Pulsed Dye Laser Side Effects: What to Know

Because the laser affects blood vessels, treated skin may look red, purple, or swollen before it settles. Tenderness and a warm or tight feeling can also occur. Less common problems include blistering, crusting, infection, scarring, or lightening or darkening of skin. Your risk depends on the device settings, treatment site, skin tone, sun exposure, and healing history. The [Pulsed Dye Laser](/technology/pulsed-dye-laser/) page explains the technology.

Follow the clinic’s cooling, cleansing, moisturising, and sun-protection instructions. Do not scratch, pick crusts, or apply strong acids, retinoids, fragrance, or bleaching products unless the treating clinician approves them. Tell the clinic about any medicine or health condition that may affect healing. Keep the [Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/pulsed-dye-laser-treatment/) aftercare plan available so you know which changes are expected for your treatment.

Contact the treating clinic if pain, swelling, redness, or warmth is increasing, or if you notice pus, fever, spreading redness, blistering, or an open wound. Seek urgent help for facial swelling with breathing difficulty, severe eye pain, or vision changes.

Ask which reaction is expected for your treatment, when to report a colour change, which products and activities to avoid, and who to contact outside clinic hours.