10 Negatives of Laser Treatment That You Should Be Aware Of

Over the last decade laser treatment for everything from tattoo removal to skin “resurfacing” has grown in popularity. Laser treatment has been proven to be one of the best treatments available, and for all the ladies out there who have come to regret those butterfly tattoo designs on the lower back that were so popular in the 1990s, modern technology now can help. Laser treatments are fast, effective, and safer than traditional, invasive surgical procedures.

There are, however, some risks involved. Below is a list of 10 side effects associated with laser treatment that you should be aware of before opting to undergo a procedure:

1. Infection

Laser tattoo removal comes with the risk of developing any infection at the removal site.

2. Scarring

Laser tattoo removal can result in severe and permanent scarring, although they are much better than dermabrasion, salabrasion, or even using TCA (Trichloroacetic acid).

3. Blotchiness

Laser tattoo removal can result in hypopigmentation, which is a condition which leaves the skin at the treatment site a lighter color than the surrounding skin. Also, laser tattoo removal can likewise result in a condition known as hyperpigmentation, which leaves the skin at the treatment site a darker color than the surrounding skin.

4. Discoloration

Cosmetic tattooing, in which eyeliner, lipliner color, or eyebrows are tattooed on the face can leave these areas significantly darker following laser removal, creating the need for further treatments to correct the discolored areas.

5. Burns

Laser treatment to reduce the appearance of acne scars is also known as “skin resurfacing“. A major risk associated with this type of treatment is the excessive burning of the skin due to the extreme heat of the laser. Only the most qualified specialists should perform this type of procedure.

6. Bacteria

Laser treatment to remove acne scarring or to reduce lines and wrinkles can result in severe bacterial infection.

7. Cold sores

Skin resurfacing via laser treatment can result in changes in the color of skin pigmentation of the face, leading to blotches and discoloration. This type of treatment can also exacerbate existing conditions such as Herpes Simplex 1, the virus that results in cold sores. Laser skin resurfacing can activate this condition, resulting in the appearance of cold sores around the mouth.

8. Ineffective

Laser treatment therapy for hair loss also called Low-Level Therapy or Cole Laser Therapy is used to promote hair growth, predominantly in adult males. The only risk reported to date that is associated with this type of treatment is that it frequently does not work. It’s better to try those hair growth supplements first before opting this procedure.

9. Weakened skin

Sun-damaged skin can be replaced by using laser treatment therapy to remove the damaged layers of skin and reveal new, healthy skin underneath. This type of therapy can lead to damage of the delicate new skin as it is unprotected and therefore susceptible to infection, scabbing, irritation, and blistering.

10. Expensive

Lastly, laser treatment itself is fairly expensive and mostly they are not covered by insurance. Depending on your tattoo situation, you may have to do the treatment two or more times, not to mention you need to be religious with the after-care.

If you are giving serious consideration to any procedure involving lasers, do your homework first. Find a specialist who is Board-certified to perform such procedures, ask for references from clients, research online to find out how well-reviewed the specialist is. Be prepared to do exactly as you are instructed during your recovery period so as not to put yourself at risk for the possible negative side effects of your procedure. When done correctly by an experienced professional, any of these laser treatments can have fantastic results. Make sure you choose a doctor who uses only state-of-the-art methods and equipment. By making all the necessary preparations, you can reap the benefits of this modern technological procedure.

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