What are the side effects of picosecond laser treatment?
Dec 01, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Ruizhi
Introduction
1. Hyperpigmentation: Appearance of dense dark spots on the skin.
2. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: An individual’s skin-specific reaction to laser stimulation, or pigment deposition resulting from post-procedural inflammation.
3. Skin burns: Caused by procedural errors, leading to erythema, blistering, or even thermal injury to the skin tissue.
4. Skin dryness: Temporary sensation of dryness and tightness may occur.
Picosecond lasers have recently become a “trendsetter” in the medical aesthetics industry. While their side effects are generally low, improper use can still lead to certain adverse reactions—such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (often referred to as “rebound darkening”), increased melanin deposition, skin burns with blister formation, and erythema or swelling—particularly if proper precautions are not taken during picosecond laser pigmentation treatment. So, what side effects might picosecond laser treatment cause? Below, we address this question in detail.
What Are the Side Effects of Picosecond Laser Treatment?
1. Rebound Hyperpigmentation (“Rebound Darkening”)
Some patients develop rebound hyperpigmentation following picosecond laser pigment removal—characterized by the appearance of dense, dark spots on the skin. This is primarily due to inappropriate energy settings during laser application or the use of a picosecond laser device unsuitable for the patient’s skin type.
2. Post-Treatment Hyperpigmentation
Non-standard picosecond laser treatments may result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—i.e., darkening of the treated skin area after laser therapy. This may stem from individual hypersensitivity to laser stimulation or from post-procedural inflammation leading to melanin deposition. Such occurrences are rare and highly variable among individuals; however, they can be effectively avoided when treatment is performed at a reputable cosmetic surgery facility.
3. Skin Burns
Unqualified procedures may result in skin burns. This occurs when substandard laser devices deliver excessive energy beyond the skin’s tolerance threshold, or when practitioners lack sufficient experience with picosecond laser pigment removal—leading to operator error, resulting in erythema, blistering, or even thermal injury to the skin tissue.
4. Skin Dryness
Temporary skin dryness and tightness are common side effects following picosecond laser pigment removal. After treatment, some patients report transient dryness and tightness—a normal physiological response. This results from accelerated cellular turnover post-laser exposure, which increases the production of new epidermal cells and consequently raises the skin’s demand for water and nutrients. The skin may temporarily fail to replenish moisture sufficiently, leading to dryness.
The above outlines the potential side effects associated with picosecond laser treatment. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
