When using laser resurfacing for patients with skin of color (Fitzpatrick types 4 to 6), use caution, said Dr. Andrew Alexis at the 10th annual meeting of the Orlando Dermatology Aesthetic and Clinical Conference.
Traditional approaches to laser resurfacing for acne scarring can lead to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring in patients with darker skin types, said Dr. Alexis. But two main steps can considerably reduce the risk of adverse effects: choosing the appropriate laser and taking pre- and post-treatment precautions.
In a video interview with Skin & Allergy News, Dr. Alexis shares his laser recommendations, tips on technique, and treatment suggestions for before and after the procedure.
Dr. Alexis is the director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, and associate professor of clinical dermatology at Columbia University in New York.