Is Clear & Brilliant laser safe for dark brown skin? Does it cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Question

I read that Fraxel can cause PIH in dark skin but Clear & Brilliant laser which is like a baby fraxel is safer for dark skin. I’ve had a glycolic 70% peel burn 5 years ago and I still have PIH blotchy skin from that. I’m scared of something similar happening again. So is Clear & Brilliant laser safe for my dark skin? I’m a Fitzpatrick 5 I guess. Please advise if I should do Clear & Brilliant laser to reduce my PIH from the chemical burn and will it be safe for my skin?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Clear and Brilliant is an excellent laser system that I use frequently in my office. I would combine the laser with Melarase PM Arbutin to help reduce the risk of PIH and skin discoloration.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

W. John Bull, MD · Answer

Clear + Brilliant is fantastic for all skin types because it is attracted to water in the skin, and not melanin. A series of 4-6 treatments should help to improve your PIH. Using proper products at home is imperative---hydroquinone to suppress melanin, brightening agents such as vitamin C, azelaic acid, arbutin, kojic acid and of course a physical sunblock.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Clear and Brilliant laser is safe for richly pigmented complexions but pretreatment with tretinoin cream or azelaic acid and strict sun protection is necessary. It will not lighten PIH. Please consult a cosmetic dermatologist who can advise appropriate fading lasers and fading creams for PIH.

Susan Van Dyke, MD · Answer

One of my favorite treatments for darker skin types, prone to PIH (post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation) is Clear and Brilliant. We have over a decade of experience with this technology. Having said this the treatment alone is not the solution. One has to balance sun protection, proper skin care to reduce reactive skin, and possible prescriptives to block excess pigment.  This is a long term gentle approach, not an overnight fix. Get an experienced provider (dermatologists are trained in this!)  and have patience. results are worth it.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Clear + Brilliant is a gentle fractionated laser treatment that can be used in all skin types. Clear + Brilliant Permea combined with sunprotection and antioxidants would help with the hyperpigmentation.

Gregory P. Antoniak, MD, FRCSC (retired) · Answer

Yes, Clear & Brilliant is safe for all skin types, including dark skin. This treatment will actually help improve PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation). This is a preventative and corrective treatment as it helps brighten the skin as well as improve the appearance of pores, superficial texture and fine lines. We recommend a series of 3-4 treatments accompanied with brightening topical skin care for best results.

Is Clear & Brilliant laser safe for dark brown skin? Does it cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Answers (6)