Will these laser hair removal burns go away? (photos)

Question

Please give them some advice as to what I should do, just happened today and my arms are killing me.

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

Will it is rare, unfortunately this type burns can happen on occasion. They will heal over time and hyperpigmentation may take longer to heal but yes it will heal. I wonder was this your first treatment? Do you tan? Are you on any medications that would make you photosensitive? These are things you would need to inform the laser tech about as the settings would need to adjust accordingly. Our office provides pretreatment information on the possibly of this occurring. I am sorry this happened to you, but it is important you now practice good wound care to heal as quickly as possible.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

These are burns from improper settings or the wrong device.  They will heal with proper wound care, but postinflammatory hyperpigmentation can take many months to resolve if the skin is not given the appropriate care early on. I find it interesting that the burns are so far apart, as the treatment is generally given with about 10% overlap of each laser field. The fact that the burns were not confluent suggests that the operator skipped large areas between each treated area.Please see a board-certified dermatologist to direct your care and recovery, and please only see a board-certified dermatologist who can oversee your laser hair removal if you want an effective, permanent solution within 3 to 6 treatments without side effects.More information is available in my Q and A below.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is a problem unfortunately. Why the person who was performing the procedure didn't stop after a few pulses is beyond me. Those are burns. Apply Biafene immediately. Keep it applied liberally. Never get treated by them again. See a dermatologist or Plastic surgeon about this. Steroids might be helpful too. Long term hypopig is possible. I'm sorry this happened to you. Often times laser hair removal is delegated and sometimes to people that aren't qualified or legally allowed to do it. In Florida, only a doctor, nurse practitioner,  PA or electrologist can perform. Laser hair removal is the number one litigated laser procedure.

Will these laser hair removal burns go away? (photos)

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Will these laser hair removal burns go away? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.