1 week after YAG Laser burn. Will scars go away? Have been using prescription cream, aquaphor and aloe. (photos)

Question

This was my 5th session and the tech increased the laser. My skin was very hot after and by the next day I noticed the burns. I was treating with aloe for 2 days until I could go back to the salon. I was given a thick white cream. She said it was a prescription cream, but never told me what it was called. I was told to use it twice a day for 2 days and then treat with aquaphor. I appreciate any help. The burns have been getting DARKER. Is this permanent? The burns are smooth to the touch.

Aurora DeJuliis, MD · Answer

Yag laser is a serious medical device and only a trained physician can use it. You are suffering from post-inflammatory pigmentations. I suggest a prescription with hydroquinone and cortisone to decrease the inflammation and lighten the pigments. If you are using the prescription for burns it will not do anything for you. 
Good luck.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  I'm sorry that this happened to you.  Why are you going to a salon?  I bet there is no supervising physician in site, but you need to see them immediately.  It looks and sounds like you have Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH).  It MAY fade on its own, but it can take months to years...  Based on your skin type, we would probably treat the PIH with the PicoSure FOCOUS or Flat lenses.  Sun protection will be extremely important from now on.They LHR technique was horrible.  Besides using settings that were obviously too high, where is the overlap?  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.

1 week after YAG Laser burn. Will scars go away? Have been using prescription cream, aquaphor and aloe. (photos)

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1 week after YAG Laser burn. Will scars go away? Have been using prescription cream, aquaphor and aloe. (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about YAG Laser

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