Laser skin treatments such as hair removal, facials and peels can rejuvenate the appearance of your face while increasing collagen production. But it’s essential that you understand any possible side effects so that you can take steps to mitigate them as much as possible.
Follicular Edema (swelling) is a normal reaction to laser heat treatment as the beam of light concentrates on individual hair follicles and this swelling is only temporary.
Redness
Redness is a common side effect of laser treatment, particularly those targeting outer layers of skin. Redness typically subsides within several days to up to one week after treatment has taken place; to protect it further from reappearing you should either avoid sunlight or use sun protection cream with an SPF rating of 50+.
Redness from laser treatments may result in inflammation, and can be mildly painful for some individuals with sensitive skin. Furthermore, aggressive treatments are more likely to induce this kind of reaction and trigger this kind of response in response.
For optimal healing and reduced redness, it is crucial that daily cleansing with either warm or cool water, with gentle blotting drying is used instead of vigorous scrubbing to promote skin repair and healing. An oil-free moisturizer may also help. Makeup may also be used to help conceal pink to red shades that often develop when treated areas heal – green-based makeups work especially well at neutralizing this hue while being gentle on the skin.
If you suffer from port wine stains or infantile hemangiomas that cause redness, vbeam lasers may help minimize their appearance through multiple treatments. Other conditions that can benefit include scars and keloids; facial redness/veins common to rosacea; as well as benign vascular growths like venous lakes or pustules on your body.
Avoid rubbing or scratching the area as this may lead to increased flaking. Also, it is crucial that after receiving laser therapy treatments and until fully recovered from them, patients use broad spectrum sunscreen with both UVA and UVB ray protection, covering their face with a hat or scarf when outdoors, and wearing protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants when appropriate.
Swelling
No matter the treatment, swelling is common after laser treatments that affect the outer layers of skin. To alleviate it, cold compresses or ice packs may help reduce swelling; while a soothing cream could also ease any redness or discomfort after your laser session. A dermatologist might advise applying petroleum jelly post-Fraxel Re:Pair or CO2 Fractional laser session; this helps hydrate skin while creating a barrier against germs to speed healing time and healing rates.
Red spots on the face can often be traced back to dilated blood vessels that have expanded over time, known as hemangiomas. While they don’t remain permanent like red acne or rosacea, hemangiomas are nonpermanent and can be successfully removed using certain laser treatments; however, scars from removal treatments may remain visible; studies indicate they may help reduce red spot appearance; however results vary widely and more research needs to be completed on this matter.
Brown spots caused by excessive pigment in the skin (hyperpigmentation) can also be reduced using laser therapy treatments. Underlying pigment is broken up into microparticles that are then consumed by your body’s natural processes to clear away affected areas. Some patients may experience temporary hyperpigmentation following treatment; this should go away within several weeks.
Milia, or small white bumps, may occasionally appear after laser resurfacing as you recover, and can easily be eliminated with gentle cleansing with a washcloth. Rare complications associated with laser resurfacing include herpes reactivation in the area if you already have herpes around your mouth or genital areas; to prevent this occurrence from happening take an antiviral medication (valacyclovir or acyclovir) two to three days before and three days after your procedure.
Studies indicate that laser treatment may help to diminish permanent redness on the face and around acne-like blemishes, likely as a result of increasing collagen production by certain lasers that helps smoothen out surface skin issues. Unfortunately, permanent redness reduction may take more than just one session to occur.
Irritation
Laser treatment works by targeting and destroying hair follicles with heat from light energy, creating red spots after treatment. Therefore, it’s crucial to only entrust your laser treatment to trained medical spas. In rare instances however, heat from laser can create blisters on skin like sunburn – an experience which may become quite unpleasant when misused incorrectly by untrained people or incorrectly.
If the blisters are particularly large, it is wise to have someone drive you home as this could result in blurry vision. Swelling will usually reduce due to your body’s natural healing process; so you should be back at work the day following your laser session.
Reduce swelling and irritation by applying an ice pack or cold compress to the treatment area for 10 minutes several times daily for 10 minutes at a time, wrapped in cloth to avoid direct contact with sensitive skin and avoid further irritation. You could also try soothing creams or ointments like Coolaid to help soothe treatment areas and relieve itching, while some people also swear by using triple antibiotic ointments (another reason to only have laser treatments performed by medically qualified practitioners).
Laser treatments often cause itching, which may be caused by various sources including irritation from the treatment itself. You can reduce itching by using products with harsh chemicals and by limiting activities that generate too much heat or perspiration on the treatment area. You may also help by gently cleaning affected areas three to five times each day with a cool, soapy washcloth to bring relief.
Sometimes itchiness following laser treatment could be a telltale sign of infection; however, this is usually only seen if treatment was performed by someone not trained enough. To protect against potential issues with infection and avoid laser-resurfacing infection entirely, only trust board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons experienced in lasers to administer laser resurfacing treatments.
Acne
Acne occurs when pores on your skin become blocked with excess oil or dead skin cells, leading to bacteria growth that leads to pimples. Most commonly found on the face, acne can also affect other areas like neck, chest, back or shoulders and usually begins during adolescence and persists into adulthood – though treatment options exist. Acne can be painful and embarrassing but is treatable.
Laser treatments can help to address redness, enlarged blood vessels and brown spots on skin of all colors – including darker-skinned patients. When selecting a dermatologist who specializes in these procedures for you.
Pulsed dye laser or intense pulsed light treatments work to heat up and destroy the blood vessels responsible for redness in your skin, providing safe and effective relief to all skin tones – including those suffering from rosacea or port wine stains. However, pregnant women or those suffering from deep sunburns should avoid this treatment option as its use could compromise both the baby’s safety and outcome.
Heat from lasers can cause blisters and crusting when they come in contact with burns, but these should eventually heal themselves within several months – though your skin may remain discolored for some time afterwards.
Your doctor may suggest applying a light-colored cream, lotion or ointment to cover red spots until they heal. As per his or her directions, you may also need to apply hydrocortisone cream or Neosporin in order to alleviate itching or inflammation which may occur.
Prevent complications during and post laser treatment by forgoing tanning sprays or solarium use before your laser treatment. Furthermore, when it comes to sunscreen use – be mindful to select a broad-spectrum product which offers protection from UVA/UVB rays; avoid picking/popping/scratching new acne spots to reduce scarring; instead seek advice from a dermatologist immediately if any symptoms emerge; the sooner treated symptoms disappear the faster you will feel relief.
