Laser hair removal on my face on February 10th - left with permanent scars and blotchiness. (photos)

Question

I have been having this done since 2003 and this was like my 20th plus treatment so I am not new to this procedure. The treatment felt more intense than usual but didn't think much about it until I saw the esthetician's reaction. She told me to apply alor vera gel which I have never been told before. When I saw my face I was horrified. I have tried aloe vera, hydrocortisone, Mederma. Nothing works and the scar is getting darker over time. It now looks like melasma. Please help me! Whay can I do?

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to remove hair on dark skin as the hair is usually very fine, which makes them harder to remove. Also, only a 1064 laser should be used for your skin type. I recommend having a follow up with your treating physician as this needs to be treated with Retin A and hydroquinone. Best of Luck!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to remove hair on dark skin as the hair is usually very fine, which makes them harder to remove. Also, only a 1064 laser should be used for your skin type. I recommend having a follow up with your treating physician as this needs to be treated with Retin A and hydroquinone. Best of Luck!

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. It looks like you might be experiencing hyperpigmentation which can treated in a variety of ways including the Aerolase laser. Please make sure you seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist.

Carmen A. Traywick, MD, FAAD · Answer

I would recommend 4% hq and sunscreen daily.  I would recommend seeking out a dermatologist that is family with the type of laser that was used.  They can send you in the right direction.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Removing facial hair on dark skin is the absolute hardest to treat. Hairs are usually fine which makes them tough to eradicate as you know having had 20 treatments. Also, only a 1064 laser should be used for you skin type. I would see a dermatologist for treating the side effects of the laser. I would treat with Retin A and a hydroquinone. I think it should improve.

Gary Nackman, MD, FACS · Answer

Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) is a known complication of light based therapies including Laser and IPL hair removal.  It frequently resolves over time. There are some effective creams to reduce it. I have used Jan Marini Luminate cream successfully for this problem.

Laser hair removal on my face on February 10th - left with permanent scars and blotchiness. (photos)

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