Potential Adverse Effects Associated with Laser Skin Treatments and How to Avoid Them
Aesthetics & Medical Lasers of Colorado, Longmont, and Fort Collins, Colorado
The use of medical and aesthetic laser treatments has advanced over the recent years. While these treatments are highly effective in treating various skin conditions, there are some potential risks involved with these procedures:
Pain, tingling and burning. Laser treatments can cause discomfort during the procedure and for a short time afterward. Some individuals may experience more pain depending on their pain tolerance and the intensity of the treatment. These symptoms should resolve within a day or so.
Bruising and Swelling. Some individuals may experience bruising and swelling after laser treatment, particularly in sensitive areas or with more aggressive treatments like the Fractional Ablative Co2 Laser. These aggressive treatments usually have a downtime of 5-7 days.
Skin Infection. Any procedure that affects the skin integrity carries a risk of infection. This is more likely to happen in people with a history of bacterial skin infections or colonization with resistant drug organisms such as methicillin resistant staph (MRSA). Keeping the treated area clean and following post treatment instructions will minimize this risk.
Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Aesthetic laser treatments can sometimes lead to changes in skin pigmentation, including hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. This is a condition where patches of skin become darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. It’s more common in people with darker skin tones, those with underlying hidden melanin such as Asians, and patients with a history of melasma. To minimize this risk, it’s crucial to avoid sun exposure before and after the procedure, as well as following your post-treatment care instructions.
Scarring. In rare cases, laser treatments can cause scarring, particularly if the skin is not properly cared for post-treatment or if the procedure is too aggressive such as during skin resurfacing. These treatments should be done with caution in patients with a tendency of keloids and hypertrophic scar formation. Follow your post-treatment instructions and keeping the treated area clean and moisturized will help reduce this risk.
Bleeding is another potential adverse effect of some laser treatments such as the fractional ablative Co2 skin resurfacing. Usually this resolves with the application of pressure at the bleeding site. It tends to occur more commonly older individuals who tend to have more small superficial blood vessels called telangiectasias, and patients taking blood thinners for a medical reason. This can be minimized by holding all blood thinners a week before your treatment.
Eye injury. Laser treatments near the eyes carry a risk of eye injury, including damage to the cornea or retina. Protective eyewear should always be worn during laser procedures to minimize this risk.
Rare Side Effects. In rare cases, laser treatments can cause more serious side effects such as anaphylaxis and allergic reactions to the numbing cream or other products used during the procedure.
Recurrence or Incomplete Treatment. Depending on the condition being treated, there is a risk of incomplete treatment or recurrence of the condition, requiring additional sessions or alternative treatments.
Modern day laser devices are relatively safe and highly effective at what they are meant to do if performed by appropriately trained and experienced professionals. In the hands of inexperienced individuals, laser skin treatments can be ineffective or even dangerous. When it comes to treating your skin, it is very important to choose a laser skin professional with the right experience. Avoid making your choice solely based on the best deals.
At Aesthetics and Medical Laser of Colorado, we are proud to provide you with one of the best skin laser treatment services in the cities of Longmont, Erie, Lafayette, Boulder, Berthoud, Loveland and Ft. Collins, Colorado. Our staff has experience in treatments for all skin types. Many of our patients with skin of color are either Hispanic, Indian, East Asian, or Black.
For more information and a consultation contact us at 720 818 0533.
