{"id":27717,"date":"2024-05-07T11:51:43","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T18:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=27717"},"modified":"2024-05-16T12:25:16","modified_gmt":"2024-05-16T19:25:16","slug":"botched-laser-advice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/botched-laser-advice","title":{"rendered":"Botched Laser Treatment? Here’s What to Do Next"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Featured Experts<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Lyle Leipziger<\/a>, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City
Dr. Joseph Russo<\/a>, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Boston
Dr. Kenneth Mark<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Lasers can be one of the most convenient ways to address a ton of concerns, from unwanted body hair to uneven skin texture. But even though they’re noninvasive and generally come with minimal downtime, that doesn’t mean they can’t go wrong. Botched laser procedures can be serious and long-lasting; a study<\/a> in JAMA Dermatology<\/em> found that the most common complications of laser procedures were burns, scars, and changes in pigment (in that order), with burns accounting for almost 50% of the overall side effects.<\/p>

Not only can they be discouraging, but these complications can also be “permanent until fixed,” says Dr. Kenneth Mark<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Early action—not to mention the proper treatment from a pro—can make a big difference in both their severity and lasting impact. With that, here’s what you need to know if your laser treatment goes wrong.<\/p>

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Know what’s normal and what’s not<\/h2>

While what’s considered “normal”—and therefore not concerning—can vary depending on the exact treatment you received, it’s typical for skin after a laser treatment to be “red and peel and even show signs of crusting,” says Dr. Lyle Leipziger<\/a>, a board-certified plastic surgeon on Long Island and in New York City. It’s also considered normal to have some level of swelling in the area you got treated, he says.<\/p>

On the other hand, the signs of a botched laser procedure include burns, blistering, and changes in skin color—that is, either hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), according to Boston-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Russo<\/a>. You should also keep an eye out for significant pain—more than your provider told you to expect—as well as wounds that won’t heal.<\/p>

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Read her review<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

When to call your doctor<\/h2>

If you suspect you’re seeing signs of a botched laser procedure—or notice a dramatic change in your skin in the days after your treatment—you should make an appointment with a medical professional, be it your dermatologist or PCP (or, if you were treated at a medspa, the medical director). This should happen ASAP, says Dr. Russo.<\/p>

Since the outcome of a botched treatment can be serious and long-lasting, it’s worth making the effort to see your provider to get an in-person assessment and the right gameplan to manage the complications.<\/p>

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