Laser Skin Treatment Risks

Laser skin treatment is very safe, but like all medical procedures, there are some risks you are taking when deciding to undergo the procedure. Before committing to laser treatment, it is very important that you discuss the possible outcomes with your doctor. Though these complications rarely occur, you must be prepared for all possible results of your treatment.

There are a few routine side effects with this procedure, including redness in the treated area. In some cases, this pigmentation change may last for months after the procedure. This more commonly occurs in patients with darker complexions because more laser energy is absorbed by their skin. The area may become darker, lighter, or pinker than the surrounded skin. This should fade over time. However, if you undergo multiple treatments using lasers that penetrate deep into the skin, it could become permanent. Still, even if pigmentation complications develop, within a year the skin should be back to its normal tone.

To avoid hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation, reduce sun exposure and always wear sunscreen while your skin is healing from laser procedures. The treated area is very sensitive to the sun while it is healing, and it may not tan normally for at least a year.

In rare cases, the treated skin may develop an infection. Crusting or blistering may also appear. To avoid this complication, use an antibacterial ointment on the treated skin. Your doctor may provide a medicated lotion for the area. If your doctor believes that you may have an increased risk for skin infections, an antibiotic medication may also be prescribed for the days immediately before and after your laser procedure. If you have a history of herpes or cold sores, the laser treatment may cause this virus to flare up.

After laser skin treatment, there is a possibility of scarring. If you have a history of severe scarring following medical procedures, be sure to discuss this specific risk with your doctor, as you may be ineligible for laser skin treatments. Scarring may also occur more frequently after laser procedures that deeply penetrate the skin; shallower laser procedures may be the safer choice, especially if you are worried about scarring. In most cases, scarring is not a common complication after laser skin treatment. To reduce your risks, avoid scrubbing, scratching, or picking it the treated area until it has fully healed.

To reduce the risk of complications following laser skin treatment, choose a fully licensed and certified doctor who has been trained to use the specific laser type that will be used on your face.

Sara Parkinson is the author of the laserskintreatmentguide.com Laser Skin Treatment Guide, an essential resource for those considering laser skin treatments. Discover more about how to avoid the laserskintreatmentguide.com/laser-skin-treatment-risks risks of laser skin treatment and ensure your treatment goes smoothly.