Laser on Chest Burned Around Nipples. Permanent Scarring?

Question

I am very concerned for future scaring and permanant change in color around my nipples!

William Ting, MD · Answer

Most of the post laser treatment complications involve blistering and pigmentary changes. Unless it stimulates vitiligo (permanent depigmentation), most pigmentary changes will slowly fade with time. Hypertrophic scarring can be made better with topical and/or intralesional cortisone injection. Evaluation and management by an experienced board-certified dermatologist is critical in this situation.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Unfortuantely there is no description of the type of laser, its energy settings, what it was used for, your skin type, and the wound description (if there is any). Many times lasers induce temporary color changes which are not scars. If you have a concern you must see your doctor who treated you, and quickly so that if there is a problem, it can be addressed before a scar does form. If it is just temporary color change, some creams that your doctor may prescribe can help.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi SF.  It is not possible to know from the description whether burns from laser hair removal will be permanent.  We would suggest that you demand proper after care instructions from your practitioner to ensure proper wound healing.  

	Beyond that, we would suggest that if you consider laser hair removal again, you research the safest and most effective laser for your skin type as it is very common for practices to attempt to use one laser for all skin types.  This is a mistake.  Good luck.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Regarding:  "Laser on Chest Burned Around Nipples. Permanent Scarring? I am very concerned for future scaring and permanant change in color around my nipples!"

	Without an examination, much less a photograph, your question is impossible to answer. Burns can be grossly classified into 3 large groups of which the Second and Third degree are much more challenging to treat. IF you have scarring you probably had a third degree injury. Since a scar is a permanent condition, it is safe to assume your scarring is permanent. The change in coloration reflects the amount of blood flow through the skin and the amount of pigmentary reaction to the injury. The doctor who aimed the laser at your chest SHOULD be the one treating your condition. Otherwise, he has no business using a laser in the first place.

	Dr. Peter Aldea

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

Unfortunately with the information you included in your email it's impossible to tell.  I understand a photo is difficult to post in this case, but a description would be helpful.

Laser on Chest Burned Around Nipples. Permanent Scarring?

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