Swelling is a common side effect of the treatment, but there are several ways to reduce it. Applying ice packs is one way to help reduce swelling. It is recommended to apply the packs for about 10 minutes every hour on the first day after treatment. Some antihistamines like Allegra or Zyrtec may also be prescribed for the next 5 days to help minimize the swelling. Arnica Montana may be taken to encourage healing and to alleviate bruising or swelling post-treatment. Sleeping with extra pillows also helps swelling resolve faster. To further minimize swelling, one can avoid alcohol and aspirin for three days prior to treatment. Additionally, tanned skin can be burned by the Vbeam laser, so exposure to the sun and tanning beds should be avoided in the area to be treated for four to six weeks before the procedure. The treated area may have some small blue to purple spots for a week after the treatment. Redness can also persist for several weeks, but makeup may be applied very gently starting 1-2 days after treatment to minimize the appearance of redness. Swelling usually lasts two to three days and can be minimized with the above-mentioned methods. If there are any concerns about post-treatment swelling, it is best to consult with an experienced laser board certified dermatologist for guidance.