Laser burns and hypopigmentation

Hair Removal Tips
#1

Dear friends,
Two months ago i had hair laser removal burns all over my legs.
Unfortunately the lady that use the laser( diode and alexandrite) put a lot of heat and i got first degree burns all over my legs.

Its almost two months and my legs now have hypo pigmentation.
The normal color of my skin is mediterenean i come from greece and i also get a lot of tanned because of the sun .
Before the treatment i asked the lady if i can do the laser but she reassured me that the laser that she has is new technology that its for tanned skins. Unfortunately she was lying to me as i got burns all over my legs.
I ve been to several dermatologist and plastic surgeon doctors to search for a treatment.
Some of them advised me to start exposing my legs to the sun, with sunblock for 2-3 minutes per day.
Others suggested me to start light therapy with a specific ultraviolet light. Others suggested me to stay away from the sun for at least one year.
Today i stayed in the sun with a sunblock for 3 minutes. I wasnt feeling any burn sensetion but i am afraid that maybe its too soon for the sun???
Is too soon to start the ultraviolet treatment? I did the laser therapy two month ago. I know that it will take a lot of time to heal. If it heals…i feel so terrible. I cant even look my legs.
I am really confused and my psychology is so bad. My legs are destroyed. I ve tried to wear a shorts once at night but i couldnt stand how people where looking at my legs.
I am so sad that this happened to me and i dont know what to do.
If this ultraviolet treatment will help me to heal faster off course i will start it.
I spend so much money on creams , i lost my job as i was working in a beach bar.
Can please someone advise me?
Did anyone recover from this situation.
I am attaching a picture from how my legs are today.
Thank u!

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#2

What does one say! We are electrologists not skin specialists and to advise you would be to stretch the boundaries of professionalism.
Any advice from us becomes legally implicated. Too many opinions can also be a problem. A top skin specialist that you felt comfortable with and trusted is where I would be seeking advice. Sorry cannot help.

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#3

The pigmentation will fade in appearance over time, but it will take many months, probably years to see a difference you would be happy with.

I think you need to find a dermatologist who can offer better advice than what you’ve got so far.

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#4

Hi Slalom. I am originally from Greece. I have extensive knowledge in these type of situations and can help you. Please email me at ckaravolas@aol.com.

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#5

I’m sorry this happened to you. Are you taking any legal action against the clinic?
People with vitiligo have similar looking patches of hypopigmentation. I’d recommend looking up various treatments for Vitiligo. You’ll find many use Narrow band UVB therapy with varying degrees of success. However, many are now using Micro needling with success. Here are some studies showing micro-needling combined with 5-fluorouracil -

Good luck with finding a solution. Let us know how you go!

#6

Hi Romeonyc,
Thank you for contacting me,
I have send you an email.
Thank you

#7

Dear Hairwego,

I have allready see a layer for my accident off course i will go after them.
Thank you for the info i have found some researches on virtilo treatment with a specific light and psolaren . My problem is that some doctors advice me not to do it as i will have bad results and others advised me to start immediately.

I will keep you all updated.

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#9

Were you able to find anything that helps I am in a similar situation and am having trouble finding any options out there that helps with this…I would so appreciate your response if you know of anything

#10

Hi ladies, your posts have given me hope however i am in great fear.
I had laser hair removal on February 22, 2023 (2 months ago) and i got burnt (i was abit tanned). It became red and then turned to brown and then it peeled. After the burnt area healed, it became white patches all over my stomach and part of my hands. I did not tan my stomach but my arms were exposed to daily sun (it did not improve the white patches)
I consulted a dermatologist and he said to start with cream called Protopic 0.1% but i am worried to start with it.
Does anyone know anything about it, or recommend what would be the best thing to do, i am so depressed!

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#11

These photos are after 2 months

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#12

This is my arm after 2 months

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#13

These spots will fade completely given sufficient time.

#14

I agree with David.
What type of laser was used? Alexandrite? Diode? or Yag?

#15

It’s Candela laser hair removal machine.

Some suggested to do microneedling every two weeks and apply retinol every day
And one dermatologist suggested to start with Protopic 0.1% ointment for at least 3 to 6 months. However i researched about the ointment and all reviews said that it is too harsh and its “the devils cream” and that you might get withdrawals after it. So i got scared to start it.

I dont know what to do in the meantime.
I am moisturizing everyday.

#16

Did they use the YAG side, assuming it has an alexandrite option and a yag option for darker skin ? Tanning is No No! for three months before.

It may take months for the skin cells the turn over and renew, but I think you will be fine and it will even out.

#17

I am not sure what setting have they used on me.
I did laser 1 month after tanning, which i think was the reason for my burn. I really hope it does even out.

#18

I think that has something to do with it, but I still am curious about what type of laser was used.

#19

The Redness in the picture indicates that it was an Alexandrite setting, in my opinion.