My upper lip has a burn from laser hair removal. Now it’s huge. What do I do? (Photo)

Question

Yesterday I went to my 4th treatment of laser, for my full face. I thought the results were not fast enough, so I asked the technician to make the laser higher. Last time it was 18, yesterday it was 23... she used lightsheer. After it wasnt that bad but 2 hours after my uper lip was huge... and more huge after. I though it would go away but when I woke up my upper lip was still huge... what do i do??!

Ahad Mahootchi, MD · Answer

Sorry for you trouble. Chances are you will do ok with conservative treatment the medical director recommends. You should share your pictures and experience with the technician and supervising physician (medical director) Perhaps a smaller increase in treatment energy (like 20) would be better next time.

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.  If they are unresponsive, contact a reputable plastic surgeon in your area.  In the meantime, keep the area comfortable with cold packs, aloe vera and take OTC pain relief as needed/directed.  After you are healed, you should probably find a different place.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

My upper lip has a burn from laser hair removal. Now it’s huge. What do I do? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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