Renowned Pakistani actress Asma Abbas, who has earned acclaim for her decades-long work in the entertainment industry, recently revealed a painful and unexpected ordeal resulting from a skin treatment gone wrong. The veteran actress opened up about her experience in a recent YouTube vlog, sharing details about how a procedure intended to treat facial freckles led to serious skin complications.
Background: Asma Abbas — A Veteran of Pakistani Showbiz
Asma Abbas is a senior actress in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, known for her powerful roles in dramas such as Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, Dastaan, and Khushboo Ka Ghar. A sister of iconic actress Bushra Ansari and mother of actress Zara Noor Abbas, Asma has long been admired for her grace, versatility, and candid personality.
Having battled cancer bravely in the past, Asma Abbas has remained active in showbiz and social media, where she frequently shares her life experiences, thoughts on current affairs, and health updates with her fans.
What Happened: Skin Treatment That Led to a Severe Reaction
In her latest vlog, Asma Abbas recounted her experience with a cosmetic skin procedure to treat hereditary freckles on her face. She explained that the freckles, which had been present since her youth, had gradually become more visible with age, prompting her to seek dermatological intervention.
On the advice of a doctor, she underwent a cauterization procedure — a common dermatological treatment where the top layer of skin is burned using heat or chemicals to reduce pigmentation and marks. The method is considered effective for lightening freckles, moles, and other pigmented spots, but it requires extreme post-care vigilance to prevent infections or allergic reactions.
The Allergic Reaction: From Normal to Alarming Overnight
Asma noted that immediately after the procedure, things seemed to be under control. Her skin appeared slightly red, as expected after cauterization. However, problems arose later that same evening when she applied a facial mask—something she believed would help calm and soothe her skin post-treatment.
“I used a face mask that night, thinking it would help… But within a few hours, my face turned red and started itching badly,” Asma said in her vlog.
The mask triggered a severe allergic reaction, causing her skin to develop extreme redness, inflammation, itching, and blotchy spots. By the next morning, her face had become visibly irritated and swollen, compelling her to seek immediate medical assistance.
Medical Treatment and Recovery Process
Upon consulting her dermatologist, Asma was informed that she had experienced a strong allergic reaction due to premature use of a facial mask on healing skin. The doctors prescribed anti-allergy medications, topical creams, and advised complete skin rest.
Asma mentioned that her treatment is ongoing and her recovery will take time. She expressed gratitude for the support of her medical team and family, but also emphasized that the experience has been both emotionally and physically distressing.
An Important Message: Be Cautious with Skin Procedures
Asma Abbas made the conscious decision to go public with her story, not for sympathy, but as a cautionary tale for others considering cosmetic skin treatments.
“I am sharing this experience not to gain attention, but to warn people — especially women — to be extremely careful after such treatments. Always consult your doctor before applying anything on your face post-treatment,” she said.
She also appealed to her fans to pray for her recovery, adding that such incidents can happen to anyone, even under medical supervision.
Understanding Cauterization: Benefits and Risks
What Is Cauterization in Dermatology?
Cauterization is a dermatological treatment used to remove warts, skin tags, moles, or reduce pigmentation by destroying targeted skin tissue. It involves the use of electric current (electrocautery) or chemicals (like silver nitrate).
Risks of Cauterization:
- Skin Burns or Scarring
- Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation
- Infection if aftercare is ignored
- Allergic reactions to products applied post-procedure
It is crucial to follow strict aftercare protocols recommended by dermatologists, including avoiding makeup, facial masks, and any non-prescribed topical creams for at least a few days post-procedure.
The Importance of Post-Treatment Skin Care
Asma’s experience underscores a common mistake many people make — assuming that natural or commercial skincare products are harmless. However, after undergoing any skin procedure, even commonly used products can react adversely due to the skin’s heightened sensitivity.
Experts recommend:
- Using only doctor-recommended products
- Avoiding exposure to sunlight
- Not using exfoliating or scented items for at least 48–72 hours
- Staying hydrated and eating skin-friendly foods
Fan Support and Industry Reactions
Asma Abbas’s video quickly garnered attention, with fans and fellow actors expressing concern and support. Messages of love and prayers flooded the comment sections on her social media accounts.
Prominent figures from the Pakistani entertainment industry, including her daughter Zara Noor Abbas, also spoke up in support. Zara reposted her mother’s vlog with a message urging fans to value health and listen to expert advice carefully, especially when dealing with skin.
Cosmetic Trends and Risks in Pakistan
In recent years, the trend of non-surgical cosmetic treatments in Pakistan has grown significantly. From laser facials to skin whitening injections and plasma therapy, more and more people are opting for quick-fix beauty solutions.
However, dermatologists warn that the unregulated use of treatments, especially in beauty salons or clinics without certified professionals, can lead to irreversible damage. Cases like Asma Abbas’s highlight the need for public awareness and regulation in the cosmetic treatment industry.
Final Thoughts: A Lesson for All
Asma Abbas’s honesty about her painful experience is both courageous and commendable. It not only highlights the risks associated with skin treatments but also serves as a valuable reminder about the importance of professional consultation and aftercare.
As cosmetic procedures become more accessible, it’s imperative that individuals educate themselves about both the benefits and the potential side effects, ensuring that beauty does not come at the cost of health.
