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Laser Hair Removal Burn, Will This Leave a Scar? (Photos)

asked 8 months ago by Jenya in Brooklyn, NY
Latest answer by Eric M. Joseph, MD
Question viewed 1,394 times
Tags: arms, burn, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, scarring

4 days ago i did laser hair removal on my arms and i got this scabs, i put on antibiotic as soon as i got home but now im really scared is this going to leave scars all over will it heal? i dont know what to expect. i attached a photo as well. thank you for your help.

8 answers to Laser Hair Removal Burn, Will This Leave a Scar? (Photos)

+1

Hyperpigmentation after a laser hair removal procedure will improve with time.

I read your concern and reviewed your photo. It's not clear from the photos whether the beige squares on your left arm are scabs or actual pigment changes in your skin. The most important recommendation is to keep the affected area out of direct sunlight. I have seen similar areas of discoloration related to laser burns completely resolve with time. If you're not comfortable with your physician's advice, you may want to consult a reputable dermatologist for evaluation and... more
Eric M. Joseph, MD

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Burns after laser hair removal

The dark marks on your arms do not look very deep so I do not think they will leave hypopigmentaion or light marks - these can be permanent or very difficult to treat. It is likely that there may be a bit of hyperpigmentation or skin darkening for a while after this treatment but the hyperpigmentation or darkening is very treatable (creams, chemical peels, maybe laser treatment) and will improve with time with no treatment. Keep the area well moisturized with a thick moisturizing... more
Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD

Charlotte Dermatologist
+1

Laser hair removal and burns

From the photos you submitted, it looks like you should heal uneventfully. It may take a while and I would avoid sun exposure. I would also make sure your treating physician is aware of your concerns so that they can advise you as well.
Scott Trimas, MD

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser hair removal burns and hyperpigmentation

Most of the time hyperpigmentation resulting from laser hair removal burns resolves, however if what I am seeing on your photo is correct, it looks like there was some skin texture change. Some areas look a little depressed. If that is the case, these marks can take a long time to resolve, and the texture changes may or may not return back to normal. The most important thing right now is to avoid any sun exposure to the areas of the burns, as that will darken the spots... more
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Laser Hair Removal is Safe when done by a trained aesthetic physician or under their direct supervision

I agree that the marks from the photo will most likely not leave a scar. They may take months so fully resolve and the most important way to optimize healing is to keep the area protected from sunlight, moisturize and don't pick at any of the scabs.
Doris Day, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Treatment of laser hair removal burns

My recommendations for treatment of burns in the skin are as follows: 1. Keep the areas clean by washing with a mild soap twice daily. 2. If there is blistering, relieve the pressure and hasten healing time by gently popping all blisters using a sterile needle or pin at the side of the blister. This should be a painless procedure. Do not remove the roof of the blister but allow it to settle down so it is flush with the skin. The blister roof will then form a protective cover. 3. Apply... more
Mitchell Schwartz, MD

South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

+1

Burns from hair removal

Those will likely not scar permanently but you are at risk for hyperpigmentation or less likely hypopigmentation. You should keep the area moist at all times with either aquaphor or Vaseline until the scabs have resolved. Do not pick them of course. You also need to strictly avoid sun exposure even sitting in front of a window or driving a car. Wear long sleeves at all times. Once the scabs have resolved and the skin is pink, continue to avoid sun like the plague and start a sunscreen... more
Jacqueline Calkin, MD

Sacramento Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Laser Hair Removal Burns

From your photo it looks like you have hyperpigmentation ( brown spots ) rather than true breaks in your skin. Brown spots can last a long time. There is no way to tell in a given patient exactly how long they will persist. Please wear loads of sunscreen at all times. You can start bleaching cream once the skin has returned to its normal texture. Please return to whomever did your laser hair removal so that he or she can more accurately assess your... more
Sheri G. Feldman, MD

Beverly Hills Dermatologist

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