What should you know about pico laser after effects?

A treated area may feel warm or tender and look pink or swollen soon after a session. Some pigment can appear darker before it fades or is shed, depending on the target and settings. Mild dryness or tiny crusts should be left alone. The reaction varies with the treated region, skin tone, energy level, and whether the target was [Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation](/conditions/post-inflammatory-hyperpigmentation/), [Melasma](/conditions/melasma/), or another condition.

Wash gently with lukewarm water, apply the recommended bland moisturiser, and avoid scrubbing, picking, fragranced products, and unapproved active ingredients while the surface recovers. Protect the area from sunlight with clothing and sunscreen as advised. Avoid heat exposure and close shaving if they make the skin sting. Keep any follow-up appointment so the response can be assessed rather than judged from a single early photograph.

Ask the clinic for prompt advice if redness spreads, pain intensifies, swelling becomes pronounced, blisters or pus appear, or the skin develops marked colour change. Fever or feeling unwell with a hot, tender treatment area also warrants medical review. Seek emergency help for facial swelling with trouble breathing. Do not apply leftover prescription creams unless the treating clinician tells you to.

Ask which reactions are expected for your device and skin tone, how long to use a gentle routine, when to restart retinoids or acids, and whether [Picosecond Laser](/technology/picosecond-laser/) remains appropriate if pigment darkens.