Laser resurfacing: What are the possible complications?

The most common complication of laser resurfacing is hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation occurs when your skin tone turns darker than normal. This change in skin colour can sometimes happen immediately after the procedures, but in most cases, the real change starts three to four weeks after surgery and can last several months.

A startling side effect of laser resurfacing is the fact that some patients develop a herpes virus infection (the virus commonly known to cause cold sores). In most cases, herpes was already present in the patient’s body, but the virus flare-up is caused by the surgery. If you have a history of cold sores, shingles or herpes, you should bring this up with your cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon before your laser resurfacing treatment. He/she will prescribe a medication to prevent these infections after laser surgery.

A few more side effects to consider include acne flares and dermatitis. In both cases, inflammation of the skin will occur due to the laser resurfacing treatment.

The new generation of laser machines are better able to produce effects with minimum risks of scarring and pigment changes. These newer and gentler lasers create less discomfort and require a shorter recovery time than older lasers machines. In some cases, specific types of lasers such as non-ablative/non-wounding lasers actually avoid injury to the surface skin all together while still treating the underlying layer. This technique still stimulates the production of collagen, while requiring less recovery time because little damage is done to the upper layer of skin. The gentler nature of these types of lasers will require more frequent sessions over a longer period of time to produce the same types of results you’d get with more aggressive lasers.

What does it mean to you? It means that it might cost you a little more for your treatments over time, but you’ll have less risk of side effects.

Photo by Ingorrr