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Laser surgery - skin - Risks

Alternative Names

Surgery using a laser

Risks:

Possible risks of laser surgery include:

  • Activation of the herpes simplex virus, leading to cold sores
  • Bleeding
  • Incomplete treatment of the problem
  • Infection
  • Pain
  • Scarring
  • Skin color changes

Some laser surgery is done when you are under general anesthesia. Be sure to discuss the risks with your health care provider.

  • Reviewed last on: 10/30/2010
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Tung R, Vidimos A. Nonmelanoma skin cancer. In: Carey WD. Cleveland Clinic: Current Clinical Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010.

Laser surgery and cosmetic dentistry. In: James W, Berger T, Elston D, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2005:chap 38.

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