IPL burn marks on legs. How should I go about the healing process? (Photo)

Question

Two days ago I received LPL treatment for the first time on my legs for hair removal.. I noticed the machine fluctuated at 69 to 70. As my electrician did the first zap I looked and noticed a seared mark.. I told her and she insisted it was fine. Needless to say I resemble a grilled chicken and still have hair growth. I am applying generous amounts of aloe and zinc oxide but I am terrified about the scarring. What should I do?

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

IPL can cause burns and scarring.  I would only recommend treatment with IPL if it is performed by (Or under the supervision of) a highly experienced physician.If you're concerned about a complication which developed as a result of your treatment, I would seek the advice of someone who is experienced in managing these issues.  I would have this evaluated before undergoing additional treatment.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would allow the skin to heal with local wound care. Make sure you avoid the sun and we would advise you to use the Plato's Dark Scar Corrector to avoid pigmentation in the future. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Jennifer Greer, MD · Answer

First degree burns have mild redness, and heal completely without scarring. A sunburn is essentially a first degree burn. Second degree burns have blisters or scabbing, and may heal with a scar if they are deep, but often heal without a scar as well.  So generally speaking, unless you have burns that have blistered and scabbed, you don't need to worry about scarring. If you are unhappy with your treatment, I definitely recommend talking with your provider. And ask to speak to a manager or the physician that oversees the clinic if you are not satisfied with the answers you have received.Best of luck.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Those burns aren't terrible and they will resolve on their own. Keep them out of the sun and don't let them get sunburned. However, more important is the fact that these resemble a terrible treatment. You basically got hair removal done every 2 inches. How is that going to be helpful? A proper treatment will overlap the treatment head to make certain that every place on the body part is treated. In my opinion, you need a better treating office, regardless of the "burns" but simply to get a good result!

IPL burn marks on legs. How should I go about the healing process? (Photo)

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