I have icepick acne scarring on my cheeks and jawline. I would like to undergo laser skin resurfacing but I have heard that it is a risky procedure for darker skintones because of possible post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or burns. Is there a CO2 resurfacing laser or other laser which is safe on dark skin? what results can I expect?
February 6, 2017
Answer: Acne scar laser treatments in darker skin types I treat all skin types in my practice for acne scars. I agree that laser resurfacing should be considered with caution in Fitzpatrick skin types 3 or darker. With fairer African American skin tones similar to a light skinned Indian, Hispanic or Asian I do fractional Erbium or Fraxel Repair 1325 micron (fractionated CO2). For medium or darker, I would not recommend Erbium or CO2 and instead just fractionated 1540nm or fractionated RF (such as the eMatrix. In addition, if uncertain, whichever treatment you choose, unless the physician is confident and has treated many patients previously with your exact skin type (and has pictures to prove it), try a test spot treatment on the side of your face or behind your ear.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
February 6, 2017
Answer: Acne scar laser treatments in darker skin types I treat all skin types in my practice for acne scars. I agree that laser resurfacing should be considered with caution in Fitzpatrick skin types 3 or darker. With fairer African American skin tones similar to a light skinned Indian, Hispanic or Asian I do fractional Erbium or Fraxel Repair 1325 micron (fractionated CO2). For medium or darker, I would not recommend Erbium or CO2 and instead just fractionated 1540nm or fractionated RF (such as the eMatrix. In addition, if uncertain, whichever treatment you choose, unless the physician is confident and has treated many patients previously with your exact skin type (and has pictures to prove it), try a test spot treatment on the side of your face or behind your ear.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
February 6, 2017
Answer: Resurfacing darker skinned patients I do not use traditional resurfacing lasers on very dark skinned patients as the risk of significant (and possibly permanent) hyper pigmentation is too high. I have used a radio frequency device (eMatrix), however, in these patients with very good results. The main advantage with this type of system is there is virtually no risk of pigment alteration. The disadvantage of this system is the need for multiple treatments to improve scarring and/or pigmentation. Good luck.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
February 6, 2017
Answer: Resurfacing darker skinned patients I do not use traditional resurfacing lasers on very dark skinned patients as the risk of significant (and possibly permanent) hyper pigmentation is too high. I have used a radio frequency device (eMatrix), however, in these patients with very good results. The main advantage with this type of system is there is virtually no risk of pigment alteration. The disadvantage of this system is the need for multiple treatments to improve scarring and/or pigmentation. Good luck.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
