Which type of skin has better results?
Typicaly, the lighter skin types do better with CO2 laser resurfacing because the laser can cause pigment changes in darker skin. That being said, darker skin can be treated if it's done carefully with the knowledge that there may be a long recovery dealing with pigment issues. One must weight the risk of pigmentation vs the benefit of the laser treatment to decide if it's worth it. Consult with an experienced physician to get an opinion of your specific skin type and options. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."
Absolutely. In fact this is the MOST important factor we consider prior to laser resurfacing. Fractional CO2 can be used on all skin types, however the side effects, even when conservative low density (low percentage) modes are used on darker skin types are higher than in lighter skin types. If you have Caucasian type 1-2 Skin, your results will be better than with darker skin types because we can be slightly more 'aggressive' but sill remain safe. If you have darker skin, I use either 1. Fractional Co2 or 2. Fractional erbium. I do use fully ablative erbium laser in Type 3-4, but not CO2.Bottom line- skin type does matter. All the best Dr Davin S. LimLaser and cosmetic dermatologistBRISBANE, Australia.
