Are LASER treatments for skin safe? Could there be long term negative effects?

Question

I cant help but think that cancer might start cropping up 30, 40, or 50 years after having that done. After all, they are mutating your cells with the LASER. What do you think/know?

Thanks Jeffrey for your answer. Makes sense. I definitely am not into tanning, I run from the sun!! I am considering using LASER treatment for rosacea and possibly some old scars. It just scares me. Of course the LASER place will tell me it's safe. That's why I wanted your opinions. It's approved by the FDA, but that never stopped unsafe products from getting to consumers before!

Answer 1

Interesting concern. Skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Most cosmetic lasers would not be of these wave lengths of light. On the other hand, you are correct in being concerned that it is possible that problems may not be discovered until years after treatment. Additionally, if lasers did increase the risk of skin cancer a little, it might be very difficult to detect as skin cancer is so common. Also, I suspect that people who undergo cosmetic laser treatments are also far more likely to tan (either artificial or natural) than the general population, making it even more difficult to sort out.

My advice would be, avoid tanning. If you wanted to look tanned use the spray on "tans". Don't worry too much about lasers.

Answer 2

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