Four Possible Side Effects of Acne Laser Treatment

If you are considering acne laser treatment, you may be concerned about any possible side effects of the treatment process. Fortunately, laser treatment is much less invasive than other acne treatments, and so causes fewer side effects. Acne laser treatment works in two ways: first, it prevents acne by destroying the sebaceous glands--the glands that produce oil that causes acne--in the dermis. Second, the heat from the laser destroys acne-causing bacteria in the tissue surrounding the sebaceous gland. Laser treatment does not harm the outer layer of skin. Since acne laser therapy is on the vanguard of acne treatment, it is usually not covered by health insurance. You should check with your dermatologist, as most offices are able to offer some sort of payment plan for those who cannot afford to pay for the treatment outright. Though acne laser treatment is relatively mild, there are 4 common side effects associated with this treatment:

1. Temporary Redness

After the treatment, it is common to see some mild redness in the areas that received treatment. However, the redness usually goes away within a matter of days. The best thing to do is be gentle with your skin and leave it to heal on its own. If the redness continues to be an issue after several days, please call your doctor.

2. Mild Swelling

You may experience some mild swelling after the treatment has been completed, but it usually subsides on its own after a few days. Your doctor may prescribe a medication that will bring the swelling down. Other than that, the best course of action is to be careful of your skin and let it recover without interference. If the swelling persists after several days, be sure to consult your dermatologist.

3. Mild Pain

If you are experiencing an acne breakout as you undergo the treatment, you may experience mild pain during the procedure. Your doctor will probably apply an analgesic to your skin prior to the procedure to keep you as comfortable as possible. It is not uncommon to experience some mild pain after the laser treatment, and your doctor will probably assist by either prescribing a mild pain reliever, or recommending an over-the-counter medication to help with your discomfort.

4. Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, or a darkening of the skin, is a much less common side effect, but does sometimes occur in patients with darker skin tones. Discuss this risk with your doctor before you do the procedure, if you feel it will be an issue for you. If, after you have the treatment, you notice patches of darker skin, be sure to call your dermatologist for a follow-up consultation. Fortunately, laser treatment is a non-invasive method of acne control that has very few side effects, and none of the side effects are severe enough to warrant undue caution. If you simply follow the advice of your dermatologist, you should have no lasting pain, swelling or redness after the procedure.