Red bumps after pico genesis laser!? (photos)

Question

I had the pico genesis laser 2 days ago.... and my fave is now covered in little raised red bumps! I'm so miserable it looks awful- how long will this last and what can I do???

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Thanks for you question. Your response to the laser is not uncommon and should not worry you. Your body is simply releasing histamines to combat the trauma of the laser. It should clear up on its own in two weeks or less. Do not let this discourage you from the original treatment plan discussed with your doctor, but be sure to keep their office informed of any concerns.BestAnil Shah MD

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

We have seen this response in some of our patients due to release in histamine from treatment. You can apply a topical hydrocortisone cream and also take an oral antihistamine, such as benadryl. If you know you have this response with treatment, we suggest taking an antihistamine the day of your treament and the following three days to help combat this reaction in the future. This reaction is typically not long lasting. We also encourage patients to follow up with their provider should they have any adverse reactions or concerns before treating them yourself.

Scott Hernberg, DO · Answer

Your experience is not uncommon and will generally resolve on its own in less than 2 weeks or sooner. The exact cause is not completely understood but is believed to be allergic in nature related to the breakdown of your pigment. The use of low dose topical steroids and oral anti-histamine medications may help ease any itching and speed the recovery.

Margo Weishar, MD · Answer

We have seen this in about 15% of our patients. It responds very quickly and well to low dose topical steroids (the kind you can but without a prescription at the drug store labelled Cortisone).  I recommend treatment as soon as it happens as some patients who are very sensitive to pigmentation may start to see some come back if they do not treat the outbreak.  Luckily there have been no long term or adverse effects once you treat it and it usually goes away in a few days.  
If you have a second treatment I would advise starting the Cortisone right away twice a day.  Of course check with your doctor as well :)

Roby F. Hayes, MD · Answer

We  have seen a few patients that have had a histamine reaction to Pico Genesis.  You are not alone.  We would recommend that you first contact your provider and advise them of your reaction and discuss taking a histamine blocker.  And lastly, know that the reaction is not long term.  The few patients that have had a reaction, still completed their treatment series and were very happy with the results.

Red bumps after pico genesis laser!? (photos)

Answers (5)

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