Can laser treatment for acne scars go wrong?

Yes, laser treatment for acne scars can go wrong. Problems may happen if the laser device is unsuitable, the settings are too strong, the treatment depth is wrong, the patient’s skin type is not properly assessed or the clinic fails to give proper aftercare.

Laser energy works by creating a controlled injury to the skin. This can encourage the body’s natural healing response and collagen production. The aim is usually to make acne scars smoother and improve uneven texture.

However, if the treatment is performed negligently, it can damage the skin rather than improve it. Patients may be left with burns, inflammation, worsened acne scars, pigmentation changes or infection.

If your injury followed laser skin resurfacing, our page on laser skin resurfacing compensation claims explains when legal action may be possible.

How does laser treatment for acne scars work?

Laser resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser technology to treat the skin’s surface and deeper layers, depending on the treatment plan. The laser may remove or heat damaged skin so that new skin can form during recovery.

For acne scars, laser resurfacing may be used to soften scar edges, improve skin texture and support collagen production. The treatment works best when the clinic assesses the type of scars, the patient’s skin type and the treatment depth needed.

The NHS explains that acne scarring can include rolling scars, boxcar scars and ice pick scars, and that laser treatment can be used to treat mild to moderate acne scarring. Read the NHS acne complications guidance.

Laser treatment cannot always remove acne scars completely. Patients should be given realistic expectations about likely improvement, the healing process, risks and whether several sessions may be needed.

What are the recognised side effects of laser acne scar treatment?

Recognised side effects may include redness, swelling, irritation, sensitivity, discomfort and temporary changes in the treated skin. Some patients may also experience scabbing or crusting, depending on the laser device and treatment depth.

These symptoms can be part of recovery, especially after more intensive laser resurfacing. The skin may heal at its own pace, and redness can last longer for some patients.

A recognised side effect is not the same as negligence. However, the clinic should explain potential risks, aftercare instructions and warning signs before treatment.

The NHS advises patients to ask what can go wrong, what aftercare is available and what to do if they are unhappy with the result before having a cosmetic procedure. Find out more from the NHS cosmetic procedure guidance.

What injuries can happen if laser acne scar removal goes wrong?

When laser acne scar removal goes wrong, injuries can range from short-term irritation to lasting skin damage.

Possible injuries include:

Some outcomes may be recognised risks. Others may suggest avoidable harm if the clinic failed to follow safe practice.

How do burns happen during laser treatment?

Burns can happen when the skin receives too much heat. This may be caused by excessive laser energy, an unsuitable setting, poor handling of the laser device or treatment being performed at the wrong depth.

Burns may also happen if the clinic fails to consider the patient’s skin type, recent sun exposure, medication, active acne, inflammation or other factors that affect the skin’s health.

The NHS explains that burns and scalds should be cooled under cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible after the injury. It also explains when medical help may be needed. View the NHS burns and scalds guidance.

Laser burns should be reviewed if they are severe, blistering, infected, spreading, very painful or slow to heal.

Can laser treatment make acne scars worse?

Laser treatment aims to improve acne scars, but it can make scars worse if the skin is damaged, infected or treated too aggressively.

Worsened scars may happen where the laser treatment causes burns, delayed healing, inflammation or infection. The affected area may heal with new scars, raised scars, pitted scars or an uneven surface.

Some acne scars are also harder to treat than others. Ice pick scars, deeper scars and severe uneven texture may need a careful treatment plan and professional guidance. If a clinic promises a guaranteed result, this can be a warning sign.

Most patients should be told that improvement may take time and even a successful treatment may not leave the skin completely scar-free.

Can laser treatment cause pigmentation changes?

Yes, laser treatment can cause pigmentation changes. This may include darker patches, known as hyperpigmentation, or lighter patches, known as hypopigmentation.

Pigmentation issues may be more likely where the wrong laser settings are used, the patient’s skin type is not properly assessed, the treated skin is exposed to sun too soon or inflammation is not managed properly.

Patients with darker skin tones may need extra caution because some laser treatments can carry a higher risk of pigmentation changes. This does not mean laser treatment is never suitable, but it should be planned carefully by an experienced provider.

A clinic should explain pigmentation risk, post treatment instructions and the importance of sun protection.

Can laser treatment cause infection?

Laser treatment can cause infection if the skin barrier is damaged and bacteria enter the treated area. Infection may also be more likely where hygiene is poor, aftercare instructions are unclear or the patient is not told how to protect the skin during healing.

Signs of infection may include spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus, fever, increasing pain or skin that looks worse rather than better.

Infection alone does not automatically mean negligence. However, negligence may be considered if the clinic failed to provide proper aftercare or failed to act when signs of infection were reported.

How long does skin take to recover after laser treatment?

Recovery after laser treatment depends on the type of laser, treatment depth, skin type, treated area and the patient’s own pace of healing. A light treatment may settle more quickly than deeper laser resurfacing.

Some redness, sensitivity and irritation may last for days or weeks. More intensive resurfacing can take longer, and long term results may not be clear for a few months as collagen changes continue.

Patients should be told what recovery is likely to involve before treatment. They should also be given aftercare instructions explaining how to clean the skin, what products to avoid and when to seek help.

If the skin is worsening, very painful, infected or not healing as expected, it should be medically reviewed.

Is it normal to have scabs after laser treatment?

Scabbing or crusting can be normal after some forms of laser resurfacing. This depends on the laser used, the treatment depth and how the skin responds.

Patients should not pick at scabs, as this may increase the risk of scars, infection and pigmentation changes. The clinic should explain how to care for treated skin and when scabbing may be a concern.

Scabs should be reviewed if they are linked to severe pain, pus, spreading redness, a bad smell, fever or delayed healing.

What are the downsides and dangers of laser skin treatment?

The main downsides of laser skin treatment are that results vary, recovery may take time and complications can happen. Laser skin treatment can go wrong even when used to treat acne scars, wrinkles, pigmentation, unwanted hair or other skin concerns.

Five key dangers are:

• Burns
• Scarring
• Pigmentation changes
• Infection
• Worsened skin texture or suboptimal results

Laser hair removal and laser acne scar treatment are different procedures, but both involve laser energy and require appropriate settings, skin type assessment and safety checks. You can read more about laser hair removal compensation claims if your injury came from hair removal rather than resurfacing.

When does laser acne scar treatment gone wrong count as negligence?

Laser acne scar treatment gone wrong may be negligence if the clinic or practitioner failed to meet the expected standard of care and this caused avoidable harm.

Negligence may involve:

• Poor suitability assessment
• Failure to assess skin type
• Failure to explain risks
• Lack of informed consent
• Wrong laser device
• Unsafe laser settings
• Incorrect treatment depth
• Failure to provide post treatment instructions
• Failure to monitor the skin during the procedure
• Failure to act when complications occur

The General Medical Council says doctors carrying out cosmetic interventions should give patients clear information about risks, obtain consent and provide continuity of care where needed. Read the GMC cosmetic interventions guidance.

What duty of care does a laser clinic owe?

A laser clinic owes a duty of care before, during and after treatment.

• Before treatment, the clinic should assess suitability, skin type, acne history, medication, pigmentation risk, treatment area and realistic expectations. The patient should be told about benefits, risks, alternatives and what the procedure can achieve.
• During treatment, the practitioner should use the laser device safely, choose suitable settings, monitor the treated skin and respond if the patient reports unusual pain or if the skin reacts badly.
• After treatment, the clinic should provide proper aftercare, explain warning signs and review patients who report burns, infection, worsening scars, pigmentation issues or delayed healing.

The Care Quality Commission advises people to check providers and understand how care is regulated when choosing cosmetic surgery or procedures. Read the CQC choosing cosmetic surgery guidance.

What should you do if laser treatment goes wrong?

If laser treatment goes wrong, contact the clinic and explain your symptoms clearly. Include when they started, whether they are getting worse and how they are affecting your skin, comfort or daily life.

You should seek medical advice if you have burns, blisters, spreading redness, pus, fever, severe pain, delayed healing or signs of infection.

Take dated photographs of the treated skin. Keep copies of consent forms, aftercare instructions, appointment letters, invoices and messages with the clinic.

If your concerns are dismissed, consider seeking a second opinion from a suitably qualified medical professional.

What evidence can support a compensation claim?

Evidence can help show what happened, whether the treatment was performed safely and how the injury affected you.

Useful evidence may include:

• Before and after photos
• Dated photographs of burns, scars or pigmentation
• Clinic records
• Consent forms
• Treatment plan
• Laser settings, if available
• Aftercare instructions
• Messages with the clinic
• GP or hospital records
• Prescriptions
• A symptom timeline
• Evidence of financial losses
• Independent medical evidence

Before and after photos can be particularly important where acne scars have worsened, new scars have formed or pigmentation changes are visible.

Can you sue for laser burns or acne scar treatment injuries?

You may be able to bring a claim if negligent laser treatment caused avoidable injury. This may include laser burns, worsened acne scars, pigmentation changes, infection, scarring, prolonged sensitivity or psychological distress.

A claim is not based on disappointment alone. It usually needs evidence that the clinic failed to meet the expected standard of care and that this caused harm.

Compensation may account for pain, corrective treatment, further skin treatments, lost earnings, travel costs and the impact on confidence or wellbeing.

You can read more about laser surgery compensation claims and cosmetic surgery compensation claims if you are unsure which type of claim applies.

How Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors specialises in cosmetic treatment negligence claims. We can help investigate whether your injury was a recognised complication or whether it was caused by negligent laser treatment.

Our experienced team can review your records, gather evidence and arrange independent medical evidence where appropriate. We can also deal with the clinic, insurer or their solicitors on your behalf.

We handle many cases on a no win, no fee basis. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors achieves an approximate 95% success rate in cases pursued after obtaining supportive medical evidence.