Laser treatments such as hair removal and skin resurfacing are generally safe when administered by a trained practitioner, though some minor side effects are possible; these usually resolve quickly.
Itching and reddening of the treated area are common, usually subsiding within several hours. While bruising may occur more frequently among those with darker skintones.
Redness
Laser treatments often result in red, swollen or itchy skin reactions for several hours after laser therapy; usually these respond well to cold packs or bath soaks. Sun exposure may aggravate symptoms; therefore it is wise to wear high sun protection sunscreen after and between laser sessions for maximum protection.
Laser treatments may cause hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation of treated areas (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation). While hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation is less common with laser resurfacing used to treat scars, bleaching creams or moisturizing creams can help quickly fade any changes in pigment.
Milia, which are small white bumps, may form in the treated area after laser resurfacing treatment and should be easily removable with gentle cleanser. There is also the risk that laser resurfacing treatment could activate herpes simplex cold sores in people who already suffer from them; so it is wise to consult your physician beforehand about herpes virus risk; in cases of an outbreak your physician can provide antiviral medication that reduce the chances of reinactivation.
Non-purpuric laser treatments utilize pulses of light that absorb into blood vessels on your face, causing them to shrink and disappear. This form of treatment has proven highly successful at reducing background redness and facial blood vessels associated with rosacea in some people; in addition, enlarged pores associated with phymatous rosacea may also be removed as well as excess tissue that makes your nose appear bulbous due to vascular rosacea symptoms.
Swelling
Dependent upon the strength of laser used, swelling may occur. Cold compresses or ice packs may help relieve this discomfort while taking an OTC pain reliever may also be beneficial in relieving discomfort and reducing swelling.
Your doctor may suggest that, after receiving laser treatment, you stay out of direct sunlight or tanning booths to help avoid irreversible pigment changes that could harm your complexion. Furthermore, it’s advisable not to use any sunless skin creams which might darken facial skin further.
Normal side effects from treatment to skin include reddening and crusting of treated areas, though this should resolve itself over time if left alone without attempts at speeding it up by picking or prodding.
Your skin healing time depends on several factors including which laser was used, your physical condition and response to treatment. Some types of laser therapies offer less painful solutions without needing recovery time at all – something surgery cannot claim!
Before and after laser treatment, it is imperative to follow all instructions provided by your physician. Following these guidelines can greatly aid recovery time and the outcomes of the procedure. Ideally, space your laser treatments no sooner than 4 to 6 weeks apart so as to allow your skin to fully recover after each session.
Itching
After receiving laser treatment, itching may be a common side effect. This sensation is caused by heat and energy generated by laser treatments; its duration ranges between hours to days after treatment has finished. Additionally, itching could be interpreted as an indicator that your skin is healing well from treatment.
Your body may respond to laser light treatments by developing red bumps and scabs in the treated area, which are normal responses. They will likely diminish over time. If the itching becomes severe, however, medical assistance should be sought immediately from a dermatologist.
After receiving laser treatments, it is necessary to apply moisturizing creams or ointments to the affected areas of your skin four to five times a day – this should include any lotions with perfumes or fragrances as these could further irritate it. Furthermore, hot baths or showers should be avoided as these could further irritate it.
At a laser treatment session, you will either lie down or sit upright wearing protective eyewear. Once the doctor applies a gel numbing agent on the area that needs treating, which typically takes 30-60 minutes for full effect; after which short laser pulses feel similar to warm pinpricks or rubber band snapping against your skin.
Discomfort
Laser treatments use high-heat laser beams to break up pigment or destroy hair follicles. While the pain can be uncomfortable, an experienced practitioner will know how to minimize discomfort during a laser treatment session. A cooling device on the tip of a laser instrument or cool gel may be applied prior to activating the laser for better burn prevention or other side effects like hair removal; treatments typically last anywhere from minutes to an hour depending on the size of the area being addressed.
Some individuals who are prone to herpes outbreaks may discover that laser treatment triggers cold sores at their treatment site, often more painful than simply scarring over time.
Skin irritation and itching are among the more frequent side effects of laser treatment, which doctors typically treat with topical creams and ointments. To alleviate discomfort further, keeping the area moist by using moisturizer and applying sunscreen are all good practices that may help.
Laser hair removal is generally safe, although not advised during pregnancy as its heat could pose risks to an unborn baby. Furthermore, it should be undertaken with caution by people suffering from diabetes or conditions that reduce immunity (e.g. vascular disease or varicose veins) or who have blood vessel problems that inhibit circulation to their skin (such as varicose veins or varicose disease). Anyone with diabetes should first consult with their healthcare provider prior to receiving laser treatments.
Discoloration
Laser technology uses heat to kill hair and skin follicles. While this may temporarily leave your skin reddened and swollen after treatment, its condition should improve over time with proper care following care following. It’s advised to use moisturizer and avoid exposure to the sun as your skin recovers from this treatment.
Discoloration may result from improper techniques used by your practitioner; this should only occur occasionally and usually manifests itself as mild sunburn-like spots on your skin tone; for your own safety it’s advisable to discuss this aspect with them beforehand.
Laser treatments do not often cause side effects; however, when performed by non-qualified practitioners or home laser kits they can cause burns, blisters and changes to skin texture that is particularly evident among those who have recently tanned.
Laser resurfacing is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Your practitioner will numb the area with medication, and smoking and any medications that affect blood clotting should be discontinued 10 days before your procedure. Your physician may suggest taking antibiotics and antiviral medicines to prevent infections during recovery. Depending on which laser is being used, sedation may be necessary; in that event, arrange transportation home afterward.
Scarring
Laser treatment can be effective at treating numerous conditions, including scar removal. When conducted by a qualified practitioner, laser treatments tend to be relatively safe; however, there may be side effects that you should be wary of such as burns and blistering; caused by heat from the laser breaking up pigment or hair follicles.
Before beginning treatment, your skin is thoroughly cleansed before numbing gel is applied and/or ice packs placed on your face during the session. Your doctor will then hold a laser against your skin; treatment times vary depending on which area is being addressed and can take anywhere between 30 seconds and an hour, and may cause you to smell smoke as it snaps against it like rubber bands against rubber. Overall, most experience of irritation typically subsides within several hours.
Your doctor will ask that, prior to beginning laser treatments, you refrain from taking medications and supplements that affect clotting, such as aspirin and vitamin E for 10 days prior to laser procedures. Smoking must also be stopped as this will slow healing time significantly. You must wear protective eyewear during treatments as well as remain out of direct sunlight until after healing has occurred as exposure can cause new scars to form in treated areas.
