Best Laser Resurfacing Treatment for Asian Skin?

asked 3 years ago by hana in tx
Latest answer by M. Christine Lee, MD
Question viewed 9,175 times
Tags: Asian, ethnic

5 answers to Best Laser Resurfacing Treatment for Asian Skin?

Non-ablative fractional Erbium Laser Resurfacing is safer for Asian skin

The main risks of laser resurfacing Asian skin is the risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and eventual hypopigmentation. CO2 lasers have a greater risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation than do Erbium lasers. Flat beam lasers have more risk of PIH and hypopigmentation than do fractional lasers. Ablative lasers generally have more risk of PIH and hypopigmentation than do non-ablative lasers. Therefore, if you need laser resurfacing I would use low... more

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

There are different ways to treat Asian skin

Asian skin and other ethnic skin varieties are more likely to develop sun spots vs wrinkles. This is in contrast to caucasians. This predilection is related to varying degrees of skin color. People of color typically have different risks when it comes to anything done on their skin. They are more likely to get darker after any manipulation of their skin so you have to be very careful with ethnic skin. In general, I approach Asian skin conservatively. Laser resurfacing can be done, but the... more

Philip Young, MD
Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon

Experience more important than the laser!

Treating ethnic skin for scar, wrinkles or pigmentation issues is very demanding. You will want to work with either a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has experience treating such skin types. You need to be extra concerned about the risk of burns and bad scar formation. In general, I always start with a low dose, test patch. I typically use a variety of topical medications to enhance the results and protect the skin. Remember, experience is far more important than the system!... more

Julius W. Few, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

It depends on what you are treating scarring or fine lines

It all depends on the level of scarring or fine lines. Textural changes do not need as much energy as deeper scars. All treatments have a risk of increasing Asian skin pigmentation and this can last for many months to more than a year, but usually is reduced with time and prescription creams.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist