Bijwerkingen van lasertherapie

Lasers are used in dermatology mainly to treat vascular malformations, pigmented lesions, tattoos, wrinkles, ageing skin, scars and unwanted hair. There are many laser systems with different qualities and indications. The nature and frequency of side-effects depend on the type of laser used, laser settings, the indication, patient characteristics and certainly also on the technical skills of the laser surgeon. By far the largest risk of adverse reactions is seen in ablative laser resurfacing with the pulsed CO 2-laser and (to a lesser degree) the Erbium:YAG laser for the treatment of wrinkles, scars and ageing skin. Expected reactions include pain, oozing, crusting and edema (for 1-2 weeks) and erythema, itch and tightness of the skin (for 1-4 months). Frequent side-effects are acne, milia, infections (viral, bacterial, mycotic), hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and contact dermatitis. Serious adverse effects such as hypertrofic scars, ectropion and disseminated infections are infrequent. Side effects of other laser treatments are usually milder and transient. With proper selection of the patient, the lesions to be treated, the laser system and laser settings (pulse duration, fluence, spot size), correct surgical procedures (e.g. number of passes) and adequate postoperative care, most side effects are avoided or can be treated timely so that permanent and serious damage does not occur.