Don't Get Laser Skin Resurfacing Until You Have Read this Post!
It is inherent in humans to look for a simple solution that will just give you the answer without any hassles. This is the reason why the battle for skin aging is being done without scalpels and sutures. Today, experts have introduced us to non-invasive treatments to turn back the clock on your skin. Enter laser skin resurfacing into the picture, and you get a more convenient way to fight aging skin. Who wouldn't want such a treatment when efficiency, healing time, and results are already yours without breaking an inch of your skin? However, we don't live in a perfect world, because this doesn't come without side effects.
Here are 7 side effects that you can expect from laser skin resurfacing, and how you can deal with them properly.
1. Redness
Redness in medical terms is called erythema, and this is an occurrence that is debated by cosmetic experts as to whether it is a normal aspect of healing or a complication. They say that there is a certain time after the laser treatment where some redness would already be considered a complication. But, this would depend on the type of laser used for the treatment.
Usually, the redness will last about 6-12 weeks, while it can reach up to 6 months in others. In rare cases, some may even notice their skin to flush easily when doing certain activities and this could last for a year.
The depth of penetration that a particular laser creates will also determine the amount of redness created. The lesser the depth, the lighter the redness created. This eventually introduced the “no pain, no gain” theory.
Hydroquinones may be applied after laser treatment to improve its effect, but based on reports, this lengthens the erythematous phase. Doctors say that one way to reduce the amount of redness is to lower the depth of interaction of the laser. If redness has gone more than the time they are expected to appear, you should immediately report this to your doctor to avoid complications. Usually, they would apply topical steroid creams. But, this should still be monitored closely because even these treatments could result to complications like acne, skin atrophy and scarring.
2. Swelling and Tenderness
The inflammatory response of the body is actually a defense mechanism to protect it from what is recognized as a threat. The action of the laser treatment can be one, and it signals a series of reactions in which swelling and tenderness result. Swelling is due to water that goes into the treated area that is recognized as a site of injury. This fluid contains certain components that will help in the healing process. We may not realize the benefits now, in fact, the result will be uncomfortable at first because as the area becomes tender and sensitive to touch.
You should ask your doctor what treatment they would advise for this since they would often have their treatment of choice. Some just opt to leave it be until it subsides since swelling and tenderness are temporary effects of laser skin resurfacing.
3. Itching
This is one of the common complications patients have with laser skin resurfacing treatment, and it can be attributed to dry skin. Itching may seem to be minor but it has to be controlled and monitored thoroughly. Scratching it would only cause excoriations or scratches, which can only lead to crusting and more serious problems.
A preventive measure would be to apply a moisturizer to prevent skin dryness. An antihistamine called Benadryl may also be used to prevent scratching. Doctors can also prescribe certain medications for those who are obsessive about scratching healing wounds.
4. Change in skin color
Laser skin resurfacing can also result to some changes in skin pigmentation depending also on the laser used. Hyperpigmentation or skin darkening is more common than hypopigmentation or skin lightening. The former usually becomes evident after a month and it could last around 3 months. As for the loss of color in the treated area, it often becomes evident 6-12 months after the procedure.
Skin darkening can be treated and it is usually done with chemical peels and bleaching creams. These post laser treatments are usually continued for 4-6 weeks. Hypopigmentation, on the other hand, is irreversible and creates a permanent effect. This is more common in dark-skinned individuals, and it should be something every patient should be aware about.
5. Skin Irritation
Skin irritation include incidences like acne flare ups and contact dermatitis. Acne is usually caused by the use of petroleum-based wound dressings and is common in individuals who are prone to it. It usually presents itself a few weeks after treatment. To prevent any formation, prompt wound dressing changes is important. Topical glycolic acid and oral tetracylcine are also other preventive measures.
Contact dermatitis, on the other hand, can result in increased skin sensitivity which can be caused by antibiotic treatments that are also used in the treatment. Doctors advise that ointments ought to be changed every 4-5 days, and preferably it should be bland (no fragrance) so that the treated area won't get sensitized and also result to reactions.
6. Scarring
Scarring may be something that you would not expect from a laser skin resurfacing treatment, but it can also happen. Thankfully, it is only rare and it can be treated with medications. This can result when erythema and swelling is not treated well, or when treatment has gone overboard that it creates an untoward reaction with the skin. This is where a good doctor is important because someone with experience will know how to approach the problem with the right management.
7. Infection
Laser resurfacing treatment can also expose the patient to bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Viral infections have a higher incidence among the three. Prophylactic treatment or preventive treatment for this particular treatment, however, is not approved by the FDA. That is why such infections can only be treated once it is already established. You can ask your surgeon about this in detail.
Bacterial infection is less common but it can also be prevented through prophylaxis treatment before the procedure. Fungal infections have the lowest incidence with less than one percent. It can be prevented through proper wound care using antifungal medications, either topical or oral.
