Laser Hair Removal Burns

asked 3 years ago by realself9467 in uk
Latest answer by Mitchell Schwartz, MD
Question viewed 39,348 times
Tags: burn, side effects

I had a treatment for laser hair removal a yesterday and am very worried i may be permanently scared or discoloured. I guess the Alexandrite laser was set at too high! I have attached a picture and would love to get some advice on how bad the damage is and what i can do to get back to normal if possible. Unfortunately it seems anyone with or without training can perform the treatment. I wish i knew this before and hope I am not damaged for life.

7 answers to Laser Hair Removal Burns

Sorry you got burnt, but these appear superficial and you should heal fine

It is unfortunate that you got burnt in some areas, but it does happen and is variable as to whom, when, and where it happens. I didn't see any blistering in your picture, but I did see one area spot where the burn is more severe and the crust is not present. This spot may leave a slight discoloration that may or may not be permanent. The other areas should do very well provided that you do not touch the crusts and you leave them on as long as possible. I would apply antibiotic ointment to... more

Don Mehrabi, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologist

Should go away

Unfortunatley burns can part of the risk of laser hair removal. Your burns seem to appear very superficial which leads me to believe that they will heal pretty well in time. It is very important that you and your Dr. (or esthetician or whom ever is treating you..) discuss all your history to determine your "fitzpatrick scale" skin type so your settings are correct. If you have even a slight slight suntan or sunburn prior to treatment it greatly increases your chances of... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Your Laser Hair Removal Burn

I agree with the other doctors who answered your question - the burns appear to be superficial and you should make a full recovery. The nice thing about the Alexandrite is that when a burn occurs, it tends to be superficial. Burns usually occur when the skin is tan from the sun, or the skin is naturally too dark for this laser and lower settings or a different laser (such as the long pulsed nd:yag) should have been used. The burns tend to leave superficial crusts for about... more

Todd Minars, MD
Miami Dermatologist

Your Laser Hair Removal burns may not be permanent

Hi RS. The good news is that the burns that you have do not look severe enough to cause permanent scarring. It looks like you have olive skin and with this skin type you may have some dark marks for a period of time, but these will be lessened if you stay our of the sun and use bleaching cream (hydroquinone) after the area is healed. For right now, you should immediately return the person that performed this procedure to review your situation. If they do not have a product to aid in... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Burns From 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.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD
South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

Burns after LASER hair removal

Burns after LASER hair removal are uncommon, They may occur if the pieces of hair are on the lens or on the surface of the skin in the areas being treated. These burns are usually superficial and tend to heal without scarring or discoloration.

Fredrick A. Valauri, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Burns with laser hair removal - Reducing risk of laser treatment

Laser hair removal can cause burns in patients who have long hair that is unshaven at treatment. Pigmented skin or ethnic skin can also absorb some energy and burn. Most of the time, these burns are superficial. In my practice, I perform the treatments and have not had permanent scars from a burn to date.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates