Normal reactions (most people, most sessions)
| Reaction | How long it lasts | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mild redness (erythema) | A few hours to a day | Cool compress if uncomfortable. No treatment needed. |
| Follicular swelling (small raised bumps) | A few hours to a day | Sign the laser reached its target. Leave it alone. |
| Warmth like mild sunburn | A few hours | Fragrance-free moisturizer helps. |
| Shedding of treated hair | 1–3 weeks | Gentle exfoliation after ~1 week helps hairs release. |
If you see follicular bumps
These are one of the clearest signs your session worked. Each bump marks a follicle that absorbed the laser. They resolve on their own.
Uncommon reactions
- · Hyperpigmentation (darker patches). More common on Fitzpatrick IV–VI or after recent sun exposure. Usually fades over weeks to months with sun protection.
- · Hypopigmentation (lighter patches). Rare. Typically resolves as melanocytes recover, though it can be longer-lasting than hyper.
- · Prolonged redness (beyond 24 hours). Uncommon; often signals that the fluence was slightly high for the day's skin state. Your provider adjusts settings next time.
- · Crusting or small scabs. Uncommon. Keep the area moisturized and out of the sun; do not pick.
When to call your provider
Same-day call warranted for any of the following:
- · Blistering of any size
- · Pain that persists or worsens after 24 hours
- · Redness that spreads outside the treated area
- · Signs of infection: warmth, pus, fever
- · Any reaction that doesn't feel like a normal healing response
Real complications caught early are almost always fully resolvable. Providers would rather see ten normal reactions than miss one real one.
How to minimize side effects
- · No direct sun for 2 weeks before and after each session.
- · Daily SPF 30+ throughout the treatment cycle.
- · Skip retinoids and exfoliants for 3–5 days before treatment.
- · Tell your provider about any new medications between sessions.
- · Follow your aftercare kit exactly — it exists for this reason.
Detailed pre and post protocols live in the Prep Guide and in the upcoming Before Treatment and Aftercare clusters.
Key takeaways
- · Mild redness and follicular swelling for a few hours is normal — not a problem.
- · Pigment change (hyper or hypo) is uncommon and usually temporary.
- · Blistering or scarring is rare and traceable to a specific cause.
- · Sun exposure is the single biggest driver of pigment complications.
- · Following aftercare cuts almost all preventable side effects.