Possible risks or side effects from any laser treatment may include pain, burning, bruises, blister formation, stinging sensations, infection, pigmentary changes including decrease or increase in skin color at the site of treatment, scar formation, laser induced “cold-sore-like” blistering, skin eruptions known as “herpetic” skin eruptions at the site of treatment, and poor cosmetic outcome. Short-term redness and some edema can be expected for a few hours after the procedure.
Although very, very rare, some patients can experience a reaction to the topical anesthetic applied prior to treatment. Patients may experience redness, itching, and/or blistering, which is short-lived and treated with mild topical cortisones. It does not leave any scarring or have permanent effects.
For any of the treatments, there may also be possible hair removal at the site of treatment even if this was not the intended purpose of treatment.
For hair reduction treatments, though most people will attain up to 70% reduction, recurrence of hair growth at treatment sites is a possibility.
For treatment of vascular lesions, recurrence of vessels at the treated sites is a possibility. A permanent option, called sclerotherapy, may be a better option for some vessels and veins and is an injection procedure performed at our office.
For tattoos, the ink will lighten but may not be removed entirely. It may also not lighten in a consistent manner. In some cases, the ink may darken a bit especially if there are lighter pigments in the ink.
You should return to your normal skin care routine and all regular activities after your treatment unless you are provided with alternate instructions.
