Bruising and burning after Brazilian Laser Hair Removal? (Photos)

Question

My 1st time lasering - underarms went fine, but my Brazilian resulted in dark purple patches and streaks of what looks like bruising? She said she would use a higher setting on me bc it was my very 1st time. I'm Asian with olive/tan skin, Type IV. There are other spots that look like burns & some of the streaking looks like scabbing the day after. The esthetician said lasering shouldn't bruise, but maybe the setting was too high? Please advise with any help so that I can prevent this next time!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Dark spots after laser hair removal are not worrisome and most likely they will disappear fairly quickly. This looks like post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and it should resolve over time. Contact your provider and inform them about everything that is going on with the treated area. Good luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Dark spots after laser hair removal are not worrisome and most likely they will disappear fairly quickly. This looks like post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and it should resolve over time. Contact your provider and inform them about everything that is going on with the treated area. Good luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It is really hard to say with these pictures. Darkening of the skin is not normal and could be burned from the laser. I would get treatment for this to prevent pigmentary changes. (I am not certain of this though and need an in person evaluation to be sure.) I haven't seen bruising with LHR but there are some devices which use a suction and it's possible that this caused bruising (if your laser had suction assistance). I always go on the light side of settings at first, so as to see how your skin reacts to the laser. High settings at your first visit doesn't make sense, particularly with type 4 skin.

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Bruising and burning after Brazilian Laser Hair Removal? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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