I am an African American and have sebaceous hyperplasia on my forehead. Is there any type of laser that I can use on my skin?

Question

I have had several sebaceous hyperplasia on my forehead and have tried to have them removed in various ways without success. I have heard that lasers can rid the skin of these bumps. Is there any type of laser that I can use of my skin that will help me control these bumps?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Electric needle or fractionated laser (resurfacing or non-ablative Fraxel) are usually the best. Sometimes if you have many, isotretinoin can clear these completely without recurrence.  I would suggest getting another opinion from a cosmetic dermatologist with experience treating this condition. Best, Dr. Emer.

Usha Mantha, MD · Answer

Hello
Yes for African American Fitzpatrick skin type IV , V,  I would recommend first doing in person comprehensive consultation to see if 2 or more different modalities have to be used. Its possible one may have to use a de-keratinizing solution like Domboro solution to open up the pores , followed by Laser treatment. I recommend PICO sure Laser that comes in different wavelengths and is 100% suitable for darker skin types. PICO SURE laser treatment will help to close the pores and smoothen the skin overall. Worth trying combination treatment with topical,surgical and laser combination all consecutively .
Regards
Usha Mantha MD

Mary Beth Mudd, MD · Answer

I have used the Sciton Erbium laser successfully on many patients to remove their sebaceous hyperplasia lesions. I do pre-treat with hydroquinone for a month prior to the procedure and treat with TriLuma for 3 months following the treatment. You could try checking the Sciton website to get names of physicians in your area and then contact their offices to ascertain the level of experience with this problem. Ask to see photos of patients with similar skin type and problem level before you choose the physician to do your procedure. Best wishes, Mary Beth Mudd

I am an African American and have sebaceous hyperplasia on my forehead. Is there any type of laser that I can use on my skin?

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Answer: Sebaceous Hyperplasia on African-American skin

Answer: Sebaceous Hyperplasia on African-American skin

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I am an African American and have sebaceous hyperplasia on my forehead. Is there any type of laser that I can use on my skin?

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Answer: Sebaceous Hyperplasia on African-American skin

Answer: Sebaceous Hyperplasia on African-American skin

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