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Laser Treatment for Asian or Black Skin

lASER TREATMENTS FOR ASIAN OR BLACK SKIN

If you have asian or black skin, beware! Firstly ensure that the person treating your skin has dealt with pigmented skin before. There are specific lasers used to minimise risk for pigmented skin. Darker skin types are at higher risk of complications if inappropriate IPL or lasers are used. As lasers and IPL work by targeting the pigment (melanin) in the follicle, these lasers may also target the pigment in the normal cells of the skin. This can result in superficial burns which leave pigmentation of the skin for many months and sometimes for years in a few unlucky patients. For this reason patients with pigmented skin should be very cautious if having treatments with IPL for excessive hair. My preference is to use only lasers  on asian and black patients so minimising the potential for complications and providing the best results. Having a tan can also significantly increase the risk of complications in all patients particularly with the use of IPL and also some lasers.

Best Skin Clinic in Wales Cardiff-Newport-Bridgend-South-Wales-Bristol-London-Cheltenham-Gloucester-England-United-KingdomThere is a subset of asian patients who have very fine facial hair which they still find unsightly. If you fall into this category be sure that the correct laser is being used to treat this problem. If the standard lasers or IPL are used you may find that months into your treatment the result is poor. Worse yet, you may find that you get a paradoxical increase in hair growth in the treated area or even slightly beyond it.

If you have been having treatment after treatment for excessive facial hair and not getting the results you had wished for you may have an underlying hormonal problem such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Patients with this condition will get improvement with laser treatment but they may require more treatments than those who do not have this problem.

Remember laser and IPL  hair removal are medical treatments using medical devices that can cause side effects and complications. The person treating you should have the training required to understand and manage all the potential problems associated with these treatments. Also ensure that they understand how to obtain the best results for your hair and skin type.

For more information you can visit our New Specialist Skin Clinic website.

To arrange a consultation contact us today.