Typically, lasers are more precise and cause less damage to normal tissues than traditional skin surgeries that use scalpels or other methods. Patients often experience less pain, bleeding, swelling and scarring than they would with traditional skin surgery. In addition, patients usually heal more quickly and are less likely to get infections following surgery. In most cases it can be performed on an outpatient basis without the need for a hospital stay.

Laser surgery is generally less risky than traditional skin surgery. However, certain skin conditions may recur more frequently after laser surgery (e.g., skin cancer) than with other methods that use a scalpel. As a result, repeat procedures may be necessary. Laser surgery is also costly and requires a physician who has specialized training to perform the procedure.

Some of the more common side effects and complications of laser surgery include:

• Reddening of the skin (erythema). Depending on the type of procedure, it may last between one and four months and is considered a normal part of the healing process. It is caused by increased blood flow and inflammation in the affected area.
  
  
• Skin discoloration. One of the most common adverse affect of laser resurfacing. In general, laser surgery of the outer layers may cause darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation), whereas surgery performed on deeper skin layers may cause the skin to lighten (hypopigmentation). Patients with darker skin tend to be affected most frequently. Skin discoloration may be more severe during the summer months or in continually sunny areas. Skin discoloration usually goes away within a few months if treated early with bleaching creams.
  
  
• Bruising. The laser-treated skin may bruise afterwards. This is a temporary condition that normally lasts 7 to 14 days.
  
  
• Acne. Mild cases of acne may occur in the first few weeks following laser resurfacing in patients with a prior history of acne. It usually responds well to standard acne treatment (e.g., benzoyl peroxide).
  

• Dermatitis or eczema. May occur following laser surgery. However, these conditions are usually temporary and respond well to treatment with moisturizers or corticosteroids.
  
  
• Bacterial or viral skin infection. May occur following laser surgery where skin layers are removed over a larger area (e.g. laser resurfacing). However, bacterial and viral infections can be avoided by administering antibiotics or antivirals prior to surgery.
  
  
• Scarring or changes in skin texture. Typically caused by too many laser passes, a laser intensity that is too high or overlaps previously treated areas. Stubborn markings may be treated multiple times at a lower intensity to minimize this risk.
  
  
• Burns. The skin can retain too much heat and burn if the laser is set too high.

In addition, patients with sensitive skin may react to the medications and lubricants used on the skin during recovery.

There is uncertainty about the potential for some viruses to spread through laser smoke. Consequently, a mask may be worn by the medical staff because of growing concern about the spread of viruses from vaporized skin and tissue. Furthermore, the physician and staff also typically wear sterile gloves and gowns to prevent infected tissue fragments and blood that may become airborne during laser surgery.