I’m a 27 y.o. Asian male with enlarged pores, rough skin texture, and prematurely-aged skin. Is ICON 1540 safe? (photos)

Question

My skin has prematurely aged, skin texture has become rough & dull, & most of my pores have become enlarged due to a significant decline in facial laxity & collagen/elastin. I’m scheduled to be treated with ICON 15/40, but am wary of how this laser fares w/ people of Asian descent. I expressly want to avoid PIH/other post-procedural complications. For providers with experience in treating East Asian patients, is ICON 15/40 recommended? Are there better wavelengths?

William Groff, DO · Answer

This laser could be a safe option for Asian skin as long as the proper settings are used. I advise you to look at the experience and expertise of the doctor before the device to ensure your procedure is both safe and successful. In my practice, we use more than 50 laser and light devices, which allow us to customize treatments to the precise needs of each patient. I also have extensive training and experience working with Asian skin, so I know which devices and which settings will work the best for these patients. If you are working with a board-certified dermatologist who treats many Asian patients, you should see a good result from your procedure.

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

A combination approach will give the most improvement. I recommend lasers, microneedling/PRP, Cosmelan, peels and skin care. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  We use our ICON 1540 on skin types safely.  Our physician closely monitors and adjusts our treatment protocols for patients based on outside temperature / seasons.  Depending on your unique situation, we would probably recommend the PicoSure FOCUS or the ICON for you.  Both can be used safely on all skin types.  I hope this helps.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Agree with both Laura and Jason, 1540, 1550 and or 1927 can help, as can RF and even off label Botox - topicals. Discussion with your Derm or plastics required to understand risk benefit ratio of each modality. Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

I’m a 27 y.o. Asian male with enlarged pores, rough skin texture, and prematurely-aged skin. Is ICON 1540 safe? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Depends on the Provider...

Answer: Depends on the Provider...

Answer: Pores, lasers, peels and others.

Answer: Pores, lasers, peels and others.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fractional Laser

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

I’m a 27 y.o. Asian male with enlarged pores, rough skin texture, and prematurely-aged skin. Is ICON 1540 safe? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Depends on the Provider...

Answer: Depends on the Provider...

Answer: Pores, lasers, peels and others.

Answer: Pores, lasers, peels and others.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fractional Laser

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