After receiving laser treatment, skin may appear red and irritated for up to 24 hours post procedure, similar to mild sunburn symptoms and can be helped with by applying ice.
Minor color changes may arise after treatment, leaving treated areas looking either darker or lighter than intended. Over time, these will usually fade.
Infections following laser treatments are rare, but they may occur if skin care practices are neglected or the wrong type of laser is used on an individual’s specific type.
1. Redness
Laser hair removal works by emitting pulses of light energy from a laser into the skin to destroy hair follicles, often leaving temporary redness behind that typically dissipates within hours; some individuals experience more serious and lasting redness that should be addressed through further medical advice from a dermatologist. If this side effect occurs for you, seek their advice as to the most appropriate ways of managing it.
Although redness can often be considered harmless side effects of treatment, certain individuals may not tolerate it well and need medical advice for it. This could happen if you have sensitive skin that was exposed too frequently or excessively, or your body was not responding quickly enough. For this reason it’s essential that patients follow all instructions from their dermatologist prior to and following treatments, including sun avoidance in treatment areas.
Avoid redness and swelling by shaving the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment. While this does not remove all hair from the scalp, it gives treatment more chance of reaching hair follicles more effectively. In addition, an ice pack may help soothe any discomfort you might be feeling during treatment.
As with any laser treatments, other possible side effects include bruising and changes to skin color. V-Beam laser treatments tend to cause more bruising; you can minimize it with sunblock used one month prior to your session. Pigmentary changes usually resolve themselves once they stop tanning before your appointment; any permanent pigmentary changes should also be temporary and avoidable by not tanning prior to attending your appointment. Scarring is rarely experienced but may occur if someone who was not fully trained and certified treats your treatment area.
2. Swelling
Heat from laser treatments may cause swelling in the area of treatment, though usually minor and minimally uncomfortable for most. Most often, this side effect will go away on its own after some time has passed; if swelling continues post treatment however, be sure to contact your practitioner who may suggest anti-inflammatory medication to relieve your symptoms.
Swelling may occur if there is an infection in the area treated by laser treatment. However, this should only be a concern if there already exists an infection present; otherwise it can spread and lead to redness, pain and swelling as a result of its spread.
Reduce the likelihood of swelling from laser treatments by cleaning and applying an ointment twice daily to the affected areas, avoiding rubbing them to avoid inflammation and irritation, and applying some moisturizer in order to keep hydration levels optimal in that area.
Changes in Pigment
Sometimes the area that was treated by laser can become lighter or darker depending on which laser was used and your skin color. This is usually only temporary and can often be remedied with another form of treatment or applying some ointment to help even out skin tone.
3. Blisters
Blisters are small bubbles of fluid that appear beneath the skin’s surface, typically filled with pus, blood or serum from your blood, often appearing as circles shaped bubbles. Though painful and itchy at times, blisters should eventually go away on their own if left alone; otherwise use a sealed, sterile needle from a pharmacy to prick the blister so the fluid drains out before covering with hydrocolloid dressing (usually available in pharmacies) to ensure clean and dry surroundings for healing.
Your skin may occasionally form a crust in an affected area. Though usually minor, this condition can become irritating and lead to further problems like scarring. To prevent it, moisturise the affected area regularly while staying out of direct sunlight.
Prior to laser treatments, it’s also beneficial to shave the area as this helps minimize bruising and enable the laser light to target hair follicles effectively.
Laser treatments may cause your hair to regrow lighter and finer than before – known as paradoxical hypertrichosis – without being caused by laser exposure per se, but by hormones within your body. Although rare, most people do not experience this side effect of treatment.
Laser treatments often produce subtle but noticeable differences to skin color, particularly among people with light complexions. You might experience darkening or lightening that lasts beyond its initial course; this should only last temporarily; if any persistent changes arise then please seek medical advice immediately. Likewise, wearing sunscreen daily and refraining from tanning prior to laser sessions will ensure maximum absorption of laser light energy by your skin.
4. Changes in Skin Texture
Laser treatments can help remove facial hair, diminish wrinkles, and even eradicate some pigment issues like sunspots. Before undergoing this procedure it is essential that you inform your physician about any medications and medical history you are taking; this will help minimize potential complications. Furthermore, sun exposure should be limited two months prior to having this procedure done – use a topical sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays as this will further ensure success.
At the start of treatment, your skin will be cleaned and numbed using topical anesthetic before being exposed to laser energy in any area of the face or body that needs attention. You may feel an intermittent “snapping” sensation from its energy as it passes over your surface – this is why only licensed professionals should perform your treatment.
Skin reactions following laser treatments typically include reddening and itching, which may even leave it dry and tight feeling. This is because your cells will undergo substantial change when healing – such as through ablation laser treatment as well as nonablative ones; light therapy; chemical peels; or any noninvasive procedures.
If you are considering laser treatments for cosmetic purposes, be sure to find a dermatologist certified in plastic surgery or dermatology, with experience using various devices – this will maximize the odds that you achieve the results without experiencing too many side effects. An IPL device might be beneficial in reducing fine lines and wrinkles while an ablative laser might provide better scar treatment results.
5. Infections
Minor infections following laser treatments are fairly common; however major ones should not occur, provided you use proper aftercare measures. To do this, ensure you clean the treated area four to five times a day and apply petroleum jelly or another ointment such as Calamine lotion to reduce swelling as well as prevent any scabs forming on skin surface. Furthermore, it’s wise not to rub or rub against area that was treated and to sleep on extra pillows at night to ease eyelid swelling known as Ectropion which occurs with any such treatments near eyes if this could occur ectropion occurs due to any inflammation caused by laser treatment near eyes ectropion which occurs.
Dependent upon the type of laser treatment you undergo, you may experience temporary tingling or skin irritation in the area being treated. Usually this should pass after several hours and an ice pack can help alleviate pain and inflammation more quickly.
After laser hair removal, you may notice that the area treated becomes darker or lighter due to heat from the laser damaging hair follicles and stopping their growth. This effect is most frequently experienced by individuals with light skintone; however, it can happen to anyone. Any discoloration is temporary and won’t lead to long term damage.
As all laser treatments have similar side effects, it’s wise to consult a practitioner prior to beginning any laser procedure. If a procedure seems suitable, conducting a spot test first might also prove beneficial in understanding how your skin reacts.
