Dermatological Burn Injuries
Los Angeles Dermatology Burn Lawyers
Each year, more than two million burn injuries occur in the United States. In addition to typical thermal burns caused by a flame or heat source, traumatic burn injuries can result from chemical or electromagnetic (laser) energy use during hair coloring or spa treatments as well as from tattoo removal procedures.
Beauty Burns
Burns resulting from beauty treatments, such as hair coloring or laser hair reduction services, are on the rise. The International Spa Association reports that medical spas (“Medi-Spas”) are the fastest growing segment of the spa industry, quadrupling from 471 in 2004 to 1,804 today. Unlike day spas, which specialize in relaxation services such as massages, facials and body wraps, Medi-Spas offer cosmetic procedures that involve the use of laser medical devices.
Laser Hair Removal Injuries
In the hair reduction or removal process, service providers use a laser to target the melanin in the hair follicle. When the procedure is done properly, the heat inactivates or destroys cells in the target area without having a significant effect on surrounding cells. If not performed properly, however, a laser procedure can result in permanent scarring, prolonged loss of color in the skin, or serious infection.
Injuries From Hair-Dye
Hair highlighting using chemical solutions to alter the pigmentation of hair is a popular procedure. Hair dye is potentially caustic to the scalp, however, and can cause hair loss, painful blisters and red-raw skin.
Eyelash/Eyebrow Tinting
The use of permanent eyelash and eyebrow tinting and dyeing can cause serious eye injuries and even blindness. Consumers should know that the FDA has not approved any color additives for dyeing or tinting eyelashes and eyebrows.
Prevent Beauty Burns
Beauty burn injuries can occur in a Salon or Medi-Spa and consumers must carefully research their service providers to insure that the provider is properly licensed and that the equipment used for services and treatments is up-to-date and used properly.
Tattoo Removal Injuries
Because tattooing is meant to be permanent, removal of tattoos is not easy. Chemical and laser tattoo removal can lead to unacceptable levels of scarring burns, painful blisters and scabs, infection, pigmentation swelling or other injuries. Cosmetic tattoos such as eyeliner, lip liner or eyebrows may become dark after a laser removal treatment.
To minimize the risks associated with tattoo removal procedures, consumers should go to a physician who specializes in dermatological laser treatments, and carefully follow all medical instructions.
Burn Injury Attorneys
If you or someone you love has incurred a serious burn injury during medical or beauty treatment or procedure, the treating physician or service provider may be liable for damages for failure to insure against injury or for failure to comply with local licensing regulations. Contact an experienced burn injury attorney at Lederer & Nojima to seek counsel and for the compensation to which you and your family are entitled for you or your loved one’s injury.
