Pulsed-Dye Laser for Asian Skin Acne Scarring Doctor Answers, Tips
Pulsed Dye Laser: Q&A
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Pulsed-Dye Laser for Asian Skin Acne Scarring

Happy new years everyone! I am a 26 year old male half Italian and half Japanese with mild acne scarring.My dermatologist said he would use Pulsed-Dye Laser on my scarring but there is a chance I could get post hyper pigmentation because of my asian skin.He also told me to lose my tan before I come back. I'm very light skinned/pale naturally but in the summer I get pretty dark due to working in the sun.Would you guys recommend PDL treatment for me? Would hyper pigmentation be permanent?Thanks

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age 25-34 face hyperpigmentation Asian male
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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Andrew84a in Sacramento CA
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Treating Acne Scars with Pulsed Dye Laser in Asian Skin

It is important to make a distinction between true acne scars and discoloration from acne breakouts.  True acne scars will need to be treated with a resurfacing laser (not a pulsed dye laser), or other methods to "fill in" the scar.  The pulsed dye laser (Vbeam, etc) is effective in many patients who have pink, purple, or red discoloration from previous acne.  It is safe on Asian skin, as long as the settings are adjusted appropriately. You should always see a... more
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Pulsed-Dye Laser Can Work for Asian Skin

Acne scarring on Asian skin may be treated by a Pulsed-Dye laser. The results cannot be predicted without a consultation. The effectiveness really depends on the darkness of your skin. Lighter skin will generally have a quicker result as fewer treatments at a higher intensity may be administered. When the skin is dark, it becomes difficult and a longer process with more treatments with a lower energy. When you are ready to undergo any aesthetic procedure, it is best to have a... more
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Pulsed Dye Laser for Asians?

Hi Andrew.  Before we comment on whether or not the pulsed dye laser is appropriate for you, we would like to know if your MD is treating red based scars.  Pulsed dye lasers are most commonly used and are best for vascular (red) acne scars, as opposed to textured scars. Your practitioner is correct in letting you know about hyperpigmentation and also that you should get this treatment when you are NOT tanned.  Hyperpgimentation is generally not permanent, but you... more
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Comments (1)

chiasnguy 9 Feb 2013
I had laser skin resurfacing in October for acne scars. My doctor said she used erbium on my cheek where I had deeper scars and fraxel for the rest of my face. I was pretreated with hydroquinone to prevent hyperpigmentation which I was really concerned about. It's been 3 months and what a rough recovery. I did not expect the downtime to be so long. Going into it she said I would be presentable in a month. WRONG!The most troublesome side effects were redness and hyperpigmentation. Redness all over my face but especially on my cheeks and brownish discoloration on my cheeks,temples and mostly where she used the Erbium. I followed the after care instructions: wore sunscreen, stayed out of the sun and had to wear make up (which is very distressing for a guy). To say that it was very disruptive to my social and recreational life is an understatement. Long story short, it's been 3 months and while the redness started to subside, it was blotchy. I was more red in areas where she really went deep. The hyperpigmentation got lighter but still obvious. I was so sick of it so I consulted another clinic and they recommended MELANAGE peel. It's been a week after the peel and so far I'm it looks like I will be HAPPY with the results. It did not hurt, but the first 3 days I was peeling like crazy and very red. This made me feel rather depressed and worried that I would have to go through more downtime. BUT after that the redness lessened and I could tell the brown discoloration has lightened significantly. I'm still peeling minimally and continuing with the creams they gave me. The results take up to 8 weeks for full effect. I'm very satisfied with the results so far. My skin looks more even, the pores are much smaller and the discoloration is lighter. In hindsight I'm still not sure if the laser surgery was worth the downtime. The scars have gotten shallower and my doctor says benefits from laser continue up to 6 months. I am certain though that I would not want to relive the past 3 months.

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