Over the past 10 years, there has been a paradigm shift in facial rejuvenation. With the growth of new technology and products, there has been an increased ability to improve a patient’s appearance with procedures that can be performed in an office setting, including laser procedures. Demand for these procedures has grown among all ethnic groups. Therefore, it is important to understand the issues related to laser and light therapy for patients with all skin types.

There are several issues related to treating patients with ethnic skin. Depending on multiple factors, patients with ethnic skin can have varying response to lasers. This factor should be considered when planning their treatment.

Patients with ethnic skin are at greater risk for post-treatment pigment-related issues through at least 3 mechanisms. The first mechanism is the increased unanticipated laser energy absorption by melanin, or incidental absorption laser energy by melanin as a competing chromophore. The second is greater risk for problems with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. The third is loss of pigment due to laser effects on melanin production or the melanocyte population, leading to hypopigmentation.

Considering this, any laser therapy should be planned carefully, especially in the treatment of patients with darker skin types as there are increased associated risks. In addition to this edition of the Clinics , further information can be found in other publications.