Aggressive ProFractional Laser Resurfacing on Ethnic Skin

Hello,

I am an African American male who is about to undergo a full face profractional treatment (3 sessions) for melasma/hyperpigmentation and enlarge pores. My doctor did a test spot on an area where I have alot of hyperpigmentation and everything went well, but I see no improvement. The profractional treatment seemed to be not aggressive at all.

She set the setting at 250 depth, but my question to you is, is it safe with my complexion to do more passes with the laser or increase the area covered by the laser? With those small dots so spaced out, it seems like it will be very hard to determine if there are any results.

P.S. I'm also using DesOwen before and after treatment and 8% hydroquinone to prevent pih. Please help!

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hyperpigmentation melasma African American

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Asked by anon

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jamey111 20 Mar 2013

Hi, I'm a laser tech at a cosmetic laser center, I'm not a doctor, but I'd like to help answer your questions. It sounds to me like you're receiving a great treatment. The 8% hydroquinone that you're on is the best product you will possibly use, and in my experience works even better than a profractional treatment. The combination of 8% hydroquionone (no lower) and profractional is the best treatment for your skin type and should have great results. One warning, hydroquionone is a photo sensitive medication and can actually cause the hyperpigmentation you're trying to fix. So, it's very important to wear sunblock. As far as your question about the aggressiveness of the profractional, going deeper would not provide a better out come. The person who did your treatment went to the correct depth for pigment issues. Pigment issues are usually located in the top 200 microns of the skin, so going to a depth of 250 is perfect. Going deeper would treat issues such as wrinkles, but not be as effective on hyperpigmention. Also you don't want to cover more area when treating a pigment issue as this can cause further hyperpigmentation. It sounds like you are being treated very well and I hope you have great results!