Which of the following is NOT a potential long-term adverse effect of laser hair removal?

• A. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• B. Hypopigmentation
• C. Scar formation
• D. Temporary redness that resolves in days

Answer: (D)

Distinguishing long-term adverse effects from transient post-treatment reactions is the key idea. Temporary redness after laser treatment is a normal immediate response to heat and inflammation and typically fades within hours to a couple of days. It does not persist as a lasting skin change. In contrast, long-term effects can include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, which may last weeks to months, and scar formation, which can be permanent. So, describing redness that resolves in days captures a short-term reaction, not a long-term adverse effect.