Development of keratoacanthoma following CO2 laser resurfacing: a case report and literature review

CO2 laser resurfacing is a widely used cosmetic procedure for facial rejuvenation, addressing wrinkles, scars, and other skin imperfections. Although complications are rare, post-laser skin lesions have been reported, particularly in patients with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). This report presents a rare case of a 41-year-old female that developed a solitary keratoacanthoma (KA) 3 weeks after CO2 laser resurfacing. A detailed medical history was taken, and an excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed KA, a rare but documented complication of fractional laser resurfacing. The lesion was excised without recurrence, and healing was uneventful. This case is unique because the patient had no prior NMSC history, making KA an unusual occurrence. Previous studies typically associate KA with known risk factors such as NMSC or immunosuppression. This report highlights the importance of post-laser surveillance, even in patients without recognized risk factors. It contributes to the understanding of potential complications of CO2 laser resurfacing, emphasizing the need for clinical awareness.