Possible Side Effects of Treatment
Discomfort
Some patients experience various degrees of discomfort. Some have described the sensation as stinging, while others have described as similar to a rubber band snap.
Erythema
The most common side effects are erythema (redness) and mild edema (swelling), which generally occur immediately after laser treatments and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
Change of Pigmentation
There may be a change of pigmentation in the treated area. Most cases of hypo- (lighter) or hyper- (darker) pigmentation occur in people with darker skin, or when the treated area has been exposed to sunlight before or after treatment. In some patients, hyper-pigmentation occurs despite protection from the sun. This discoloration usually fades in three to six months, but in rare cases, mainly with hypo-pigmentation, the change may last longer or be permanent.
Blister
In some cases, a crust or blister may form, which may take five to ten days to heal.
Bruising
In some patients, a bruise may appear in the treated area. It may last anywhere between five to fifteen days.