What are the risks of laser spot removal?
Oct 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Han Xuefeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, laser treatment for freckles may cause skin dryness and cracking, hyperpigmentation, freckle recurrence, skin burns, and scar formation. In addition, it may also lead to redness and blistering. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention if discomfort occurs and to receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician, which can promote recovery.
Under normal circumstances, laser pigmentation removal may cause various side effects such as dry and cracked skin, hyperpigmentation, recurrence of spots, skin burns, and scar formation. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Dry and Cracked Skin
During laser treatment for pigmentation, the epidermal stratum corneum is removed. When the skin is exposed to cold external stimuli afterward, it may experience vasoconstriction and reduced moisture, leading to dryness and cracking. It is recommended to drink plenty of warm water and consume fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins.
2. Hyperpigmentation
The high thermal energy from lasers can irritate the skin, causing inflammatory reactions that subsequently stimulate increased activity of melanocytes, resulting in hyperpigmentation. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance and use medications such as tretinoin cream or azelaic acid cream for treatment.
3. Recurrence of Spots
If laser treatment is incomplete or proper post-treatment skin care is not followed—such as frequent sun exposure or excessive skin irritation—there is a risk of rebound effect leading to spot recurrence. It is recommended that patients pay attention to daily skincare after laser treatment and avoid sun exposure.
4. Skin Burns
Burns may occur if the laser energy is too high or an inappropriate mode is selected, exceeding the skin's tolerance threshold. Patients should use medicated ointments such as Jingwanhong ointment, compound radix lithospermi oil, or erythromycin ointment as directed by a physician to alleviate burn symptoms.
5. Scar Formation
Laser scar removal often involves abrasive ablation, which causes significant trauma to the skin and may lead to skin damage. If the skin’s metabolism is slow, scars may remain. Patients are advised to use medications such as madecassol cream or vitamin C and loquat tablets under medical supervision for treatment.
In addition, other possible side effects include redness, swelling, and blistering. If any discomfort occurs, patients should seek timely medical attention and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance to promote recovery.
