Laser pigmentation side effects and risks

When you start a laser pigmentation removal treatment, the response to LASER treatment is very variable and it is difficult to predict the exact results for each patient. You may expect to have some discomfort for the first few hours as well as redness and swelling for a few days. Some Lasers result in bruising. Uncommonly an adverse reaction such as a blister or a scab can occur. There may be a temporary loss/gain of pigment in the treated area which may last for several months or, rarely, be permanent.

Scarring following any LASER treatment is very uncommon (unless undergoing focal ablative laser treatment, for which scarring is more common). If scarring does occur, it is most commonly a slight depression in the skin or a textural change. A thickened, lumpy red itchy/painful scar can develop but is unusual. A lack of adverse reactions or scarring after a test or treatment does not exclude this risk from any subsequent treatment.

What are the common side effects and risks of laser pigmentation?

1. Redness

As the laser brings heat during the treatment, you will see your face is redder after the treatment. However, it is normal and you can use an ICE bag to cool down the temperature and the redness will fade off after several days.

2. Burning

Burning is a very uncommon side effect it may happen due to the wrong operation from the operator. Sometimes the face is not cleaned well or there is powder and small pigmentation on the treated area. The solution is to clean the face clearly and avoid the mole or non-treated pigmentation before your treatment.

3. Pigment changes

If the operator uses a wrong parameter, it may lead to pigment changes or hyper-pigmentation. The risk of pigmentary complications is minimized with the use of pigment-inhibiting cream before and after laser treatment

4. Other rare side effects

Swelling, scarring, and flooding.