Laser hair removal is generally safe when performed by an experienced practitioner, though side effects such as burns may occur occasionally.
When burns occur, it is vital to understand what steps should be taken immediately. Apply an ice pack while also taking an over-the-counter pain reliever in order to minimize discomfort.
First-Degree Burns
Laser hair removal can be performed safely when administered by licensed and experienced practitioners, however due to how laser light converts into heat energy that destroys hair follicles it may sometimes burn the skin. Burns may occur more often if equipment is miscalibrated or practitioners lack appropriate training/experience and they tend to occur on thinner areas such as faces, necks, or bikini areas with thinner skin.
First degree laser burns are the most frequently seen. After experiencing one, skin may become red and sensitive for a few days but is typically quick to heal. If blisters form on a burned area, it is important to not pop them as this could lead to infection; let the fluid in them keep the area clean while aiding healing faster. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate discomfort until blisters heal completely.
While recovering from laser hair removal burns, it is wise to limit sun exposure as much as possible. Applying cream with high SPF protection may help protect skin while it heals, helping prevent new scar formation and any permanent discolorations caused by laser burns.
Some clients may experience white, gray or pink discolorations following their laser hair removal sessions. These aren’t eczema but rather new skin that is trying to form over the wound and should gradually fade in time; if the burn was severe it may take several months.
Scarring from laser burns is serious business, affecting not only physical pain but emotional anguish and depression as well. Should a severe laser burn strike, it is wise to contact a healthcare provider right away in order to discuss available treatment options and ensure a swift recovery.
Second-Degree Burns
Laser hair removal is a popular beauty treatment used to reduce unwanted body hair. This typically involves using a handheld device to press against the skin and activate a laser, producing energy which destroys hair follicles. Unfortunately, it does carry some risks; for instance, some lasers may cause burns on your skin.
If you have been burned by laser hair removal, it is vital to seek medical advice immediately. Laser burns can be extremely painful and cause long-term scarring if left untreated; depending on their severity, medical intervention or surgery may be required for successful healing.
First and foremost in treating laser hair removal burns is to quickly cool off the affected area by either applying ice to it or taking a cold bath. Greasy or occlusive ointments should only be applied as directed by your laser practitioner or physician as these can trap heat and increase swelling; tight-fitting clothing which might come into contact with burned skin must also be avoided to minimize pressure points and pain.
Blisters are frequently associated with laser hair removal burns. If you experience blisters, avoid popping them as this could leave the wound open to infection; allow the blisters to rupture on their own; if large and painful blisters form, seek medical assistance immediately.
Once blisters have burst, it is wise to apply a non-greasy ointment on the burn site to help moisturize it and prevent further scarring from developing. Scrubbing or picking at any scabs may lead to even further scarring and should therefore be avoided as much as possible.
Once the scab has fallen away, it is wise to protect the area with sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 protection factor. In addition, avoid shaving the burnt skin until its healing has completed as doing so could aggravate its condition further.
Laser hair removal burns may be unpleasant and disfiguring, but they should heal within several weeks when following post-treatment care guidelines. If any questions or concerns arise regarding these burns, contact the practitioner who conducted your laser hair removal session directly or visit either your GP or hospital for additional care.
Third-Degree Burns
Laser hair removal can be a great solution to unwanted body hair, but you must choose an experienced esthetician to carry out your procedure and ensure it’s carried out properly, or else severe burns could require skin graft surgery and cost thousands in medical bills over time. If an esthetician was negligent during your procedure by using outdated or cheap laser machines or not conducting adequate analysis on your skin type before setting the correct intensity level of laser, compensation claims might be possible against them for their damages.
Laser light converts into heat energy that destroys pigment (melanin) present in hair follicles, leading to discomfort during laser hair removal sessions. If a practitioner fails to set the intensity level at an appropriate level for your skin type, or the device fails to operate effectively and regularly maintained, you could sustain laser hair removal burns during their session.
First-degree burns typically appear dry and discolored, often reddish-brown in darker skin tones and pinkish for lighter ones. They may be extremely painful if clothing covers the affected area; without appropriate cooling measures and care they may quickly escalate into blisters that require medical treatment.
Cold water can help soothe affected parts of your body. Apply ointments or lotions without oils as these trap heat and can make the burn worse; use aloe vera cream instead to relieve pain and aid your skin’s recovery process.
If your burned skin is exposed to sunlight, make sure that you wear sunscreen with an SPF 30 protection factor or higher. Furthermore, try not to take hot baths and showers as the heat can exacerbate existing burns and lead to swelling. Also avoid tight-fitting clothes as this restricts blood flow further aggravating the burns. Failing which, your burns could potentially leave permanent changes such as scarring or hyperpigmentation that require further care for healing.
Fourth-Degree Burns
Laser light hits the skin’s surface and converts to heat energy, which damages hair follicles causing pain during treatments.
However, sometimes this process can result in minor skin burns which may still be very painful. This usually results from not using the appropriate settings for your skin type or from having received treatment at beauty salons or other non-medical establishments which don’t use an FDA approved laser machine properly – both factors which often are a factor when receiving laser treatments from these places of business.
Laser hair removal burns typically appear as small reddish areas with a sulfur-like smell that blister and turn brown, and should be treated carefully to ensure full healing. Any further treatments to the affected area must wait until this wound has completely closed over. If the burn appears very large or is on an exposed area of your body such as clothing, seek medical advice immediately and protect it from sunlight until the wound has completely closed over.
Avoid sun exposure before and after laser hair removal treatments to decrease your chances of laser burns, as well as tanning beds or any indoor tanning equipment, for optimal results. Shave the affected area at least 24 hours prior to laser sessions without using ointments or other greasy products on it to help ensure maximum safety during laser sessions.
As with any aesthetic procedure, prior to getting laser hair removal done it’s advisable to consult an experienced practitioner in order to select an ideal treatment that matches both your skin type and tone as well as ensure the equipment being used won’t pose any threats to you. A patch test should always be conducted prior to treatment in order to minimise side effects while providing an indication of how effective this therapy will be for you.
If you have experienced laser hair removal burns due to professional negligence, compensation claims could be available to you. Get in touch with us now to see how you can begin the process.
