Broken Capillaries and Redness on Dark Skin, Which Laser is Best?

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

Thank you for your question. The YAG is good for individual vessels, but for diffuse redness on dark skin, the Vbeam Perfecta is usually the gold standard, but it too has a limit on how dark the skin may be  for safe treatment.   Be certain to be under the supervision of a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with expertise in laser surgery and ethnic skin for the most effective and safe treatments. I hope this helps.

Patients with darker skin must be careful when selecting a laser treatment.  This is where a consultation with a knowledgeable provider is key to make sure that you not only get the results that you want, but avoid the possible complications as well.

There are a variety of lasers that can work. However, treating dark skin can be tricky so ensure that you are going to an experienced and expert laser specialist.

Small blood vessels on darker skinned patients become a problem when the wrong laser is chosen. The KTP and the pulsed dye laser work great on lighter skinned individuals but may not be the first choice for darker skin.  The 1064 nm laser can be used here, although it may take additional treatments to get the desired effect since the hemoglobin absorption in that wavelength is not as good as the other devices.  And the IPL can also be used, be skilled individuals.

The Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm is used for hair removal and vascular lesions and capillaries in dark skin. It works well but go to an experienced laser practitioner for best results as can be a little tricky.

Laser on dark skin should be addressed by a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon who performs laser on a regular basis.  There are many types of lasers used for different problems.  Consult with your Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon to discuss your best option.

The 1064 Nd:YAG laser is quite effective for permanent laser hair reduction as well as treatment of vascular lesions in dark skin.

Be sure that you discuss your goals and concerns with your cosmetic surgeon.