Potential Side Effects of Laser 360

Laser 360 is among the latest of laser-based technologies used for treating signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines and freckles. It is also used as a skin-rejuvenation technique for treating dull-looking skin and for the removal of acne-induced scar tissue. Laser 360 is superior to some of the conventional laser-based skin treatment options. Rather than depending upon a singular form of laser, it combines various forms of lasers to achieve comprehensive results. Laser 360 combines:

  1. AFT Light or Pulsed Light—it is useful for evening the coloration of the skin and hiding irregularities like darkened, scar tissue.
  2. Low-strength Infrared Light—this is useful for tightening the skin that is achieved through deep heating induced by the infrared light.
  3. Pixel Light—this is useful for stimulation of collagen formation in the skin that helps to improve the overall texture of the skin.

Laser 360 is largely reputed to be among the safest of laser-based skin treatment options. However, some side-effects can be precipitated by Laser 360 skin treatment, such as:

Prolonged Redness/Blistering

It should be noted that a bit of swelling or redness is commonly seen among people who undergo Laser 360 skin treatments. However, in some individuals, the redness or the blush-like appearance is retained for a much longer period. Further, the skin can become very tender and sore, particularly during the daytime or when exposed to sunlight. In some patients, the redness might progress into blistering or scarring.

Protruding Capillaries

This is a rather rare but possible side-effect of Laser 360 largely due to the intensive heating caused by the infrared light. Excess heating tends to contract the collagen fibers beyond the required extent. Among people with naturally dry or dehydrated skin, this can cause a temporary phase of the capillaries below the skin appearing unusually large or pronounced.

Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation

This side-effect is only possible when the Laser 360 procedure has been conducted through inexperienced hands. Since this procedure is now widely available in spas and non-healthcare settings, there is a risk that the attending professional isn't well-versed with controlling the intensity of the laser beams. This can cause deep-rooted damage that extends beyond scarring or blistering. The over-heated part of the skin can lose its natural pigment. This happens when the overuse of laser kills the natural pigment-producing cells in the skin, called melanocytes. The over-treated spot can develop a hypo-pigmented or whitish patch. Contrastingly, the inappropriate usage of laser beams can also induce a short state of hyperactivity among the melanocytes, inducing excessive secretion of the pigment. This can cause long-term pigmentation (darkening) of the skin that gives rise to inflamed, discolored spots.

Pregnancy and Infection-Related Complications

Laser 360 treatment can induce problems among pregnant and lactating women. There is an outside chance of the laser beams penetrating beyond the upper layers of the skin. This creates scope for congenital problems. When recently-treated or incompletely-healed lesions are subjected to Laser 360 treatment, there is some scope that the laser treatment can cause proliferation of the infection. This is particularly true for people who have a history of herpes simplex virus infection. This type of virus remains dormant for long periods and can get activated when subjected to sudden temperature changes that are part of Laser 360 treatment.

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