I Got a Bad Sunburn 5 Days After Laser Hair Removal. Am I Going to Scar?

Question

I got a really bad sunburn on my back 5 days after laser hair removal. The burning is already healing but the dark marks are still there. I went to the doctor and I she said that within a week it should start fading. It's still the same. I am from South America and my skin is not prone to burning. I am scared that those marks will stay. What can I do?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal is a great treatment but your skin may become sensitive to sun exposure after having this done. Contact your medical provider and ask what bleach cream is recommended to help fade the sun damage. For future treatments inform the tech to turn down the laser to a lower setting and always apply an spf daily. This will heal but will require patience and time.

George T. Boris, MD, FRCS · Answer

I'm so sorry to hear this, lasers are great way to get rid of unwanted hair but there are some side effects, one of the most common is having the skin get more sensative to the sun. I would suggest always wearing aN SPF even in low sunlight, the UV rays can still effect the area and irritate the skin. Ask your provider to maybe turn down the laser setting for you for future treatments.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately if you get a sunburn after a laser hair treatment the effects can be long lasting if not permanent. You should start wearing sunscreen on the area and reducing your sun exposure. Also you will want to be very gentle with the area and keep it well hydrated with a post peel balm until it is healed. The amount of damaged caused is extensive and will most likely take a long time to reverse itself. Once the site has healed completely you can consult with your licensed provider about doing IPL or laser treatments to fade the hyper pigmentation caused by the sunburn. Also ask your provider about Hydroquinone, this is a melanin suppressant cream that will help to fade the dark areas. In the future be more careful about following post care.

	- Best wishes

I Got a Bad Sunburn 5 Days After Laser Hair Removal. Am I Going to Scar?

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I Got a Bad Sunburn 5 Days After Laser Hair Removal. Am I Going to Scar?

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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