What are the possible risks or side effects

Typical and temporary: redness, warmth, mild swelling, micro-crusting, transient itching during healing. Less common: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (especially in darker skin), acne flare, herpes cold sore reactivation (antivirals may be used preemptively in patients with a history). Rare: infection, prolonged redness, or scarring. Your surgeon reviews the risks based on your skin type before treatment.