what are the side effects of laser facial treatment

Ablative laser resurfacing can cause various side effects, including:

• Redness, swelling and itching. Treated skin may be itchy, swollen and red. ...
• Acne. Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause you to temporarily develop tiny white bumps (milia) on treated skin.
• Infection. ...
• Changes in skin color. ...
• Scarring. ...
• Turning of the eyelid (ectropion). ...

Full Answer

What are the best laser treatments for face?

• Alma Lasers
• Candela Medical
• Cynosure, Inc.
• Quanta Systems
• El.En. (Asclepion Technologies)
• Lutronic Corporation
• Bison Medical
• Lumenis
• Lynton Laser
• EL.EN. S.p.A. (Deka Mela S.r.l.)

What are the risks of laser treatment?

Laser therapy has some risks. The risks for skin therapy include: bleeding; infection; pain; scarring; changes in skin color; Also, the intended effects of treatment may not be permanent, so ...

How to take care of face after laser treatment?

What should I expect during my laser skin resurfacing recovery?

• Follow these steps during your laser skin resurfacing recovery. Clean the treated areas two to five times a day with saline or a diluted vinegar solution as directed by your ...
• Complications of laser skin resurfacing. Acne flares. ...
• Tips for an easier recovery. ...
• Recovery times will vary depending on your treatment. ...
• Camouflage the pink or red skin. ...

What are the side effects of laser treatment?

What is the treatment?

• Malignant or non-malignant tumors and polyps: They are either shrunk or completely destroyed.
• Cancer symptoms
• Kidney stones
• Treat detached retina
• Vision improvement
• Nerve pain of the back

Are laser treatments safe for face?

A common misconception is that laser resurfacing is only safe for light skin types. While it is true that certain lasers pose a higher risk for cell damage or discoloration in darker skin, there are safe and effective resurfacing options.

Does facial laser have side effects?

The most common side effects of laser hair removal include: Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours.

Is laser harmful for skin?

Using a laser could cause a serious burn or discolor your skin. After having laser treatment, you'll need to protect your skin from the sun until your skin heals. If the sun's harmful rays hit your treated skin, you can develop another scar.

What happens after face laser?

Redness, flakiness, and crusting are all common after laser treatment. You might be tempted to cover up that redness or to minimize the appearance of flakes and scabs using foundation or other types of makeup. Like other skincare products, however, makeup can irritate your healing skin.

What is the best laser treatment for face?

The 5 Top Face Laser Treatments and How They Can Help Your SkinTo Give Your Skin an Insta-Glow: Laser Genesis. ... To Rid of Acne Scars: Fractional CO2 Laser. ... To Zap Broken Blood Vessels: Pulsed Dye Laser. ... Instead of a Facelift: Fraxel. ... For Removing Sun Damage: IPL.

Can I wash my face after laser treatment?

You may want to wait 72 hours after skin treatment before you start washing your face. Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap to clean the area and pat it dry. You can use a cool compress if you experience any swelling or discomfort. You can also use a light moisturizer if your skin feels dry or tight.

What are the dangers of laser?

Repeated exposure to relatively low powered lasers, or from a single exposure to medium powered lasers may cause long term damage to sight or minor damage to skin. Exposure to high level lasers may cause depigmentation, severe burns and possible damage to underlying organs.

What are the side effects of laser therapy?

Laser therapy can result in misdirected or excessively intense burns, bleeding from the choriocapillaris, damage to macular and other ocular structures, and breaks in Bruch's membrane.

How often can you laser your face?

In general, the skin needs about four weeks between laser treatments to recover and be ready for the next session. With the sensitive nature of laser skin treatments, it is imperative that patients select a reputable facility and highly experienced provider to perform laser surfacing treatments.

What should I avoid after facial laser?

After the procedure, the skin will be sensitive and might feel somewhat irritated. Avoid any irritants that could harm your skin. Do not use active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, or retinol. Also, avoid direct sunlight or UV rays while your skin is healing.

How can I take care of my face after laser?

The immediate post laser treatment consists of covering the lasered skin with Vaseline (Aquaphor or whatever the specific product you are instructed to use) and using cold packs for discomfort and swelling. The best treatment to be comfortable is to apply cold compresses to the treated areas of the face.

Can I put makeup after laser?

During this time, it's a good idea to avoid wearing any makeup because even sensitive-skin products can have agents that irritate skin immediately after treatment. After 24 hours, you can apply makeup — but if it causes irritation or redness, give your skin another makeup-free day to recover.

What is laser skin treatment?

Laser skin therapy is just one of the facial cosmetic procedures that Dr. Torgerson offers at his Toronto laser clinic. Using controlled heat, lasers are able to tighten sagging skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize facial imperfections. Laser therapy enables the skin’s own collagen production, which continues to produce a glowing complexion long after the treatment.

Do facelifts offset aging?

Although facelifts were once the only option to offset the signs of aging, modern science and technology now offer a plethora of choices. As more Boomers and Millennials become conscious about looking as vibrant as possible, more options are available to aid that choice.

Doctor's Answers 4

Never have i gone for any laser on my skin before and am interested to know whats the benefits of doing so.

Common side effects and the future of lasers

Common side effects of laser treatments include heat, redness, and dryness which can be expected to subside within several days. Examples of less common and unexpected side effects are infection, changes in skin colour, and scarring.

How long does it take to get a laser face treatment?

A full-face treatment takes up to two hours. Following the laser procedure, the doctor will bandage the treated areas. After 24 hours, you will need to clean the treated areas four to five times a day and then apply an ointment such as petroleum jelly to prevent scabs from forming.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing removes skin layer by layer with precision. The new skin cells that form during healing give the skin a tighter, younger looking surface. The procedure can be done alone or with other cosmetic surgeries on the face.

How long before laser skin resurfacing can you smoke?

If you smoke, you should stop for two weeks before and after the procedure. Smoking can prolong healing.

How long does it take for a laser to heal?

Five to seven days after laser resurfacing, your skin will become dry and peel. Depending on the problem that was treated, healing typically takes 10 to 21 days.

Does skin resurfacing make you look better?

Although skin resurfacing cannot produce perfect skin, it can improve the appearance of your skin. Potential risks of the procedure include: Burns or other injuries from the laser's heat. Scarring. Changes in the skin's pigmentation, including areas of darker or lighter skin. Reactivating herpes cold sores.

Can a doctor numb your face?

The doctor may treat wrinkles around your eyes, mouth, or forehead individually or treat your entire face. For small areas, the doctor will numb the areas to be treated with a local anesthetic and may also sedate you. You may require general anesthesia if your whole face is being treated.

Does insurance cover laser skin resurfacing?

Because laser skin resurfacing is considered a cosmetic procedure, most medical insurance companies will not cover it. There may be an exception if you get the procedure to modify scars or remove precancerous growths on your skin.

1. Temporary Redness

After the treatment, it is common to see some mild redness in the areas that received treatment. However, the redness usually goes away within a matter of days. The best thing to do is be gentle with your skin and leave it to heal on its own. If the redness continues to be an issue after several days, please call your doctor.

2. Mild Swelling

You may experience some mild swelling after the treatment has been completed, but it usually subsides on its own after a few days. Your doctor may prescribe a medication that will bring the swelling down. Other than that, the best course of action is to be careful of your skin and let it recover without interference.

3. Mild Pain

If you are experiencing an acne breakout as you undergo the treatment, you may experience mild pain during the procedure. Your doctor will probably apply an analgesic to your skin prior to the procedure to keep you as comfortable as possible.

4. Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, or a darkening of the skin, is a much less common side effect, but does sometimes occur in patients with darker skin tones. Discuss this risk with your doctor before you do the procedure, if you feel it will be an issue for you.

How long does it take to get rid of a laser?

Ablative laser resurfacing typically takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the technique used and the size of the area treated.

How long does laser resurfacing last?

The effects can last for years. Results after nonablative laser resurfacing tend to be gradual and progressive. You're more likely to notice improvements in skin texture and pigment than in wrinkles. After laser resurfacing, avoid unprotected sun exposure for one year to prevent irregular pigmentation.

What to do if you have a herpes infection after laser resurfacing?

If you're having ablative laser resurfacing — or nonablative laser resurfacing and you have a history of herpes infections around your mouth — your doctor will prescribe an antiviral medication before and after treatment to prevent a viral infection.

What is laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is a facial rejuvenation procedure that uses a laser to improve the skin's appearance or treat minor facial flaws. It can be done with: Ablative laser. This is a wounding laser that removes the thin outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (dermis), which stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers.

What to ask before laser resurfacing?

Before you have laser resurfacing, your doctor will likely: Ask about your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions and any medications you're taking or you've taken recently, as well as any cosmetic procedures you've had in the past. Do a physical exam.

How long does redness last on the face?

Redness, swelling and itching. Treated skin may be itchy, swollen and red. Redness may be intense and might last for several months. The aggravation of a previously existing skin condition, such as rosacea, can contribute to redness.

Can nonablative laser resurfacing cause herpes?

Nonablative laser resurfacing also can cause side effects, including: Infection. Nonablative laser resurfacing can cause a flare-up of the herpes virus. Changes in skin color. Nonablative laser resurfacing can cause treated skin to become temporarily darker than it was before treatment (hyperpigmentation).

What is IPL photofacial?

IPL photofacial treatments offer patients in Addison and Sugar Land, TX a fantastic way to treat a wide variety of skin concerns. The IPL procedure, or intense pulsed light technology, uses light energy to help minimize hyperpigmentation, reduce blood flow to broken capillaries, tackle dark spots, and stimulate collagen production.

What happens during this skin rejuvenation treatment?

Limelight IPL laser treatments can treat a broad range of skin concerns and generally take about 45 – 60 minutes. During photofacial therapy sessions, patients must wear protective eyewear.

Are there any IPL photofacial side effects?

After a Limelight IPL laser treatment, the skin will look tighter and brighter in appearance. Slight redness after IPL photofacial sessions and some inflammation is normal. However, this noninvasive procedure requires no downtime. Patients can resume their normal daily activities almost immediately afterward.

Why is laser facial treatment important?

The benefits of facial laser treatments. Because the ‘less is more’ beauty trend has us opting for sheerer, lighter and more breathable makeup products, having a clear and smooth complexion is a priority.

How to treat skin after laser treatment?

Think of your skin as a wound after a laser treatment and treat it as such. For best results, keep your skin hydrated, moist, clean and protected from the sun. “Gentle products that contain peptides should be your go-to. If you have had a more aggressive treatment, use emollient creams to protect the barrier of your skin and ensure that it remains hydrated. Gentle cleansing with a milk cleanser morning and night, using a quality SPF during the day and a basic moisturiser at night are also essential,” advises King.

How long does it take for a laser to clear skin?

“Superficial lasers will have no downtime. The treatment of pigmented lesions may take five to seven days for the skin to be clear and ...

What to use for a more aggressive skin treatment?

If you have had a more aggressive treatment, use emollient creams to protect the barrier of your skin and ensure that it remains hydrated. Gentle cleansing with a milk cleanser morning and night, using a quality SPF during the day and a basic moisturiser at night are also essential,” advises King.

What to avoid after laser treatment?

What to avoid after a laser treatment. Put simply, the top thing you need to avoid after a facial laser treatment is active ingredients. “Avoid alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and retinol. Also avoid high impact exercise and sweating,” says Sullivan-Smith. King also recommends steering clear of exfoliating ingredients.

How long does it take for pigmented skin to heal?

For lasers treating the deeper layers of the skin, it can take anywhere between seven and 14 days for your skin to heal.”.

Can lasers cause redness?

King explains, if superficial lasers have been used, your skin may feel a little warm afterwards and you may have some slight redness. Alternatively, if lasers targeting pigmentation have been used, “the pigment may appear darker, similar to having been out in the sun, with skin experiencing a slight sting for an hour or so.