I'm concerned about laser hair removal burns, what can I do to treat them?

Question

I got burned really badly by laser hair removal over most of my face and chin. The skin is blistering and scabbing and constantly dripping a yellowy clear liquid. The part that concerns me is the treated areas are turning very hard and stiff like theres large stones under the skin that I can feel out. The hard lumps underneath the skin changed the contour of my jawline. Im too depressed with my face to take pictures to provide you. Please help.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Burns need a combination of:
1) healing lasers and light such as aerolase or laser genesis and LED therapy with light stim
2) topical growth factors, stem cells, antioxidants
3) oxygen facials
4) platelet rich plasma and A cell topically
5) sun protection
After 6-12 weeks you can treat for hyperpigmentation with cosmelan peels, hydroquinone, retinol or non ablative lasers like clear and brilliant or radiofrequency like venus viva. Best, Dr. Emer

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  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 aloe very 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

Jason Brett Lichten, MD · Answer

Find a plastic surgeon in your area to have an in person consultation with about your issues. This is not normal after this treatment but we do see it too often from under-trained, non-core practitioners who offer cosmetic medical procedures.  For anyone else reading this, make sure the physician you select for your cosmetic procedures is adequately trained and board certified in the right specialty.

I'm concerned about laser hair removal burns, what can I do to treat them?

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I'm concerned about laser hair removal burns, what can I do to treat them?

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