Laser Hair Removal Q&A
70%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
236 Reviews
Laser Hair Removalbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Laser Hair Removal Cost: $1,649

Learn about Laser Hair Removal

990 people and 239 doctors are talking about Laser Hair Removal

Get Free Email Updates

Close to 5 Weeks Healing Time on Laser Hair Removal Burn?

asked 11 months ago by aerlewis in Herndon, VA
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 801 times
Tags: female, 1 month post-op, burn, hairline, headache, healing, pain, timing

I had my 1st session of Laser Hair removal almost 5 weeks ago, & ONE side of my face is burned and still healing. The laser center claims that the settings were the same on both sides, & that "this" can happen up near the hairline. The burn itself STILL hurts like someone is poking me with a needle if it's touched, & it seemed to go fairly deep - I'm wondering now if I need to worry about damage to the lymph system? I've had headaches ever since this was done.

4 answers to Close to 5 Weeks Healing Time on Laser Hair Removal Burn?

+1

Laser hair removal burn

I doubt there is any concern over the laser penetrating as deeply as to injure the lympathic system. Laser hair removal depends on the pigment of the follicle to absorb the energy and destroy the follicle. The lymphatic system does not have this pigment. The skin barrier that was broken is now trying to heal. It is impossible to tell from the photograph if the wound has healed or not.See your doctor to determine if there is anything further such as special dressings that can help... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

Laser hair adverse effect

Healing is a process that takes time, you may want a local dermatologist evaluate your wound & give you more tips. I don not believe you have to worry about your lymph system.
H. Eliot Y. Ghatan, MD

New York Dermatologist
+1

Nonhealing laser hair removal burn

From your photos, it appears that the burn area is turning into a keloid. That would account for why int's not healing and why it's still symptomatic. Also if it is still crusting, it needs to be cultured for a bacterial infection. It is not typical of a laser burn to not heal over 5 months. Pigmentation from a burn may last many months and sometimes be permanent but the burn itself should have healed by now. Also, the only reason why one side of the face... more
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Burns Caused by Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal can cause burns on the skin for various reasons. Fortunately they are usually superficial and rarely cause scarring. Hydroquinone cream may help if there is increased pigmentation that persists. Be careful to use a good sunscreen to protect the new skin from developing excess pigmentation. The energy from the laser should not travel deeply enough to reach the lymphatic system underneath the skin. Your headaches are most likely secondary to the local tissue damage and... more
Mitchell Schwartz, MD

South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

Ask a question