Pico laser is currently widely utilized to fix some skin issues, from tattoo elimination to acne scarring and pigmentation. Pico laser makes use of ultra-short picosecond (one trillionth of one second) pulses to target unique skin issues. While generally safe and effective, pico laser treatments have a few side effects that the patient must be warned about before starting the process.
Common Side Effects of Pico Laser Treatments
The majority of side effects caused by pico laser treatments are mild and short-term, normally fading away in a few weeks to days. Below are the most common side effects you can expect:
- Redness and Swelling
The initial and most common effect of pico laser treatment is redness and swelling on the treated surface. This is because the skin’s damage by the laser energy elicits your own body’s repair mechanism. Redness appears much like a mildly sunburned area and might take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on your level of skin sensitivity as well as the intensity of the treatment.
- Mild Pain or Discomfort
After and shortly following the pico laser treatment, you might feel a rubber band-like snap on your skin. Others say they experience mild pinching or stinging. Most find it not uncomfortable, but some sensitive individuals will feel more. This feeling will typically be absent after treatment ends.
- Temporary Skin Lightening or Darkening
Changes in skin pigmentation can occur following pico laser treatment. Hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) are frequent adjustments in treated skin, which are reversible and transient. They occur more often and last longer in darker-skinned patients.
- Dryness and Flaking
As your skin recovers from the pico laser treatment, you may experience dryness and flaking of the treated area. This is a natural aspect of the skin renewal process and will usually settle in a week. Applying a gentle moisturizer advised by your dermatologist will ease this side effect.
- Bruising
Bruising may be seen in a few instances, especially when the pico laser is applied at higher energies or when treating vascular lesions. The bruises are typically small and clear up within one to two weeks.
- Blistering or Crusting
Although less frequent with the newer pico laser technology than with older laser technology, small blisters or crusts can occur with some patients, particularly after more aggressive treatments. These usually resolve without scarring in 5-10 days if well cared for.
Rare but Possible Side Effects
Rare but potential side effects of pico laser treatments are:
- Scarring
Permanent scarring is uncommon with pico laser treatment when done by experienced practitioners, but can happen, particularly if aftercare is not followed correctly or if you’re prone to keloid formation.
- Infection
The risk of infection following pico laser treatment is extremely low but present. The signs of infection are increased pain, heat, swelling, and pus. Adequate aftercare reduces this risk.
- Allergic Reaction
Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the local anesthetics applied to the skin during the treatment or to aftercare creams.
Reducing Side Effects of Pico Laser Treatments
To minimize the risk and severity of side effects:
- Select a trained, experienced practitioner
- Adhere to all pre-treatment recommendations
- Avoid sun exposure before and following treatment
- Use prescribed skincare products
- Attend all follow-up visits
- Promptly report any unusual side effects
Patients find that the benefits of pico laser treatments far outweigh any temporary side effects. The technology’s precision and its shorter pulse duration often require fewer side effects than traditional lasers, making it a go-to for many skin issues.
Always book a consultation with a dermatologist or professional skin care provider to decide if pico laser is for you and learn the possible side effects based on your individual skin condition and type.
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