What is the best type of laser for asian skin to improve texture and uneven skin tone?

Question

My skin looks rough. I do not have acne and my skin is pretty clear. I'm 26 but my skin looks old and dull. Idk if it's the discoloration or my dark circles but my skin does not look nice. Help! What procedure works on asian skin? I was told to stay away from CO2 for my skin tone. I'm looking to brighten my skin, even out skin tone and soften my skin. Maybe microneedling?

Arnold Almonte, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question. Being Asian myself, Filipino, I’m acutely aware of the risks of treating Asian skin with lasers. In my view, the risk of hyperpigmentation is too great. I would avoid lasers completely. Microneedling is my treatment of choice. It can refreshen and rejuvenate your skin without the risk of hyperpigmentation. You still need to protect yourself from sun exposure. Maintaining your skin daily with some choice products should also be part of your overall treatment regimen. I also recommend developing a good relationship with a medical esthetician. All the best!

William Groff, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are correct that not all laser devices would be safe or effective for your skin tone. However, some pulse dye and pico-second lasers could be beneficial for rejuvenating Asian skin and reducing minor imperfections. RF microneedling is another good option and often my go-to for creating a more vibrant, healthy glow. The procedure creates micro-injuries in the skin, boosting collagen and other healing properties for fresher skin from the inside out. Make sure you work with a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in treating Asian skin tones to ensure your procedure is both safe and effective.

Christopher W. Robb, MD, PhD · Answer

Halo HFL by Sciton would be what I would recommend in my clinic.   Low risk for PIH (with the right settings) and is completely different than a CO2 laser.    Halo could address texture and pigment in the session with little down time.

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. I have treated numerous Asian patients for a variety of skin concerns, including uneven texture and tone. I often recommend RF microneedling, since it produces very good results without the risk of hyperpigmentation. However, pulse dye lasers like the Vbeam and pico-second lasers like the PicoWay can also be safe and effective choices for Asian skin. I encourage you to find a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in treating ethnic skin tones like yours. Through an in-person assessment and frank discussion of your concerns and goals, your physician should be able to customize a treatment that achieves excellent results with minimal risk involved.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

at home peels and mirorolling would be great for you now and regular maintenance, but halo or fraxel every 3-4 months does great for younger clients.
For facial rejuvenation,  I would suggest a combination approach of 
1) skin care with products and PRP/microneedling
2) PDT light therapy few times a month with growth factors
3) laser treatments like clear and brilliant regularly and a few times a year Fraxel/halo Viva, Co2/Erbium
4) Sculptra injections a few times a year for collagen production with fillers like juvederm/restylane/belotero/radiesse/bellafill
5) thermage/ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone based instalift threads for lifting
6) botox every 2-3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at rest
7) deep microneedling RF like Fractora/morpheus8 for tightening of the skin
8) Vascular laser like vbeam/excel V or BBL forever young treatment every quarter (3-4 months)
Best, Dr. Emer.

Tuan A. Tran, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photo. 
An in-office or virtual examination is needed to fully evaluate your options. It is best to avoid lasers for more pigmented skin tones. A good option to explore is RF microneedling. This multi-session procedure utilizes very fine sterile needles in combination with radiofrequency heat to penetrate the skin. This combination amplifies collagen and elastin production to improve texture, discoloration, tightness for an overall rejuvenated effect. In the meantime and after treatments, applying sunscreen daily is essential to prevent pigmentation and early aging. For more in-depth information and recommendations, please contact our office or consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 
Best of luck from Tran Plastic Surgery!

What is the best type of laser for asian skin to improve texture and uneven skin tone?

Answers (6)

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