Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in California

Laser Scars

Paid $500 to a Lasik Eye Surgery/Plastic Surgeon Office for Laser Hair Removal Treatments for Bikini Line. On the 2nd treatment, was burned by the laser on left side of bikini line, the laser intensity was higher on the left side. Have a large area of scars from the laser burn. Consulted the R.N who did the lasering, and he said the scars will fade in a few years.

Should I go to another doctor to get a 2nd opinion? Do I have any rights to recieve payment for this? These scars are a large area, and only on the left side (the side he turned up the laser on). I was told I could not have a refund of the $500. As far as I know Laser Hair Removal should not leave such bad scarring, even though it is a risk.

Thank you.


Asked on 11/13/02, 6:49 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

JEB Pickett Wynne Law Firm

Re: Laser Scars

You should immediately seek a referral from a plastic surgeon to determine the extent of scarring damages for 2 reasons. First, the sooner scarring is treated correctly, the less the likelihood that it will be permanent. Two, it will be very helpful to have documentation of the level of scarring as soon as possible. You should inquire as to whether the procedure was incorrectly performed leading to your resulting scarring. Hair removal should not cause scarring, especially to a level that it would take "years" to go away.

I would like to be of assistance in this matter and could recommend physicians for you to see. Please feel free to contact me as soon as possible.

J.E.B. Pickett

Righetti Wynne

(800) 447-5549

[email protected]

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Answered on 11/13/02, 6:59 pm
Jeffrey D. Olster Russakow, Ryan & Johnson

Re: Laser Scars

If the scarring was caused by the procedure, you are probably entitled to more than $500. And they will not even refund what you paid? That is ridiculous.

You should obtain medical treatment for the scarring as soon as possible.

I would be happy to speak with you about pursuing your claim.

Jeff Olster

Russakow, Ryan & Johnson,

A Professional Law Corporation

225 S. Lake Avenue, 8th Floor

Pasadena, California 91101

626.683.8869

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Answered on 11/13/02, 7:12 pm


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