What should you know about picosecond laser side effects?

A warm or sunburn-like feeling may occur soon after treatment. Redness and puffiness reflect the skin’s response to the laser energy, while small crusts can form when pigment or the surface layer has been treated. Colour changes may be more noticeable in deeper skin tones and can take time to settle. The treated area may also feel dry, itchy, or sensitive to products.

Follow the clinic’s specific instructions, keep the area clean, and avoid rubbing, picking, exfoliating acids, retinoids, and fragranced products until the skin has recovered. Use the recommended bland moisturiser and protect the area from sunlight with clothing or a broad-spectrum sunscreen when advised. Tell the clinician about medicines, recent tanning, cold-sore history, or a tendency to develop raised scars before another session.

Contact the treating clinic if pain is worsening rather than easing, blisters develop, swelling is marked, or the skin becomes increasingly hot, tender, or produces discharge. Prompt assessment is also sensible for spreading redness, fever, eye symptoms, or a colour change that continues to intensify. Do not remove crusts yourself, because this can delay healing and increase the chance of a lasting mark.

Ask which reactions are expected for your treatment setting, what to apply, when to restart active skincare, and how sun exposure should be managed. Ask how your skin tone, the target concern, and any previous pigment changes alter the treatment plan.