According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there were over 1.3 million laser hair removal procedures performed in the United States in 2005, as compared to only 110,000 laser hair removal procedures done in 1998. While the number of laser hair removal procedures continue to increase, so to the risks, and unfortunately the number and severity of injuries.
There were over 1.3 million laser hair removal procedures performed in the United States in 2005, as compared to only 110,000 laser hair removal procedures done in 1998. While the number of laser hair removal procedures continue to increase, so to the risks, and unfortunately the number and severity of injuries.
Laser hair removal is actually a risky procedure. Unsightly burns and scars often occur due to unlicensed or unqualified personnel performing the procedure using dangerous medical equipment. Many times laser hair removal is done by using an IPL (intense pulsed light) machine. This laser machine heats the hair follicles underneath the surface of the skin and temporarily prevents re-growth of the hair. Laser and IPL machines can easily cause second-degree and third-degree burns, as well as other types of injury to the skin, if used negligently.
The risks and dangers of laser hair removal are made worse by the incompetence of unqualified and untrained personnel who perform the procedure. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, a licensed physician should directly supervise any procedure involving laser hair removal or IPL treatment. Nonetheless, your laser hair removal procedure is much more likely being performed by an esthetician or other non-licensed “technician.”
The operator of the laser hair removal equipment must be able to properly assess the skin type of the patient, as well as the patient’s skin sensitivity. There is greater risk of scarring and burn for patients with darker skin. Patients with tattoos are even more susceptible to laser burns, since the tattoo ink attracts the laser light, causing it to heat up and burn the tattoo. Moreover, non-medical professionals are more likely to mistake skin cancer spots for a sunspot. The lack of oversight and training in the laser hair removal industry is putting patients at risk.
Contact an Experienced Laser Skin Burn and Hair Removal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured as a result of a laser hair removal procedure or IPL procedure, it is extremely important to investigate and document your situation immediately. Do not accept more treatments or burn therapy from the people who burned you in the first place. Take photographs, and keep all the records related to your procedure. Visit a plastic surgeon or dermatologist as soon as possible. The key to holding medi-spas and laser hair removal companies accountable for their negligence is documentation.
Second-degree and third-degree burns are NOT normal! Do not let the technician, or any other person working at the laser facility that harmed you, tell you otherwise. They will tell you to “put some aloe vera on it and we will see you for your next treatment” while being fully aware that your burns will be permanent.
The laser hair removal burn injury lawyers at our law office have years of experience successfully resolving cases for clients who have suffered second-degree and third-degree burns at the hands of medi-spas and laser centers. Contact us for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Long Island, call 516-358-6900
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information and may not be applicable in your jurisdiction.
