Question
Hi, I am new here.
I am in a bit of a panic. I had laser hair removal done on my face three days ago. I had severe pain and my skin started to peel off at the doctors office. He gave me some cream and sent me home.
I oozed all day. The next day I was so swollen that I looked like a chimunk. Today I have scabs forming, still with severe pain and swelling.
It is a scary sight. The skin has peeled off, very deeply. I am very worried about scarring. I called the doctor and he assured me that it would not scar.
What should I do? I have been taking pictures. I can not go out in public. I have huge patches of total skinless areas.
Please, I need advice.
Thank you...very worried.

Answer
Hi, I am new here.
I am in a bit of a panic. I had laser hair removal done on my face three days ago. I had severe pain and my skin started to peel off at the doctors office. He gave me some cream and sent me home.
I oozed all day. The next day I was so swollen that I looked like a chimunk. Today I have scabs forming, still with severe pain and swelling.
It is a scary sight. The skin has peeled off, very deeply. I am very worried about scarring. I called the doctor and he assured me that it would not scar.
What should I do? I have been taking pictures. I can not go out in public. I have huge patches of total skinless areas.
Please, I need advice.
Thank you...very worried.

Answer
For peace of mind, I would see another doctor, a dermatologist, for a second opinion to make sure the cream you are using, and the after care procedures are the best for your situation.
Were you given a reason as to why you burned? What laser was used and what skin type are you?
I'm so sorry this happned to you. Please keep us posted.

Answer
Hi,
Thank you for the note.
Since it is a holiday weekend, I plan on getting into a derm next week as soon as possible.
He said that his cooling device on his lyra machine appeared to not be working properly. I knew I was in trouble when he was done. He kept saying to himself, Oh sh*t, Oh sh*t...over and over again. Then he had me lay there with cold rags and ice on my face for over an hour. But to just send me home assuring me that there would be no scarring isn't acceptable in my opinion.
These are deep burns. Huge areas on my face that the skin just came off. Now I have scabs on them and I look like a trauma burn victim.
Many people may not have problems. But, people should be aware of the risk.
I am hoping that this will heal, but I really don't feel that it will without major scars.

Answer
it sounds like he knew there was a problem from the start. i would consider holding him liable for this happening to you. and obviously getting money back besides that. i'm sorry it happened, sounds horrible. sounds like the cooling wasn't working (and he knew it) and he set the settings too high. I would definitely not go back to him for more treatments. for now, go to a dermatologist like you're planning to so you can get the best cream for the burns to heal well. good luck and keep us posted.

Answer
Thank you for your email.
Don't worry, I am not going back. I actually had beautiful skin before this happened. Just as I have gotten older (35 now) I have a few hairs that I didn't like. My mom passed it on to me...
He did tell me that he would refund my money ($600). But, I can't work and I won't even go out in public until this heals.
Quite upset...

Answer
I, too, wish to offer my sympathy. You have been injured and need to get medical help. I know that doctors are closed on Monday (in the States at least), but please DO see a physician tomorrow! Go to an emergency room or care now facility to be certain your burns are treated effectively and properly.
Furthermore, I would recommend that you be very careful with your laser doctor. His offer to refund your money further indicates his culpability in your injuries. DO NOT sign a release if you accept his refund. You may have legal recourse to get money for your medical bills as you treat your injuries. I would suggest that you have a spouse/friend go with you if you visit his office.
Keep us posted and let us know you are getting help....

Answer
Thank you for the advice also. It is very much appreciated.
I will keep you all posted.

Answer
Ok the DOCTOR saying "Oh chip, oh chip" is the most brutal thing I've ever heard. The guy operating something as potentially damaging as a laser swearing during and after the procedure? Can it get any worse? Hopefully you have no scarring and this doesn't ruin you opinion of LHR in general. Competent clinics and techs do exist...

Answer
I would try to get medical attention ASAP from a reputable derm MD> The quicker that you see them the better chance they have of minimizing the damage. I had a client (african american) walk in the other day after another spa used a IPL "at the lowest setting". She had 3rd degree burns on her cheeks and face and the woman running the laser clinic hadn't returned her call in 3 days. Desperate for anything she came to us and we were able to get her into a derm that specializes in burn treatment to minimize the scarring. Unfortunately she'll probably always have a reminder of it. To top it off she keloids really bad.
My advice calll a derm place tell them what happened and that you need to be seen ASAP. Always be careful, just because some sounds like they know what they are doing (even if they are a doctor) doesn't mean they know what they are doing. Experience and education cannot be stressed enough.
Good luck

Answer
Man oh, man. That doctor should have seen that coming. If you blistered as badly as you say you did, the doctor shouldhave seen a reaction at the time he started lasering you and immediately stopped, assessed, treated, etc. He was a dumbie....probably one of the kind who decided he'd make some money on the side by buying a laser and lasering people. What a cluck! Sorry you went thru that. I would bet that he didn't ask you what he should have asked you regarding your sun exposure, did he?
If you are light skinned, and the 'scarring' is white, know that it will heal and you should use a gentle exfoliator on your face , but only when all is healed completedly. Then, try some gentle sun exposure to even out your skin tone. If your are darker pigmented, then the 'scarring' is probably darker. Get your doc to give you some Hydroquonone to gently bleach out the darker spots. It will get better...really it will! Good luck. (And fire that guy!)
PS: sometimes a client will blister but it is usually seen after the first few laser 'pops' (sometimes not though). The skin will turn a purple color. If that occurs, any tech(MD) should STOP, assess, treat and follow up. NOT CONTINUE LASERING !

Answer
Man oh, man. That doctor should have seen that coming. If you blistered as badly as you say you did, the doctor shouldhave seen a reaction at the time he started lasering you and immediately stopped, assessed, treated, etc. He was a dumbie....probably one of the kind who decided he'd make some money on the side by buying a laser and lasering people but didn't know squat. What a cluck! Sorry you went thru that. I would bet that he didn't ask you what he should have asked you regarding your sun exposure, did he?
If you are light skinned, and the 'scarring' is white, know that it will heal and you should use a gentle exfoliator on your face , but only when all is healed completedly. Then, try some gentle sun exposure to even out your skin tone. If your are darker pigmented, then the 'scarring' is probably darker. Get your doc to give you some Hydroquonone to gently bleach out the darker spots. It will get better...really it will! Good luck. (And fire that guy!)
PS: sometimes a client will blister but it is usually seen after the first few laser 'pops' (sometimes not though). The skin will turn a purple color. If that occurs, any tech(MD) should STOP, assess, treat and follow up. NOT CONTINUE LASERING !

Answer
This is another example showing that just because someone is a doctor, doesn't make them a good laser hair removal technician.