Q. Will I experience pain or discomfort during or after laser surgery?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
The experience of pain or discomfort during and after laser surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the type of laser surgery, the individual patient, and the specific procedure. Here's what you can generally expect:
1. During Laser Surgery:
- Pain During Surgery: Most laser surgeries are performed under local anesthesia or topical anesthesia, which numbs the treatment area. Therefore, during the surgery itself, you should not feel significant pain. In some cases, you may experience sensations like warmth or tingling.
- Discomfort: You may still feel some pressure or discomfort during the procedure, but it should not be intolerable. Your healthcare provider will monitor your comfort and can make adjustments as needed.
2. After Laser Surgery:
- Pain and Discomfort: It's common to experience some pain, discomfort, or soreness after laser surgery, especially in the hours and days following the procedure. The degree of discomfort can vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient's tolerance.
- Medications: Your healthcare provider may prescribe pain relief medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any post-operative pain.
- Swelling and Redness: You might experience mild swelling and redness at the treatment site, which is usually temporary.
- Bruising: In some laser procedures, such as cosmetic or dermatological treatments, bruising may occur, but it typically resolves over time.
- Skin Changes: For laser skin procedures, you may experience changes in skin texture and sensitivity, which can cause discomfort but usually subside as the skin heals.
3. Recovery Period: In many cases, any pain or discomfort you experience will gradually improve over the days and weeks following the surgery. The recovery time varies depending on the type and extent of the procedure.
It's essential to communicate with your healthcare provider about any discomfort or pain you experience, as they can provide guidance and appropriate pain management. They may also recommend specific post-operative care, including the use of prescribed creams or ointments for skin procedures.
For eye surgeries, it's common to experience some discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurred vision immediately after the procedure, but these symptoms typically improve within a few days to weeks.
Keep in mind that while pain and discomfort are common following laser surgery, these symptoms are usually manageable and temporary. Your healthcare provider will provide you with guidance on how to minimize discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery.