Rosacea Laser Treatment

Laser Treatment Complications

Utilize the benefits of laser therapy with realistic expectations and the knowledge of the potential risks associated with it. Some side effects may be temporary such as skin redness, blistering, peeling skin, pain or skin tightness or dryness while healing; others may be more serious or permanent.

Ocular complications

It is essential to wear protective eye wear during the laser procedure to reduce the risk of burning the eyes or cornea with the use of CO2 or erbium lasers. Pulsed dye or YAG lasers can cause damage to the retinal pigment or retinal vasculature.

Skin discoloration

A problem particularly for those with deeper skin tones or recently tanned skin, the effects usually subside in three to four months but in some cases may be permanent. The heat produced by the laser may cause the skin discoloration or in some cases excessive application of the cooling spray may result in uneven heating of the skin.

Postoperative blistering or crusting

This is prevalent in tattoo removal procedures often due to improperly applied cooling spray or improperly function skin cooling devices used during laser treatment.

Bruising or Purpura

Purpura or bruising is a common effect of pulsed-dye laser treatments. It usually subsides in seven to fourteen days.

Scarring

Scarring can occur whenever there is excess damage to the collagen due to heat induced laser damage or complications arising from infections after laser treatment.

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