Laser Resurfacing for Hispanic Skin?

To effectively but safely treat dark skin, olive or darker, the safest resurfacing laser can still cause postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (darker skin). The Fraxel Restore laser has the longest track record of treating melasma which is a condition that involves darker skin and is sthe safest in treating this condition, but does not guarantee that darkening won't occur after treatment.  Test spots may be used before treatment to see the reaction in your individual skin. Sunscreens are important and skin lightening creams may be needed after before, possibly, and after the treatment to decrease the amount of postinflammatory hyperpigmenation that may result.

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 about laser procedures.  The Erbium laser treatment will definitely address texture concerns such as enlarged pores, lines and wrinkles.  You will experience an increase in collagen synthesis for up to three months following the treatment.  Collagen production allows the skin to have more elasticity and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.  Laser procedures actually aid the skin in maintaining a more youthful appearance. 
Laser procedures are safe for most skin types but it is important to have an in person consultation to make sure you are a candidate.
To be sure you receive the best treatment, see two or more experienced, licensed and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

While Laser Resurfacing can be quite helpful, combination of Botox or Dysport to minimize exacerbated facial expression and filler injection to replenish lost volume can be effective to minimize smile lines. All three approaches are considered minimally invasive, and can be synergistic under the care of an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Pre-treatment with bleaching cream and/or topical retinoid would be a must for all darker skin individuals contemplating laser resurfacing such as Fractional CO2 laser.

Any laser can cause hyperpigmentation but the fraxel would be the least likely to do so.  I would certainly pretreat the skin for 4-6 weeks prior to treatment in order to minimize the risk.

One other thing to consider - you can use a soft filler like juvederm to increase the "glide plane" between the skin and the underlying muscle.  By doing this you can decrease the wrinkles both at rest and with motion - probably not perfect but a different way to approach it and it allows you to avoid the risks of laser treatment.

Hello,

You can use Fraxel safely on Hispanic skin to stimulate collagen and improve smile lines.  Fillers like Restylane and Juvederm can improve some areas but are hard to use if the smile lines are very fine.  Botox can also be used to improve this area in low doses.  In many cases, I combine the treatments for optimal results. 

Best to have an experienced dermatologic surgeon or plastic surgeon look at the area you want treated and offer recommendations.  Good luck to you. 

Smile lines form due to a soft tissue and bone loss in the face.  Replacing volume in the mid and lateral cheek, as well as in the smile lines themselves will help minimize them.

As far as laser resurfacing that is safe and effective for olive skin, fractional erbium laser can be used safely on all types of skin for improvement of texture and wrinkle reduction.  On skin types IV through VI, I have my patients use a hydroquinone cream for two weeks prior to and two weeks after the laser resurfacing procedure as well as have them follow a strict skin care and sun avoidance regimen to minimize any chance of discoloration.