Burns & Blisters from Laser Hair Removal

asked 10 months ago by acudocjen in San Diego, CA
Latest answer by Hannah Vargas, MD
Question viewed 1,910 times
Tags: legs, female, blister, burn, hyperpigmentation, options

5 days ago I received laser hair removal treatment. Within the last 24 hours water blisters have begun to form and are very uncomfortable. Should I pop to blisters to relieve some of the pressure? Also, do you think that I will have permanent scarring and hyper-pigmentation from the treatment? Do you have any suggestions to help prevent permanent effects? Thanks!

6 answers to Burns & Blisters from Laser Hair Removal

Blistering as a complication of laser hair removal

These are definitely burns. To treat them, do not pop them, allow the new skin to heal underneath the blister. If they pop on their own, apply aquaphor healing ointment to any open, raw areas. You should see a physician soon to see if you need antibiotic ointment or pills. Keep your legs out of the sun until totally healed, and once the blisters heal, wear SPF 30 every day to help avoid hyperpigmentation. If you do get pigment problems, you can be treated with Hydroquinone. Hair... more

Deirdre O'Boyle Hooper, MD
New Orleans Dermatologist

Blister from laser hair removal require strict wound care.

These are definitely burns and I would recommend that you absolutely DO NOT pop the blisters. The blister fluid can aid in the healing of these blisters and in fact act like a biologic dressing. In the meantime I would perform was warm soaks with a mixture of salt or tbsp of vinegar per pint of water. I know this sounds wacky, but it works. It has some antifungal and antibacterial properties. I would avoid antibacterial creams or ointments because there is no... more

Daniel I. Wasserman, MD
Naples Dermatologic Surgeon

Hair Reduction

All blister healing advice previously was correct, the only other thing I would note is to be sure to let the office know what significant burns you had, this is not a "normal" result of laser hair removal if done correctly. It looks like the settings were not correct for your skin type/tone. Only go to trained physicians for any laser treatment.

Hannah Vargas, MD
Kansas City Facial Plastic Surgeon

Go See the Doctor who Performed The Treatment

It is very important, with any adverse effect, that you go back to the doctor/clinic that did this treatment. Lasers are hot devices and anyone who has used them has experienced this at one time or another. Perhaps your legs were a little tanned and so the setting became too high. Please discuss this with the person who did the treatment and have them help you take care of it. The blisters may pop on their own, but don't peel off the roof overlying the area, as... more

Lisa Benest, MD
Burbank Dermatologist

Treatment of Blisters From Laser Hair Removal

Here are my recommendations for treatment of blisters in the skin. Many of the treatments I do in my office will intentionally induce blister formation (such as cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen for wart treatments) so I give this advice to all of my patients: 1. Keep the areas clean by washing with a mild soap twice daily. 2. To relieve the pressure and hasten healing time, gently pop all blisters using a sterile needle or pin at the side of the blister. This should be a painless... more

Mitchell Schwartz, MD
South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

Correct laser needed for different skin colors

Wow, these look nasty. They are 2nd degree burns (blisters) and could leave scars and/or pigment changes. Often the scars can be minimal if the burn heals totally within 12 days but that is variable too. Keep the skin clean with regular tepid water rinses and apply an antibacterial cream such as Flamazine once or twice a day. Best to be monitored/managed by a doctor who has burn care experience. Best to leave the blisters intact but can trim away any loose skin where the blisters... more

Harlow Hollis, MD
Victoria Plastic Surgeon

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