Laser burns on the arms! How long will it take to heal and what should I do? (Photos)

Question

I have been undertaking laser hair removal and never had problems. However, yesterday during my 3rd session I got badly burnt in my arms only. The settings were the same as used in previous sessions - 19J/cm2, 40ms, 1,5Hz, 755nm. Can you please tell me what should I do to help to heal as fast as possible? I'm terrified with the idea of having to wear long sleeves all summer. How long should it take for the skin to become ok again? Thank you so much for your help in advance!!

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  I'm sorry this happened to you.  You should immediately follow up with the supervising physician where the treatment took place.  I am guessing that they used the wrong settings for device for your skin type and sun exposure.  Luckily, it doesn't look severe enough to cause lasting damage.  After you are healed, you should probably find a different place.  The good news is that the hyperpigmentation may fade on its own or it can be successfully treated with the correct laser and settings.If LHR hurts that badly, you are in the wrong place.  To be safe, you should seek out a laser vs. IPL to help avoid complications.  Almost all newer lasers are safe for all skin types and have features built in (such as sapphire cooling tips) to make them more comfortable.  Some of the newer technology is also more efficient, allowing for lower energy settings to be used with better results and less discomfort.  With modern equipment, your treatment should only be mildly uncomfortable, but not painful.  We never use numbing cream for LHR.  We want our patients to be able to tell us if they feel pain or an unusual level of discomfort.We recommend finding an experienced and reputable provider in your area with updated equipment.  A consistent overlapping technique is the key to avoiding patchiness in LHR.   Calibration and power of the laser is important for a safe, comfortable and effective treatment.  Find out what laser they will use and if it is under a maintenance contract.  If their laser isn’t calibrated on a regular basis or is underpowered, your treatment may be painful or inefficient. After a series of 6-8 initial treatments, you may need a touch up every 3-5 years.Best of luck

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! The good news is that the burns that you have do not look severe enough to cause permanent scarring. It looks like you have olive skin and with this skin type you may have some dark marks for a period of time, but these will be lessened if you stay our of the sun and use bleaching cream (hydroquinone) after the area is healed. For right now, you should immediately return the person that performed this procedure to review your situation. If they do not have a product to aid in healing, look for antibacterial creams at your local pharmacy. Best of luck!

Laser burns on the arms! How long will it take to heal and what should I do? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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.

Laser burns on the arms! How long will it take to heal and what should I do? (Photos)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

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.