Laser hair removal burns typically heal like any heat-related injury: swelling may occur, but over-the-counter pain relievers can ease any associated discomfort.
Melanin in the skin can compete with melanin found in hair follicles, leading to burns during laser treatment. For best results, the fastest and most efficient way to treat such burns is cooling them immediately.
What is a laser burn?
Laser burns are skin injuries caused by the ingestion of light energy by cells in the body. Melanin, found in skin pigment, converts this energy to heat that damages cells causing reddening, blisters or even death of tissue if left untreated immediately. The severity of laser hair removal burns depends upon both melanin levels in affected areas as well as how injuries were sustained.
Mild laser hair removal burns can often be treated at home with basic care, though it’s essential that basic precautions be taken in order to minimize further injury. This includes keeping the burn moisturized and avoiding pressure. Using very hot water could further irritate it and potentially lead to infection; also avoid popping any blisters which appear as this increases susceptibility and could potentially leave scarring behind.
Severe laser burns require immediate medical attention, and may need to be treated with prescription medications or creams. A doctor may suggest aloe vera-containing ointments or lotions which help heal quickly while also minimizing scarring, as well as protecting the area from sun exposure or using creams which reduce hyperpigmentation of dark skin patches in affected areas.
As it can make the skin more vulnerable and susceptible to laser damage, it is essential that any existing health or skin conditions are disclosed when visiting a beauty centre. Conditions like psoriasis and eczema increase risk for laser burn injuries while those with darker skin tones may be at greater risk of laser-caused damage, since laser beams often target pigment instead of hair follicles.
Laser hair removal burns may be avoided by choosing a reputable beauty salon that is equipped to administer treatments to all skin types and meets industry safety standards. Furthermore, it must operate under controlled environments so procedures can be performed safely.
How do I know if I have a burn?
Initial signs that you have sustained a burn include reddening and mild discomfort on the area being treated, typically occurring several hours or days post laser hair removal procedure.
When it comes to laser hair removal burns, the best course of action is contacting your beauty salon immediately. This will allow them to assess the area and confirm if the treatment settings were accurate or otherwise, before providing advice about post-treatment care instructions and any specific precautions necessary.
When treating mild laser burns yourself at home, treatment usually entails applying a cool compress to reduce swelling and pain. Also important: refrain from applying any greasy or occlusive creams or balms without first consulting with a medical provider or laser practitioner.
More severe laser hair removal burns may need medical treatment from professionals. You may receive antibiotic creams to treat them as well as creams to speed healing time and decrease scarring potential. In extreme cases, however, skin grafting may be necessary in order to repair damaged skin and reduce scarring risks.
Laser hair removal burns are most often caused by visiting an unprofessional salon or aesthetic center that lacks adequate safety precautions in place. Untrained technicians may be unable to adjust the laser settings according to your skin type, tone and hair color resulting in injury to you during your procedure.
Preexisting skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema increase your risk of laser and IPL treatment-related burns, so if this applies to you it’s essential that your laser technician be informed so they can take special precautions during their procedure.
Understand that sunburned skin will be more vulnerable than normal skin, so protect it by either covering with sunscreen or staying out of direct sunlight altogether.
What should I do if I have a burn?
Once you suspect a burn, it’s essential to contact the clinic where laser hair removal treatment was administered as soon as possible. A practitioner can assess treatment settings and offer immediate first aid advice. Also make sure they know if the area feels hot or blistered as this will allow them to adjust equipment appropriately to prevent further skin damage.
If you do experience a burn, topical treatments such as aloe vera gel and over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream should be applied topically to soothe and promote healing of your burn. Direct sunlight should also be avoided since UV rays can aggravate an already fragile burn; clean dressings should also be worn over it in order to avoid ointments that clog or cover the area completely.
For more severe burns, you will require the services of a healthcare provider who can prescribe pain medication and administer appropriate creams to address them effectively. In extreme cases, skin grafting may be necessary in order to repair burns and minimize scarring.
Preparing the skin before laser hair removal can also reduce risks of burns. Shave the area 24 hours in advance so any hair won’t get singed by the laser beam. In addition, tanning, self-tanners and tanning booths should be avoided as these may damage skin; waxing or plucking should also be avoided as these could irritate it further.
It’s essential that you choose a beauty center with qualified and experienced practitioners, who meet industry safety standards. Never be shy to inquire about credentials and training of each practitioner prior to booking an appointment; additionally, ensure the establishment provides adequate insurance in case of laser hair removal injury.
Unless the care at a beauty center meets your standards, it may be worthwhile seeking legal representation that specializes in laser hair removal injury claims. Such experts will investigate whether any parties were legally responsible; this is particularly useful if the spa hires technicians as independent contractors rather than employees.
How long will a burn take to heal?
Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved procedure considered safe and effective when performed by a qualified medical aesthetician. Treatment time typically lasts only 10-20 minutes for small areas, up to an hour for larger ones.
Some may experience mild discomfort and redness after their laser hair removal appointment; this should pass quickly. If symptoms persist or worsen quickly, consult your physician immediately.
Minor burns or scalds that only involve the outermost layer of skin (superficial epidermal) usually heal within one week without leaving scars behind. Use an anti-pain ointment to alleviate pain and keep wounds clean.
An emergency burn can produce blisters, swelling, and pain that last up to two days before peeling away from the burn site. A deep partial-thickness burn, also referred to as second degree, damages deeper layers of skin as well as any nerves beneath; healing time for such injuries may exceed three weeks.
Extreme burns may take months or years to fully heal and leave scarring behind. A skin graft might be necessary to repair damaged tissue; additionally stitches and possibly even tetanus shots may also be required for healing purposes.
Laser treatments may not be as effective on skin that has been tanned or bleached, so it’s essential that any tanning fade before starting laser hair removal treatments. When selecting a practitioner to perform your treatments, make sure they have experience treating skin like yours; look for one who is board-certified specialist or cosmetic surgeon.
Salons, spas and other locations may offer laser hair removal without the presence of a licensed medical professional; to reduce complications from unsupervised laser treatments it is wise to utilize licensed professionals instead. Once treatment has begun the practitioner will shave the area to be treated before applying a cooling gel or air spray to protect it from the laser’s heat; once inside they laser then penetrates your skin in order to destroy hair follicles in that particular spot so no further growth occurs there.
