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Laser hair removal is an easy way to achieve a goal that many people have: permanent hair removal. The process involves using a laser to damage hair follicles, which prevents future hair growth. While laser hair removal is generally safe, it can cause burns when not done properly.
Laser burns can happen for a variety of reasons, including when the laser is applied to the skin for an extended period of time. This can cause serious burns and scarring, including permanent scars or keloids. If you have suffered a laser hair removal burn, our experienced New York personal injury attorneys can help you get maximum compensation for your losses.
At the Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan, we are fierce advocates for New Yorkers who have suffered all types of injuries, including those from laser hair removal. We offer free initial consultations and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a New York laser hair removal burn lawyer, contact our law firm today.
Treatment for Laser Hair Removal Burns
Laser hair removal works by applying intense heat through a laser gun to hair follicles. It is most often used in places where people (especially women) have unwanted hair, such as the underarms, legs, face, arms, and bikini line.
The laser works by targeting pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle. This is why laser hair removal works best on darker hair and is usually not an option for white, blonde, gray, or red hair. When performed correctly, laser hair removal can be very effective. A person’s skin might be pink and sensitive after a procedure, but it shouldn’t be burned.
Unfortunately, burns from laser hair removal do happen. This often happens because of improper usage. One of the most common causes of these burns is the laser being in contact with the skin for too long, without proper cooling.
The use of laser gel can also cause burns. This may happen when the laser device has too much accumulated debris from the gel on it. Alternatively, if the gel isn’t allowed to dry before the laser is applied, then it could cause burns.
Finally, people with darker skin or even a tan are at higher risk of laser burns. Remember: these lasers work by targeting melanin. Darker skin has more melanin in it, which can lead to heat being absorbed by the skin instead of just the hair follicles. Laser hair removal technicians should use caution when treating anyone with darker skin tones.
Laser hair removal burns are most likely to occur on skin that is thinner and more delicate. This includes the face, neck, and bikini area. In addition, tan skin (such as on the legs) is more likely to be burned than areas of the skin that are less likely to be exposed to the sun. A laser hair removal technician should adjust the laser settings to accommodate for tan or delicate skin.
Immediately after a laser hair removal burn occurs, the affected skin may be red, blistered, and swollen. The burn area is usually similar in size to the tip of the laser “gun.” The burns are often painful. Over the coming days, the skin might crust over, peel, get darker from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or even turn white.
The treatment for laser hair removal burns depends on the severity of the injury. There are three levels of burns:
- First-degree burns affect the outer layer of the skin. They result in pain, redness, and swelling.
- Second-degree burns affect both the outer and middle layer of the skin. Known as partial thickness burns, they are associated with pain, redness, swelling, and blistering.
- Third-degree burns are the most serious, affecting the deep layers of the skin. Also known as full thickness burns, they cause white or blackened skin and numbness.
First-degree burns and small second-degree burns are considered minor burns. Third-degree burns and second-degree burns that are over a certain size or are on the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or a major joint are considered major burns. All major burns require urgent medical care to reduce the risk of serious scarring, deformity, and disability.
Minor burns can be treated with gentle skin care, such as applying Aquaphor, topical antimicrobials, and specialized dressings. You should also avoid direct sunlight while it heals. If you have pain, you can take an over-the-counter medication such as Advil or Motrin.
Major burns require immediate medical treatment. Doctors can use special treatments, such as burn creams and ointments to prevent infection and prepare the wound to close. They may offer medications to prevent infection and reduce pain. In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary to remove tight burn scabs or to do a skin graft to replace the burned skin with healthy skin.
Both types of burns might take several months to heal, depending on the location of the burn. Typically, burns on the legs can take much longer to fade. In some cases, even a minor burn can lead to a permanent scar.
Keloid scars are a type of permanent scar that happens when the body produces too much collagen during the wound healing process. Keloids are thick and raised, and can be itchy or uncomfortable. Even with treatment, keloid scars can last for years. Keloid scars can cause emotional distress because they are very noticeable.
Laser hair removal burns can be painful and embarrassing. If you have this type of burn from improperly administered laser hair removal, our law firm can help. During a free consultation, we will listen to your story and offer you legal advice about your rights and options.
What Is the Value of My Laser Hair Removal Burn Case?
If you were burned during a laser hair removal treatment, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the employee who caused the injury or their employer (such as a medical spa). The value of your case will depend on the severity of your injury, the at-fault party’s liability, and whether you will be permanently scarred.
Minor laser hair removal burns may fade away after just a few weeks of at-home treatment. These types of cases often have a very low value, given that the economic losses (like medical bills) are typically low. The non-economic losses also tend to be low because there is no permanent scarring or disfigurement. If you have suffered a first-degree burn from laser hair removal treatment, a New York personal injury attorney can help you determine if it makes sense to pursue a lawsuit.
Second and third-degree burns tend to be more serious and can result in permanent scarring. These types of burns often require medical attention, which may include more extensive treatment, such as skin graft surgery or scar revision. These cases tend to have a higher overall value because the victim will have suffered both economic losses (like lost wages and medical expenses) as well as non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.
The value of these cases may be higher based on the facts of the case. For example, a person who suffers a scar on a very visible, obvious part of the body (like the face) will typically recover more money than a person whose scarring is in a location that is typically covered (such as the bikini line). The reason for this is simple: your quality of life and pain and suffering will typically be higher if you will have to go through life with a visible scar that may affect your self-esteem or cause people to stare or ask questions.
Similarly, young women who suffer permanent scars from laser hair removal will often recover more money through a lawsuit. For better or for worse, many women feel pressure to meet certain beauty standards. Having an obvious scar can negatively impact a woman’s self-esteem, leading to anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. When a woman is young, she will usually spend a much longer period of time dealing with these issues.
There is no such thing as an average settlement when it comes to how much a laser hair burn removal case is worth. The value of a laser hair removal burn lawsuit will depend on the seriousness of the injury, the location of the scar, the age of the victim, and other factors. Our law firm will analyze your case and offer you a ballpark estimate of the value of your case. We will then work tirelessly to help you get a good settlement for your claim. If the insurance company won’t give you fair compensation, we will take your case to trial and ask a jury to return a verdict in your favor.
Laser hair removal burns can be serious. They can also impact a person’s physical and emotional health. If you have been burned while having laser hair removal, our New York personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Help for Victims of Laser Hair Removal Burns
Even relatively minor laser hair removal burns can be painful. More serious burns can require intensive medical care and even surgery. If you have been hurt by the careless operation of a hair removal laser, you might be able to file a lawsuit against both the technician who burned you and the spa that employed them.
At the Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan, we provide skilled, compassionate legal representation to people who have been hurt in all types of accidents. In each case, our goal is to help our clients get maximum compensation for their injuries. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you’ll never pay a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a New York laser hair removal burn attorney, call us at 914-220-1086 or fill out our online contact form.
