Laser procedures have become more and more popular, and the trend isn’t about to stop – laser treatment comes in many forms and is used for many purposes (hair removal, tattoo removal, skin resurfacing, and so on). The reasons why it has become so fashionable is easily understood; it’s quite effective and relatively cheap compared to alternative procedures.
However, there’s a catch: there are many risks involved that the consuming public simply isn’t aware of, and when things take a turn for the worse, it can have lasting consequences. Have you ever felt doubts about laser treatment, or feel that you have been a victim? Here’s an in-depth look at the different laser skin treatments – and their risks.
What is a laser procedure?
A laser procedure is a procedure that uses bundled light (light amplification by stimulated electromagnetic radiation) projected on a surface. The laser is used because it can be very precise and effective, but there are risks: you’re dealing with amplification of light, which can cause a serious laser burn. Laser procedures are commonly performed for:
- Hair removal – the removing of unwanted hair (the burning of hair roots), which is considered a semi-permanent solution.
- Tattoo removal – the removal of unwanted tattoos.
- Skin resurfacing – the laser removes the outer layers of the skin, allowing new skin to grow (which is smoother and looks fresh and young).
The risks
Whilst laser can be very safe in the hands of trained professionals, things do sometimes go wrong, especially if the person performing the procedure is negligent or makes a mistake. The most common injuries are:
- Injuries due to burning
- Scarring
- Blistering
- Redness and irritation
- Eye damage
- Swelling
- Changes in skin colour
Consequences
The consequences are not only physical. Often those who have been seriously (or even moderately) injured because of mistakes during laser procedures have lasting psychological and emotional trauma or dilemmas which – in the worst case scenario – don’t allow them to go through life in a normal way, especially when serious physical injury or pain has been caused.
What can you do?
If you have been injured without any fault of your own, understand that you have the right to seek compensation (and there are legal professionals such as beauty treatment solicitors who are willing to assist you on a No Win, No Fee basis).
It’s important that you seek medical and legal assistance as soon as you realise that something went wrong – it’s simply unacceptable that someone who has suffered an injury through no fault of their own can suffer in silence without receiving any form of compensation for the injury. The victim has the right to justice and to ensure that such accidents never happen again.
Image attributed to Pixabay.com
