Do you recommend laser resurfacing for African American skin? (Photos)

Question

Hello. I’m a 33 year old dark skinned African American female. I have been researching laser resurfacing for hyperpigmentation. These are dark spots left behind by hormonal acne but not necessarily scarring. I was prescribed 4% hydroquinone with Retin A by a dermatologist and I had a light chemical peel before. These worked ok but I really want a clean slate. I keep reading contradicting views on the safety of lasers (particularly fraxel) and which are best for darker AA skin tones. Please help.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello Nikki.  Thanks for your question.  We would not recommend laser treatments for you.  Yes, we have lasers that can help with dark acne scars but they are more expensive and don't work better or faster than our 8% hydroquinone.

You mentioned wanting to have a "clean slate".  Part of the issue is that you are still have active acne.  So, even if you were able to get rid of the scars you have currently, your acne would need to be completely under control to maintain a "clean slate".  We recommend using the hydroquinone to remove the spots you have currently and to help minimize the ones that will show up with new acne in the future.

William Groff, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question. Laser treatments for African American skin require a great deal of expertise and experience to know which devices work best without causing unwanted side effects. In my practice, we offer more than 50 different lasers that allow us to customize treatments to the precise needs and skin tone of all our patients for the best possible outcomes. Rest assured that under the supervision of an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, you can see significant improvement in your skin without worry over additional damage.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and posting your photograph. Dark skin has more risk of problems compared to light skin. One method to improve the irregular skin pigmentation and improve the skin texture would be using the YAG laser LightPod Neo. Another option would be using an Erbium laser with non-ablative treatment. These lasers could be used in combination. See a facial specialist who is highly experienced with lasers and dark skin.
Good luck,

William LoVerme, MD · Answer

There are few lasers that can be used in black or African American skin. The LaseMD, a new class of Thullium laser, is one of the best options. Any laser will need to be done at a gentle setting and a series of treatments will give the most improvement. The LaseMD will improve the tone, texture and pigment of the skin.

Yael Halaas, MD · Answer

CO2 lasering is usually not recommended for darker skin.  However, there are treatments available to help improve overall skin texture and tone such as microneedling and fractional radio frequency.  I suggest scheduling a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can discuss your options and help you decide which is best for you.

Do you recommend laser resurfacing for African American skin? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Laser for black skin

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Answer: Laser Resurfacing

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Do you recommend laser resurfacing for African American skin? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Laser for black skin

Answer: Laser for black skin

Answer: Laser Resurfacing

Answer: Laser Resurfacing

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.