CO₂ LASER TREATMENT FOR SMALL CYSTIC LESIONS, CYSTIC ACNE & MILIA

MICRO CO₂ LASER–ASSISTED DRAINAGE & CURETTAGE

CLINICAL OVERVIEW

Micro CO₂ laser-assisted drainage and curettage is a physician-performed procedure used to treat selected small superficial cystic or obstructed skin lesions through a precise micro-opening in the skin.

Depending on the lesion, treatment may involve drainage, extraction, curettage, or controlled treatment of the cyst wall or lining structures. One lesion or multiple lesions may be treated during the same session.

Examples of lesions that may be appropriate for this technique include:

Milia
Comedones (blackheads)
Acne-related pustular or cystic lesions
Small superficial inclusion cysts
Other selected small cystic or obstructed skin lesions

Treatment may be performed on the face, external eyelid skin, trunk, extremities, genital area, and other anatomical sites, depending on the type, size, depth, and location of the lesion.

At International Vein & Skin Institute, CO₂ laser procedures are personally performed by Dr. Jozef Tryzno, MD, with treatment selected according to the individual lesion and clinical findings.

HOW MICRO CO₂ LASER–ASSISTED DRAINAGE & CURETTAGE WORKS

Using an ablative CO₂ laser, each selected lesion is treated individually through a very small opening while limiting disruption of the surrounding skin.

How it is performed:

Topical anesthesia is typically used for small superficial lesions; local anesthesia may be used when appropriate
A precise micro-opening is created with focused CO₂ laser energy
Keratinous, sebaceous, purulent, or other cystic contents are gently drained or extracted
A fine curette may be used to remove residual contents or treat the cavity
Controlled CO₂ laser treatment of the cyst wall or lining structures may be performed when appropriate

The small treatment opening generally heals naturally without sutured closure.

TREATMENT OF MILIA & SMALL INCLUSION CYSTS

Milia and small superficial inclusion cysts contain keratinous material beneath the skin surface that cannot always be removed without first creating an opening through the overlying skin.

The CO₂ laser allows a precise micro-opening to be created directly over the lesion, followed by gentle extraction or curettage. This technique is particularly useful for small lesions on the face, eyelids, and other cosmetically sensitive areas, where limiting unnecessary tissue disruption is important.

SELECTED ACNE & COMEDONAL LESIONS

Micro CO₂ laser-assisted treatment may also be used for selected comedones, pustular lesions, and acne-related cystic lesions that benefit from direct drainage or extraction.

For inflammatory acne lesions, decompression can help relieve pressure and reduce the inflammatory burden of the individual lesion. Procedural treatment addresses selected lesions and does not replace treatment of the underlying acne condition or prevent new acne from developing.

👉 Learn more about Acne Vulgaris & Cystic Acne treatment options.

TREATMENT AROUND THE EYELIDS

Milia and other small cystic lesions commonly occur on the external eyelid skin and around the eyes.

The small treatment opening created with the CO₂ laser allows individual lesions to be treated with precise control and minimal disruption of the surrounding eyelid skin. Treatment near the eye requires appropriate laser precautions and eye protection.

YOUR ROLE IN PROPER HEALING

Most micro-treatment sites are small and heal relatively quickly. Temporary redness, mild swelling, tenderness, oozing, or superficial crusting may occur during early healing.

Treated areas should be kept clean and protected from picking, squeezing, scrubbing, and unnecessary irritation while the skin heals. Specific aftercare instructions are provided according to the location and number of lesions treated.

IMPORTANT PROCEDURAL CONSIDERATIONS

Not every small bump or cystic lesion is appropriate for laser drainage or curettage. Treatment selection considers the diagnosis, lesion type, size, depth, location, skin characteristics, and expected healing.

A treated lesion may occasionally persist, refill, or recur. Lesions that do not heal as expected, repeatedly recur, enlarge, change in appearance, or remain diagnostically uncertain may require additional evaluation, including biopsy or histopathologic examination when indicated.

SCHEDULE A SKIN LESION EVALUATION

An evaluation can help determine whether a small cystic lesion, milia, comedonal lesion, or selected acne lesion is appropriate for micro CO₂ laser-assisted treatment.

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Jozef Tryzno, MD.

Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment recommendations are based on individual clinical findings, diagnostic testing when indicated, and patient-specific factors. Outcomes may vary, and no specific medical or cosmetic result can be guaranteed.

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