Facial Laser

Treatment Information, Risks & Aftercare

Laser Genesis · Vascular Laser · Pigmentation Laser

  • Laser skin treatments are used to remove or lighten the appearance of:

    • Vascular lesions

    • Pigmented lesions

    • Age spots

    • Sun spots

    • Diffuse redness

    • Uneven skin tone and texture

    Treatments may include:

    • Laser Genesis

    • Laser Vascular

    • Laser Pigmentation

    The procedure uses a laser device to:

    • Coagulate blood vessels or vascular lesions

    • Target pigmented lesions via melanin absorption

    • Multiple treatments are often required to achieve optimal results

    • Although effective in many cases, no guarantees can be made

    Some conditions may:

    • Respond partially

    • Not respond at all

    • Rarely worsen following treatment

    • Some discomfort may be experienced

    Sensations may include:

    • Burning

    • Stinging

    • Radiating heat

    Discomfort is usually temporary

    • Minimal downtime expected

    • Common post-treatment responses include:

      • Redness

      • Swelling

      • Bruising

      • A “bug-bite” appearance (especially vascular treatments)

    • Pigmented lesions may:

      • Darken (brown to black) within 24–48 hours

      • Form superficial crusting

      • Exfoliate naturally as part of healing

    • Typical exfoliation timeline:

      • Face: ~1 week

      • Body: ~2–3 weeks

    • Healing timelines vary depending on:

      • Treatment intensity

      • Area treated

      • Individual healing response

  • Common & Expected (Usually Temporary)

    • Redness

    • Swelling

    • Sensitivity or warmth

    • Urticarial (hive-like) reaction, especially with small vessels

    • Bruising

    Less Common

    • Epidermal crusting over treated lesions

    • Temporary discomfort requiring soothing or topical medication

    • Prolonged redness or swelling

    Rare but Possible

    • Hemosiderin staining
      (Iron deposits from blood breakdown - usually fades but may be permanent)

    • Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)

    • Hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin)

    • Burns

    • Blistering

    • Bleeding

    • Infection

    • Scarring

    • Textural skin changes or cutaneous indentations

    • Undesirable hair reduction at treatment sites
      (Usually temporary, may be permanent)

    Contact the clinic immediately if you experience:

    • Blistering or burns

    • Bleeding

    • Increasing pain, heat or redness

    • Signs of infection

    • Excessive or worsening swelling

    • Unexpected pigmentation changes

  • Skin & Sun Exposure

    • Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment

    • No sun tanning or self-tanners for 4 weeks prior, including:

      • Spray tans

      • Tanning lotions

      • Tanning beds

      • Excessive sun exposure

    Medications & Treatments

    • Some medications or supplements may increase bruising risk (Consult your clinician if unsure)

    • Avoid skin-irritating treatments for 1–2 weeks prior, including:

      • Waxing

      • Depilatory creams

    • Notify the clinic of:

      • Any changes to medical history

      • New medications or supplements

    • History of herpes or cold sores may require:

      • Preventative antiviral medication prior to treatment

  • Sun & Environmental Exposure

    • Avoid sun exposure following treatment

    • Apply broad-spectrum SPF (UVA/UVB) daily

    • Strict sun avoidance reduces the risk of:

      • Pigmentation changes

      • Hemosiderin staining

      • Prolonged healing

    Heat & Activity

    • Avoid heat for 1–2 days, including:

      • Hot tubs

      • Saunas

      • Steam rooms

    Skin Care

    • Bruising, redness and swelling are common and resolve with time

    • Treated pigment may darken within 24–48 hours

    • Do not pick, scratch or disturb crusting

    • Allow pigment to exfoliate naturally

    • Avoid skin irritants for several days, including:

      • Tretinoin

      • Retinol

      • Benzoyl peroxide

      • Glycolic or salicylic acids

      • Astringents

    • Consult the clinic before resuming your usual skincare routine

    Monitoring

    • Notify the clinic of any concerns, including:

      • Blistering

      • Excessive redness or swelling

      • Unexpected skin changes

    • Protective eyewear must be worn at all times during treatment

    • Failure to wear eye protection may result in severe and permanent eye damage

    • Sun exposure, tanning beds and artificial tanning significantly increase:

      • Risk of side effects

      • Risk of pigmentation changes

      • Risk of adverse outcomes

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