Hello. Looking to get fractional co2 laser (ultrapulse co2 fractional laser) done on my skin. I am a fitzpatrick 4-5 skin tone. Is this safe? I have requested the lowest possible settings (low density and low number of passes). I am also using antiviral and antibacterial before. Am I still at risk for permanent hypopigmentation/hyperpigmentation, or am i safe using this gentle approach despite being darker.
Answer: CO2 laser Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI are at a higher risk for complications with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, including hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). The risk of these complications can be reduced by using lower energy settings, as you have requested, but it's important to understand that there is still a risk of these complications, even with the lowest settings.
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Answer: CO2 laser Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI are at a higher risk for complications with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, including hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). The risk of these complications can be reduced by using lower energy settings, as you have requested, but it's important to understand that there is still a risk of these complications, even with the lowest settings.
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Answer: A Healthy Dose Of "Buyer Beware" Advised When Considering Fraxel Lasers--Particularly In Skin Of Color First, it would be helpful to know exactly what problem you are treating. Nevertheless, let me repeat what I have been cautioning my regular followers about for quite a few years already. Despite the heavy marketing and social media hype to promote relatively expensive fraxel lasers (and RF devices, as well, for that matter), the hard science to back up the claims for these "bells and whistles" gizmos unfortunately lags far behind the hard science to justify them. So, "buyer beware." On an additional note, directly to your question, the more pigmented, the person's normal. the more pigment there is to absorb the laser light and thus the greater the risk for dyspigmentation problems, either hypoppigmentation or hyperpigmentation, both of which can be long-term or permanent. If you are treating acne scars, there are methods, such as Field Subcision, individual subcisions, and TCA CROSS, each of which has a several decades' long track record for safety and efficacy in ALL skin types You wold be wise to make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist before simply jumping into the deep end of the pool. Best of luck.
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Answer: A Healthy Dose Of "Buyer Beware" Advised When Considering Fraxel Lasers--Particularly In Skin Of Color First, it would be helpful to know exactly what problem you are treating. Nevertheless, let me repeat what I have been cautioning my regular followers about for quite a few years already. Despite the heavy marketing and social media hype to promote relatively expensive fraxel lasers (and RF devices, as well, for that matter), the hard science to back up the claims for these "bells and whistles" gizmos unfortunately lags far behind the hard science to justify them. So, "buyer beware." On an additional note, directly to your question, the more pigmented, the person's normal. the more pigment there is to absorb the laser light and thus the greater the risk for dyspigmentation problems, either hypoppigmentation or hyperpigmentation, both of which can be long-term or permanent. If you are treating acne scars, there are methods, such as Field Subcision, individual subcisions, and TCA CROSS, each of which has a several decades' long track record for safety and efficacy in ALL skin types You wold be wise to make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist before simply jumping into the deep end of the pool. Best of luck.
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