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Diode Laser Burn - Should I Switch to a Yag Laser?

asked 2 years ago by Brownshuga in maryland
Latest answer by Harlow Hollis, MD
Question viewed 536 times
Tags: chin, neck, burn, skin type IV, upper lip

I am a Fitz IV and I've just have just had one session of the diode lightsheer on my chin,lip and neck. I got badly burned on the chin and neck but the practitioner told me that was to be expected, but subsequent lasering will not result in burns. My chin is already scared from years of plucking, should I go ahead with the 8 treatments I have left. If not will I be better off with a Yag as I want the hair OFF my face, any advice will be much appreciated thanks

3 answers to Diode Laser Burn - Should I Switch to a Yag Laser?

+1

Burns should not be expected after laser hair removal

A 1064 nm laser (sometimes called YAG) is probably safe in skin type IV people for hair removal.  Lasers with shorter wave lengths are definately more risky and since you have already had a burn, the repeat use of the same laser would be ill advised............you need to go to the longer wave length!  Some skin type IV people may get good results and no burn with diodes or Alexandrite laser treatment but they are close to the margin regarding safety. So, yes, probably best to h more
Harlow Hollis, MD

Victoria Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser hair removal for Fitzpatrick IV

Are you pigmented or did you develop blisters or raw spots after the laser? If there were blisters or raw spots you might not develop them the next time if the pulse duration of the laser is adjusted, but if you and your doctor consider it appropriate to do again, you should have test spots done prior to embarking on a full treatrment.  Pigmentation can happen with any of the lasers, but less with the NdYag laser. It is safer to use a longer wavelength for some... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

Burned skin is not acceptable during hair removal treatment

You should not be burned during hair removal under any circumstances. It is also not reasonable to expect that you will be completely hair free with this procedure, particularly if your skin is darker and your hair very fine. YAG is the best laser for dark skin, but careful use of an Alexandrite laser works also. But I would not see a practitioner who says that burning your skin is normal and expected again.
Elizabeth Lee, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

artfulsurgery.com

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