What common side effect can occur after laser skin treatment?

Redness and swelling are common side effects that can occur after laser skin treatment. This response is typically due to the body's natural healing process following the application of laser energy to the skin. When the skin is treated with a laser, it can cause micro-damage to the targeted areas, stimulating an inflammatory response. This is a normal reaction as the body works to heal and repair the treated skin.

Redness, often referred to as erythema, is a sign of increased blood flow to the area, bringing essential nutrients and immune cells to facilitate healing. Swelling, or edema, may occur as fluid accumulates in the tissues as part of the inflammatory response. Both redness and swelling usually subside within a few hours to days following the procedure.

While excessive hair growth, increased pigmentation, and dehydration of the skin may occur in certain situations, they are not as universally recognized or expected as redness and swelling after laser treatments. Therefore, the presence of redness and swelling is a typical and expected part of the post-treatment recovery process for most individuals.