Laser treatment on sun spots on Asian skin?

Question

I'm Asian and have sun spots on my face thinking of laser treatments. I heard the laser will bring out all the other potential sun spots underneath and there will be lots of black dots/scabs when it's healing. Also because of my skin colour , there could be marks after the treatment. Should I just do a few sun spots treatment rather than my whole face? Im scared I might end up with more spots / marks after the treatment.

Michael Kerin, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for the question - it is something that comes up frequently.  For Asian skin I would NOT recommend an IPL/BBL when there is a much safer treatment - PicoSure laser treatment.  If you can only get an IPL treatment, I would recommend a test spot first to see how your skin responds.  Asian skin can be a very challenging issue without the correct technology,
Best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Hi Ilikered,Thank you so much for your question. We have seen amazing results with BBL Photo Facial to treat sun damaged skin. Usually done in a series, BBL Photofacial uses advanced scientific technology to produce a clearer-looking skin that’s firmer, and more even in tone and texture. The light energy delivered by the BBL™ will gently heat the upper layers of your epidermis. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate new collagen production, making the skin firmer and more supple. This process will restore your skin to its natural beauty, blending your skins own natural pigment and making it smoother, vibrant and younger looking. Yes, Photo Facial will target melanin in the deeper layers of the skin, this may result in micro-crusting once the pigment has lifted. The scabbing will only last a few days and will naturally fall off, its important not to pick or touch them when they are in this healing phase. If you are a suitable candidate you should not have any marks left over, you may experience a bit of redness immediately after treatment, as photo facial is a no-downtime treatment. Its important to not expose the skin to direct sunlight after treatment and have no tan prior to treatment.I recommend having a customized consultation with an experienced Medical Esthetician and there she will be able to assess if you are a candidate for treatment!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The IPL laser combined with microneedling/prp, peeels and Cosmelan can be very effective treatments for sun spots in Asian patients. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Ramandeep Sidhu, MD · Answer

Great question. IPL treatment is best only for certain skin types. Asian skin is usually little darker so there are concerns for adverse outcome with IPL but at our practice we actually us skintel machine in addition to just looking at the skin to make sure you are a good candidate for IPL. Also there are some good melanin supressing skin care product you can use to lighten the spots. Best is to have a consultation and discuss all areas of concern.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

There are several treatments available depending on your skin type.  You would need a comprehensive medical consultation to determine what treatment would be best for your skin type.  We would be extremely hesitant performing an IPL on Asian skin.  Alternatively, PicoSure FOCUS is safe for all skin types.  We have seen dramatic improvement in hyperpigmentation with our patients.  This laser does not open the skin barrier.  You may experience redness for 0 to 4 hours.BACKGROUND:  The PicoFOCUS gently delivers bursts of energy deep in the dermis without causing harm to the overlaying skin.  The pulses work to break up pigment and stimulates new collagen and elastin production.  Your body’s own healing process sweeps away older, damaged tissue and ramps up skin turnover.  Some pigment will actually travel to the surface making it initially appear darker.  We normally recommend a series of 4 treatments; 1 every 4 weeks.  Do not be concerned if your pigment goes away and then comes back within days to weeks; pigment is usually multiple layers deep and clears layer by layer.