09/18/2025
What does the laser procedure involve?
It is important that the correct diagnosis has been made by the clinician prior to treatment, particularly when pigmented lesions are targeted, to avoid mistreatment of skin cancer such as melanoma.
* The patient must wear eye protection (an opaque covering or goggles) throughout the treatment session.
* Treatment consists of placing a handpiece against the surface of the skin and activating the laser. Many patients describe each pulse feeling like the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.
* A topical anaesthetic may be applied to the area but is not usually necessary.
* Skin surface cooling is applied during all hair removal procedures. Some lasers have built-in cooling devices.
* Immediately following treatment, an ice pack may be applied to soothe the treated area.
* Care should be taken in the first few days following treatment to avoid scrubbing the area, and/or use of abrasive skin cleansers.
* A bandage or patch may help to prevent abrasion of the treated area.
* During the course of treatment, patients should protect the area from sun exposure to reduce the risk of postinflammatory pigmentation.
Are there any side effects from neodymium YAG laser treatment?
Side effects from Nd:YAG laser treatment are usually minor and may include:
* Pain during treatment (reduced by contact cooling and if necessary, topical anaesthetic)
* Redness, swelling and itching immediately after the procedure that may last a few days after treatment
* Rarely, skin pigment may absorb too much light energy and blistering can occur (this settles by itself)
* Changes in skin pigmentation. Sometimes the pigment cells (melanocytes) can be damaged, leaving darker (hyperpigmentation) or paler (hypopigmentation) patches of skin. Generally, cosmetic lasers will work better on people with lighter rather than darker skin tones
* Bruising affects up to 10% of patients. It usually fades on its own
* Bacterial infection.
How many laser treatments can I expect?
Vascular lesions
* Treatment time depends on the form, size and location of the lesions as well as the skin type.
* Small red vessels can usually be removed in only 1 to 3 sessions.
* Several sessions may be necessary to remove bigger veins and spider veins.
Hair removal
* In general, patients have 2 to 6 treatments, approximately every 4 to 6 weeks.
* Patients with darker skin types may require more treatments.
