What are some risks of laser skin lightening?

Some risks of laser skin lightening include burns on the skin, scarring, changing of the skin's pigmentation, reactivation of herpes cold sores and bacterial infection, according to WebMD. The skin often feels itchy for 12 to 72 hours after the procedure, and it can peel for up to a week.

People with a very dark skin tone are not good candidates for laser skin lightening as skin with more pigment absorbs more excess laser light and causes skin discoloration and blistering, according to DocShop. Patients with a compromised immune system or connective tissue disorders are not good candidates for laser skin lightening, either, as they have an increased risk of complications.