Side Effects of Laser Rejuvenation

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By Erin Morris
eHow Contributing Writer

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Side Effects of Laser Rejuvenation

The skin is the largest organ of our body, and as years go by, it can start to show signs of wear and tear. Whether it is fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, age spots, redness due to rosacea or simply loose and sagging skin, laser skin rejuvenation treatments can help individuals look and feel years younger. A series of treatments can help restore smooth, healthy skin, but like with all aesthetic procedures, this does come with some risk to the patient. If treatments are performed incorrectly, men and women may experience side effects of laser rejuvenation.

History

All lasers utilize either pigment or heat seeking light to effectively treat their targets. The intense heat of each laser pulse has the capability of doing damage to the outer layers of skin if not administered properly.

Types

There are a few side effects that patients can experience from laser rejuvenation. These include burning, blistering, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

Burning

After successful treatments, many patients will experience a reddening of the skin similar to mild sunburn; this is normal and usually fades within 24 hours. If the lasers are not properly calibrated, the intensity of the heat could cause more severe burning of the skin.

Blistering

Improper calibration often leads to burning, but depending on skin tone and other factors, the intense heat can also cause blistering of the skin. This is not permanent, but if not treated correctly, could lead to scarring.

Hyperpigmentation/Hypopigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a side effect that sometimes occurs in lighter skinned patients. The heat from the laser causes a change in the pigment of the skin causing darker pigmented spots. Hypopigmentation is the lightening of the skin and is most often seen in those patients with darker skin tones. These effects are long lasting but not permanent.