Side Effects of Laser Face Surgery

Many people today undergo laser face surgery, whether it's to remove hair or resurface the texture of their skin. Laser surgery makes these procedures much faster and more effective than they used to be. The face also heals more easily. While laser face surgery has become fairly commonplace, it still can produce many side effects. Make sure you're aware of all potential side effects before you agree to any type of surgery.

Milia

Milia, small bumps that resemble whitehead pimples, may appear in an area that's healing from laser resurfacing. The bumps typically go away on their own, or you can try gently washing the area with a mild cleanser.

Infection

Infection can develop following laser face surgery. Although rare, this side effect could lengthen your healing time, and may produce scarring if it's not treated promptly. Surgeons often prescribe antibiotics before and after laser face surgery to reduce the risk of infection.

Pigmentation Changes

Pigmentation of the treated areas may change following laser face surgery. In some cases, the skin might develop hyperpigmentation, or noticeable darkening of the skin. Other patients might develop hypopigmentation, or loss of skin coloring ranging from mild to rather severe. In cases of hyperpigmentation, you might be able to apply bleaching cream to hasten your skin color's return to normal.

Cold Sores

If you've had a cold sore in the past, it could reappear following laser face surgery. The risk is especially high if you receive laser treatments near or around the mouth. To avoid this risk, notify your doctor that you've had cold sores before and request an antiviral prescription. You should begin this medication prior to surgery and continue taking it until a few weeks after the procedure.

Swelling

Swelling is a common, fully expected side effect of laser face surgery. However, you can take measures to reduce or prevent most of the swelling. Try applying ice packs to the treated area, or sleeping with an extra pillow for more cushion and support. Your doctor will also prescribe ointments to reduce irritation and help keep inflammation down.

Scarring

In rare cases, scarring develops as a result of laser face surgery. This side effect ranges from minor discoloration to noticeable indentations in the skin. Scarring can negatively affect the overall results of your procedure, so it's important to understand this risk before you go under the laser.