Adverse reactions after laser, IPL and LED procedures

Abstract

The fast-paced everyday life and the modern perception of beauty impose increasingly faster, effective and affordable methods for maintaining a good appearance. Laser systems providing great therapeutic possibilities meet the expectations and needs of doctors and patients. When used wisely and being familiar with their contraindications in details, side effects after laser therapy are relatively rare. However, some of them can be serious and significantly impair the quality of life. Although these methods are often called „laser procedures”, the devices used are not always real lasers - for example IPL, LED, Titan, infrared energy-based technologies and radio frequency procedures, such as Thermage. Among the widely used laser systems are Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, Alexandrite, CO2 and diode lasers. We distinguish mainly two types of systems used for cosmetic purposes: ablative and non-ablative. Each laser system has its own profile of complications specific to the treated skin lesion. Possible complications should be fully discussed with the patient as part of the informed consent procedure.