Does laser treatment have any side effects?

Author: Derrick Kuphal  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Laser resurfacing can cause side effects, though they're milder and less likely with nonablative approaches than with ablative methods. Inflamed, swollen, itchy and painful skin. Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation. Your skin may look inflamed for several months following ablative laser treatment.

What are the side effects of laser treatment?

Minor Side Effects
  • Redness – minor redness is a usually harmless side effect of laser treatments, that may go away quickly, or last for several months in severe cases.
  • Mild Itching – The treated skin may be swollen and itchy, typically in cases where a previous skin condition has been aggravated by the treatment.

Are laser treatments safe?

In the hands of a board-certified dermatologist, laser treatment can safely treat many types of scars. When the person performing your laser treatment lacks medical expertise and specialized knowledge of the skin, laser treatment may not give you the results you seek. It can even be dangerous.

What are the disadvantages of laser therapy?

Potential Risk Factors of Laser Therapy
  • Skin irritation or burns from exposure to the laser.
  • Eye damage or vision loss from exposure to the laser.
  • Increased risk of skin cancer with repeated exposure to the laser.
  • Risk of infection if the laser is used to treat an open wound or infection.

Who is not a good candidate for laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing helps reduce the appearance of acne scars; however, it is not for clients who still have active acne. Patients who have very dark skin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take specific medications like Accutane may not be viable candidates for laser resurfacing.

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What is the best age for laser resurfacing?

Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.

Who should not receive laser therapy?

Relative contraindications include laser hypersensitivity and photosensitizing medications or skin creams, although there are many that react with the UV spectrum, very few react with infrared. Some autoimmune disorders and severe Lupus may cause a hypersensitivity to laser therapy.

What can go wrong with laser treatment?

Risks
  • Inflamed, swollen, itchy and painful skin. Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation. ...
  • Acne. Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause tiny white bumps to form for a short time. ...
  • Infection. ...
  • Changes in skin color. ...
  • Scarring.

What is the fastest way to heal skin after laser treatment?

Use cold compresses: Applying cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Stay cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for the first few days after treatment. Heat can increase inflammation and slow healing.

Can laser treatment be cancerous?

Although laser and IPL technology has not been known to cause skin cancer, this does not mean that laser and IPL therapies are without long-term risks.

Is laser Resurfacing worth it?

Yes, laser resurfacing is considered worth it by many patients due to its ability to deliver significant skin improvements with minimal downtime and cost compared to surgical options.

What are the health risks of laser?

The health effects that could occur due to exposure to a laser beam are damage to the skin and eyes. Skin effects include erythema, elastosis (photoageing), immediate pigment darkening (tanning), burns and skin cancer. Eye effects include photokeratitis, photoconjunctivitis, cataracts, photoretinal damage and burns.

What is the risk associated with laser therapy?

These include both direct beam hazards such as tissue burns, eye damage, endotracheal tube fire, drape fire, and explosion of gases, or non-beam hazards (those that are secondary to the actual beam interaction) such as laser generated airborne contaminants (surgical plume), electrical damage, toxic dyes, and system ...

What is the best laser treatment for aging skin?

CO2 Lasers: These are among the most intense laser treatments and are often used for deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and significant scarring. The recovery time can be longer, but the results are typically more dramatic.

How long does laser treatment last?

Depending on the laser treatment, your skin may stay pink or red for a few months. Your skin may continue to improve up to a year and the improvement may last for several years. Normal aging will eventually lead to new wrinkles, which can be treated with laser resurfacing again.

Does insurance pay for laser therapy?

Some insurance plans will cover the procedure, but very few. Many of our patients decide to bear the cost of the treatments for laser therapy because they are sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Is laser therapy worth the money?

Yes, laser therapy can effectively reduce pain by stimulating tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow. High-power Class 4 lasers tend to provide better results, especially for chronic pain conditions.

Who should not do laser treatment?

Who shouldn't have laser hair removal?
  • Are pregnant.
  • Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
  • Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
  • Have keloid scars (raised scars).
  • Have or have had skin cancer.

Who is not a candidate for laser?

You have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound healing. Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure.

What is the greatest risk from lasers?

Eye and Skin Damage: The greatest daily hazards are in this area. All of the Class IV lasers in our lab can easily cause total blindness or painful sores. The type of damage inflicted depends on the wavelength, pulse energy, pulse width, power, and repetition rate.

Which organ is most vulnerable to laser injury?

Eye (top) The major danger of laser light is hazards from beams entering the eye. The eye is the organ most sensitive to light.

Who is the ideal patient for laser therapy?

The best candidates for lasers include people who have mildly sagging skin, shallow acne or chickenpox scars, sun-damaged or leathery skin, or fine lines or wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.

Is there an age limit for laser therapy?

Fortunately, you can start laser treatments at any age as long as your parents agree. However, most dermatologists recommend that female patients wait until they start their menstrual cycle before beginning laser treatment. For some, this may start at age 10 or even age 16.

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