication. We believe t hat the regression of the lesions was spontaneous rather than induced by th e retinoic acid.