Skip to main content
Top
Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 6/2010

01-12-2010 | Review Article

Laser Treatment of Dark Skin

An Updated Review

Authors: Sona Shah, Dr Tina S. Alster

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 6/2010

Login to get access

Abstract

The growing diversification of the patient population coupled with the increasing demand for cosmetic laser rejuvenation has highlighted the need to develop cutaneous laser systems and establish treatment protocols for patients with a wide range of skin conditions and phototypes. Recent technologic advancements have provided viable treatment options to achieve clinical outcomes that were previously only attainable in patients with lighter skin tones. This review provides an updated discussion of the range of laser treatments available for pigmented skin and sets the stage for further advancements.
Pigment-specific laser technology with green, red, or near-infrared light targets a variety of pigmented lesions such as lentigines, ephelides, café-au-lait macules, and melanocytic nevi as well as tattoos and unwanted hair. Short-pulsed alexandrite, ruby, and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers are used for pigmented lesions and tattoos, whereas their longer pulse-width laser counterparts are used for laser-assisted hair removal. Vascular lesions and hypertrophic scars can be treated with a variety of vascular-specific lasers, but it is the pulsed dye laser (PDL) that has long been the gold standard treatment for these lesions due to its high specificity for hemoglobin and its ability to improve skin surface texture in children and adults.
Laser skin resurfacing techniques for photodamaged skin and atrophic scars have been optimized with fractional technology to produce excellent clinical outcomes and minimal complication risks. Radiofrequency and nonablative lasers are also used to provide skin tightening and collagen remodeling with virtually no postoperative recovery.
Literature
4.
go back to reference Macedo O, Alster TS. Laser treatment of darker skin tones: a practical approach. Dermatol Ther 2000; 13: 114–26CrossRef Macedo O, Alster TS. Laser treatment of darker skin tones: a practical approach. Dermatol Ther 2000; 13: 114–26CrossRef
5.
6.
go back to reference Tanzi EL, Alster TS. Cutaneous laser surgery in darker skin phototypes. Cutis 2004; 73: 21–30PubMed Tanzi EL, Alster TS. Cutaneous laser surgery in darker skin phototypes. Cutis 2004; 73: 21–30PubMed
8.
go back to reference Anderson RR. Laser-tissue interactions in dermatology. In: Arndt KA, Dover JS, Olbricht SM, editors. Lasers in cutaneous and aesthetic surgery. Philadelphia (PA): Lippincott-Raven, 1997: 28 Anderson RR. Laser-tissue interactions in dermatology. In: Arndt KA, Dover JS, Olbricht SM, editors. Lasers in cutaneous and aesthetic surgery. Philadelphia (PA): Lippincott-Raven, 1997: 28
9.
go back to reference Tanzi EL, Lupton JR, Alster TS. Review of lasers in dermatology: four decades of progress. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003; 49: 1–31PubMedCrossRef Tanzi EL, Lupton JR, Alster TS. Review of lasers in dermatology: four decades of progress. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003; 49: 1–31PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Tse Y, Levine VJ, McClain SA, et al. The removal of cutaneous pigmented lesions with the Q-switched ruby laser and the Q-switched neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet: a comparative study. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1994; 20: 795–800PubMed Tse Y, Levine VJ, McClain SA, et al. The removal of cutaneous pigmented lesions with the Q-switched ruby laser and the Q-switched neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet: a comparative study. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1994; 20: 795–800PubMed
11.
go back to reference Kono T, Manstein D, Chan HH, et al. Q-switched ruby versus long-pulsed dye laser delivered with compression for treatment of facial lentigines in Asians. Lasers Surg Med 2006; 38: 94–7PubMedCrossRef Kono T, Manstein D, Chan HH, et al. Q-switched ruby versus long-pulsed dye laser delivered with compression for treatment of facial lentigines in Asians. Lasers Surg Med 2006; 38: 94–7PubMedCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Chan HHL, Kono T. The use of lasers and intense pulsed light sources for the treatment of pigmentary lesions. Skin Ther Lett 2004; 9: 5–7 Chan HHL, Kono T. The use of lasers and intense pulsed light sources for the treatment of pigmentary lesions. Skin Ther Lett 2004; 9: 5–7
13.
go back to reference Sadighha A, Saatee S, Muhaghegh-Zahed G. Efficacy and adverse effects of Q switched ruby laser on solar lentigines: a prospective study of 91 patients with Fitzpatrick skin type II, III and IV. Dermatol Surg 2008; 34: 1465–8PubMedCrossRef Sadighha A, Saatee S, Muhaghegh-Zahed G. Efficacy and adverse effects of Q switched ruby laser on solar lentigines: a prospective study of 91 patients with Fitzpatrick skin type II, III and IV. Dermatol Surg 2008; 34: 1465–8PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Ueda S, Isoda M, Imayama S. Response of naevus of Ota to Q-switched ruby laser treatment according to lesion colour. Br J Dermatol 2000; 142: 77–83PubMedCrossRef Ueda S, Isoda M, Imayama S. Response of naevus of Ota to Q-switched ruby laser treatment according to lesion colour. Br J Dermatol 2000; 142: 77–83PubMedCrossRef
15.
go back to reference Chan HH, Ying SY, Ho WS, et al. An in vivo trial comparing the clinical efficacy and complications of Q-switched 755-nm alexandrite and Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG lasers in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Dermatol Surg 2000; 26: 919–22PubMedCrossRef Chan HH, Ying SY, Ho WS, et al. An in vivo trial comparing the clinical efficacy and complications of Q-switched 755-nm alexandrite and Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG lasers in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Dermatol Surg 2000; 26: 919–22PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference Alster TS, Williams CM. Treatment of nevus of Ota by the Q-switched alexandrite laser. Dermatol Surg 1995; 21: 592–6PubMedCrossRef Alster TS, Williams CM. Treatment of nevus of Ota by the Q-switched alexandrite laser. Dermatol Surg 1995; 21: 592–6PubMedCrossRef
17.
go back to reference Kono T, Nozaki M, Chan HH, et al.Aretrospective study looking at the longterm complication of Q-switched ruby laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Lasers Surg Med 2001; 29: 156–9PubMedCrossRef Kono T, Nozaki M, Chan HH, et al.Aretrospective study looking at the longterm complication of Q-switched ruby laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Lasers Surg Med 2001; 29: 156–9PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference Kunachak S, Leelaudomlipi P, Sirikulchayanonta V. Q-switched ruby laser therapy of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules. Dermatol Surg 1999; 15: 938–41CrossRef Kunachak S, Leelaudomlipi P, Sirikulchayanonta V. Q-switched ruby laser therapy of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules. Dermatol Surg 1999; 15: 938–41CrossRef
19.
go back to reference Lam AY, Wong DS, Lam LK, et al. A retrospective study on the efficacy and complications of Q-switched alexandrite laser in the treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules. Dermatol Surg 2001; 27: 937–42PubMedCrossRef Lam AY, Wong DS, Lam LK, et al. A retrospective study on the efficacy and complications of Q-switched alexandrite laser in the treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules. Dermatol Surg 2001; 27: 937–42PubMedCrossRef
20.
go back to reference Kunachak S, Leelaudomlipi P. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment for acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like maculae: a long-term follow-up. Lasers Surg Med 2000; 26: 376–9PubMedCrossRef Kunachak S, Leelaudomlipi P. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment for acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like maculae: a long-term follow-up. Lasers Surg Med 2000; 26: 376–9PubMedCrossRef
21.
go back to reference Polnikorn N, Tanrattanakorn S, Goldberg DJ. Treatment of Hori’s nevus with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Dermatol Surg 2000; 26: 477–80PubMedCrossRef Polnikorn N, Tanrattanakorn S, Goldberg DJ. Treatment of Hori’s nevus with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Dermatol Surg 2000; 26: 477–80PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Ee HL, Goh CL, Chan ES, et al. Treatment of acquired bilateral nevus ofOtalike macules (Hori’s nevus) with a combination of the 532-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser followed by the 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is more effective: prospective study. Dermatol Surg 2006; 32: 34–40PubMed Ee HL, Goh CL, Chan ES, et al. Treatment of acquired bilateral nevus ofOtalike macules (Hori’s nevus) with a combination of the 532-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser followed by the 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is more effective: prospective study. Dermatol Surg 2006; 32: 34–40PubMed
23.
go back to reference Chan HH, Leung RS, Yng SY, et al. Recurrence of nevus of Ota after successful treatment with Q-switched lasers. Arch Dermatol 2000; 136: 1175–6PubMedCrossRef Chan HH, Leung RS, Yng SY, et al. Recurrence of nevus of Ota after successful treatment with Q-switched lasers. Arch Dermatol 2000; 136: 1175–6PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Park MJ, Tsao H, Tsao S. Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (Hori nevus): etiologic and therapeutic considerations. J Am Acad Dermatol 2009; 6: 88–93CrossRef Park MJ, Tsao H, Tsao S. Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (Hori nevus): etiologic and therapeutic considerations. J Am Acad Dermatol 2009; 6: 88–93CrossRef
25.
go back to reference Salem A, Gamil H, Ramadan A, et al. Melasma: treatment evaluation. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2009; 11: 146–50PubMedCrossRef Salem A, Gamil H, Ramadan A, et al. Melasma: treatment evaluation. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2009; 11: 146–50PubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Lee HS, Won CH, Lee DH, et al. Treatment of melasma in Asian skin using fractional 1550-nmlaser: an open clinical study. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 1499–504PubMedCrossRef Lee HS, Won CH, Lee DH, et al. Treatment of melasma in Asian skin using fractional 1550-nmlaser: an open clinical study. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 1499–504PubMedCrossRef
27.
go back to reference Kundu RV, Joshi SS, Suh KY, et al. Comparison of electrodesiccation and potassium titanyl-phosphate laser for treatment of dermatosis papulosa nigra. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 1079–83PubMedCrossRef Kundu RV, Joshi SS, Suh KY, et al. Comparison of electrodesiccation and potassium titanyl-phosphate laser for treatment of dermatosis papulosa nigra. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 1079–83PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Kilmer SL. Laser treatment of tattoos. In: Alster TS, Apfelberg DB, editors. Cosmetic laser surgery: a practitioner’s guide. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley- Liss, 1999: 289–303 Kilmer SL. Laser treatment of tattoos. In: Alster TS, Apfelberg DB, editors. Cosmetic laser surgery: a practitioner’s guide. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley- Liss, 1999: 289–303
29.
go back to reference Alster TS. Q-switched alexandrite (755-nm) laser treatment of professional and amateur tattoos. J Am Acad Dermatol 1995; 33: 69–73PubMedCrossRef Alster TS. Q-switched alexandrite (755-nm) laser treatment of professional and amateur tattoos. J Am Acad Dermatol 1995; 33: 69–73PubMedCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Grevelink JM, Duke D, van Leeuwen RL, et al. Laser treatment of tattoos in darkly pigmented patients: efficacy and side effects. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996; 34: 653–6PubMedCrossRef Grevelink JM, Duke D, van Leeuwen RL, et al. Laser treatment of tattoos in darkly pigmented patients: efficacy and side effects. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996; 34: 653–6PubMedCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Jones A, Roddey P, Orengo I, et al. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser effectively treats tattoos in darkly pigmented skin. Dermatol Surg 1996; 22: 999–1001PubMedCrossRef Jones A, Roddey P, Orengo I, et al. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser effectively treats tattoos in darkly pigmented skin. Dermatol Surg 1996; 22: 999–1001PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Chang SE, Choi JH, Moon KC, et al. Successful removal of traumatic tattoos in Asian skin with a Q-switched alexandrite laser. Dermatol Surg 1998; 24: 1308–11PubMedCrossRef Chang SE, Choi JH, Moon KC, et al. Successful removal of traumatic tattoos in Asian skin with a Q-switched alexandrite laser. Dermatol Surg 1998; 24: 1308–11PubMedCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Nanni CA, Alster TS. Complications of laser-assisted hair removal using Q-switched Nd:YAG, long-pulsed ruby, and long-pulsed alexandrite lasers. J Am Acad Dermatol 1999; 41: 165–71PubMedCrossRef Nanni CA, Alster TS. Complications of laser-assisted hair removal using Q-switched Nd:YAG, long-pulsed ruby, and long-pulsed alexandrite lasers. J Am Acad Dermatol 1999; 41: 165–71PubMedCrossRef
34.
go back to reference Chana JS, Grobbelaar AO. The long-term results of ruby laser depilation in a consecutive series of 346 patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 2002; 110: 254–60PubMedCrossRef Chana JS, Grobbelaar AO. The long-term results of ruby laser depilation in a consecutive series of 346 patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 2002; 110: 254–60PubMedCrossRef
35.
go back to reference Lu SY, Lee CC, Wu YY. Hair removal by long-pulse alexandrite laser in Oriental patients. Ann Plast Surg 2001; 47: 404–11PubMedCrossRef Lu SY, Lee CC, Wu YY. Hair removal by long-pulse alexandrite laser in Oriental patients. Ann Plast Surg 2001; 47: 404–11PubMedCrossRef
36.
go back to reference Garcia C, Alamoudi H, Nakib M, et al. Alexandrite laser hair removal is safe for Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI. Dermatol Surg 2006; 26: 130–4CrossRef Garcia C, Alamoudi H, Nakib M, et al. Alexandrite laser hair removal is safe for Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI. Dermatol Surg 2006; 26: 130–4CrossRef
37.
go back to reference Handrick C, Alster TS. Comparison of long-pulsed diode and long-pulsed alexandrite lasers for hair removal: a long-term clinical and histologic study. Dermatol Surg 2001; 27: 622–6PubMedCrossRef Handrick C, Alster TS. Comparison of long-pulsed diode and long-pulsed alexandrite lasers for hair removal: a long-term clinical and histologic study. Dermatol Surg 2001; 27: 622–6PubMedCrossRef
38.
go back to reference Chan HH, Ying SY, Ho WS, et al. An in vivo study comparing the efficacy and complications of diode laser and long-pulsed neodymium:yttriumaluminum- garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in hair removal among Chinese patients. Dermatol Surg 2001; 27: 950–4PubMedCrossRef Chan HH, Ying SY, Ho WS, et al. An in vivo study comparing the efficacy and complications of diode laser and long-pulsed neodymium:yttriumaluminum- garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in hair removal among Chinese patients. Dermatol Surg 2001; 27: 950–4PubMedCrossRef
39.
go back to reference Yamauchi PS, Kelly PA, Lask GP. Treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae with the diode laser. J Cutan Laser Ther 1999; 1: 109–11PubMed Yamauchi PS, Kelly PA, Lask GP. Treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae with the diode laser. J Cutan Laser Ther 1999; 1: 109–11PubMed
40.
go back to reference Greppi I.Diode laser hair removal of the black patient. Lasers Surg Med 2001; 28: 150–5 Greppi I.Diode laser hair removal of the black patient. Lasers Surg Med 2001; 28: 150–5
41.
go back to reference Alster TS, Bryan H, Williams CM. Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser-assisted hair removal in pigmented skin. Arch Dermatol 2001; 137: 885–9PubMed Alster TS, Bryan H, Williams CM. Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser-assisted hair removal in pigmented skin. Arch Dermatol 2001; 137: 885–9PubMed
42.
go back to reference Trelles MA, Urdiales F, Al-Zarouni M. Hair structures are effectively altered during 810nm diode laser hair epilation at low fluences. J Dermatol Treat 2009; 1: 1–4CrossRef Trelles MA, Urdiales F, Al-Zarouni M. Hair structures are effectively altered during 810nm diode laser hair epilation at low fluences. J Dermatol Treat 2009; 1: 1–4CrossRef
43.
go back to reference Nanni CA, Alster TS. Laser-assisted hair removal: optimizing treatment parameters to improve clinical results. Arch Dermatol 1997; 133: 1546–9PubMedCrossRef Nanni CA, Alster TS. Laser-assisted hair removal: optimizing treatment parameters to improve clinical results. Arch Dermatol 1997; 133: 1546–9PubMedCrossRef
44.
go back to reference Tanzi EL, Alster TS. Long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser-assisted hair removal in all skin types. Dermatol Surg 2004; 30: 13–7PubMedCrossRef Tanzi EL, Alster TS. Long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser-assisted hair removal in all skin types. Dermatol Surg 2004; 30: 13–7PubMedCrossRef
45.
go back to reference Lanigan GW. Incidence of side effects after laser hair removal. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003; 49: 882–6PubMedCrossRef Lanigan GW. Incidence of side effects after laser hair removal. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003; 49: 882–6PubMedCrossRef
46.
go back to reference Ross EV, Crooke LM, Timko AL, et al. Treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae in skin types IV, V, and VI with a long-pulsed neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet laser. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002; 47: 263–70PubMedCrossRef Ross EV, Crooke LM, Timko AL, et al. Treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae in skin types IV, V, and VI with a long-pulsed neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet laser. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002; 47: 263–70PubMedCrossRef
47.
go back to reference Fournier N. Hair removal on dark-skinned patients with pneumatic skin flattening and a high energyNd-YAGlaser. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2008; 10: 210–2PubMedCrossRef Fournier N. Hair removal on dark-skinned patients with pneumatic skin flattening and a high energyNd-YAGlaser. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2008; 10: 210–2PubMedCrossRef
48.
go back to reference Bewdewi AF. Hair removal with intense pulsed light.LasersMed Sci 2004; 19: 48–51 Bewdewi AF. Hair removal with intense pulsed light.LasersMed Sci 2004; 19: 48–51
49.
go back to reference Gold MH. Lasers and light sources for the removal of unwanted hair. Clin Dermatol 2007; 25: 443–53PubMedCrossRef Gold MH. Lasers and light sources for the removal of unwanted hair. Clin Dermatol 2007; 25: 443–53PubMedCrossRef
50.
go back to reference Gold MH, Foster TD, Adair M, et al. The treatment of dark skin (types V and VI) with the intense pulsed light source for hair removal. Int J Cosmet Surg Aesthet Dermatol 2000; 2: 35–9CrossRef Gold MH, Foster TD, Adair M, et al. The treatment of dark skin (types V and VI) with the intense pulsed light source for hair removal. Int J Cosmet Surg Aesthet Dermatol 2000; 2: 35–9CrossRef
51.
go back to reference Weir VM, Woo TY. Photo-assisted epilation: review and personal observations. J Cutan Laser Ther 1999; 1: 135–43PubMed Weir VM, Woo TY. Photo-assisted epilation: review and personal observations. J Cutan Laser Ther 1999; 1: 135–43PubMed
52.
go back to reference Breadon JY, Barnes CA. Comparison of adverse events of laser and light-assisted hair removal systems in skin types IV-VI. J Drugs Dermatol 2007; 6: 40–6PubMed Breadon JY, Barnes CA. Comparison of adverse events of laser and light-assisted hair removal systems in skin types IV-VI. J Drugs Dermatol 2007; 6: 40–6PubMed
53.
go back to reference Goh CL. Comparative study on a single treatment response to long pulse Nd:YAG lasers and intense pulse light therapy for hair removal on skin type IV to VI: is longer wavelengths lasers preferred over shorter wavelengths lights for assisted hair removal. J Dermatol Treat 2003; 14: 243–7CrossRef Goh CL. Comparative study on a single treatment response to long pulse Nd:YAG lasers and intense pulse light therapy for hair removal on skin type IV to VI: is longer wavelengths lasers preferred over shorter wavelengths lights for assisted hair removal. J Dermatol Treat 2003; 14: 243–7CrossRef
54.
go back to reference Sadick NS, Krespi Y. Hair removal for Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI using light and heat energy technology. J Drugs Dermatol 2006; 5: 597–9 Sadick NS, Krespi Y. Hair removal for Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI using light and heat energy technology. J Drugs Dermatol 2006; 5: 597–9
55.
go back to reference Alster TS, Tanzi EL. The effect of a novel, low-energy, pulsed-light device for home-use hair removal. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 483–9PubMedCrossRef Alster TS, Tanzi EL. The effect of a novel, low-energy, pulsed-light device for home-use hair removal. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 483–9PubMedCrossRef
56.
go back to reference Alster TS, Railan D. Laser treatment of vascular birthmarks. J Craniofac Surg 2006; 4: 720–3CrossRef Alster TS, Railan D. Laser treatment of vascular birthmarks. J Craniofac Surg 2006; 4: 720–3CrossRef
57.
go back to reference Garden JM, Bakus AD. Clinical efficacy of the pulsed dye laser in the treatment of vascular lesions. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1993; 19: 321–6PubMed Garden JM, Bakus AD. Clinical efficacy of the pulsed dye laser in the treatment of vascular lesions. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1993; 19: 321–6PubMed
58.
go back to reference Anderson RR, Parrish JA.Microvasculature can be selectively damaged using dye lasers: a basic theory and experimental evidence in human skin. Lasers Surg Med 1981; 1: 263–76PubMedCrossRef Anderson RR, Parrish JA.Microvasculature can be selectively damaged using dye lasers: a basic theory and experimental evidence in human skin. Lasers Surg Med 1981; 1: 263–76PubMedCrossRef
59.
go back to reference Morelli JG, Tan OT, Garden J, et al. Tunable dye laser (577 nm) treatment of port wine stains. Lasers Surg Med 1986; 6: 94–9PubMedCrossRef Morelli JG, Tan OT, Garden J, et al. Tunable dye laser (577 nm) treatment of port wine stains. Lasers Surg Med 1986; 6: 94–9PubMedCrossRef
60.
go back to reference Alster TS, Wilson F. Treatment of port-wine stains with the flashlamppumped pulsed dye laser: extended clinical experience in children and adults. Ann Plast Surg 1994; 32: 478–84PubMedCrossRef Alster TS, Wilson F. Treatment of port-wine stains with the flashlamppumped pulsed dye laser: extended clinical experience in children and adults. Ann Plast Surg 1994; 32: 478–84PubMedCrossRef
61.
go back to reference Sharma VK, Shandpur S. Efficacy of pulsed dye laser in facial port-wine stains in Indian patients. Dermatol Surg 2007; 33: 560–6PubMedCrossRef Sharma VK, Shandpur S. Efficacy of pulsed dye laser in facial port-wine stains in Indian patients. Dermatol Surg 2007; 33: 560–6PubMedCrossRef
62.
go back to reference Asahina A, Watanabe T, Kishi A, et al. Evaluation of the treatment of portwine stains with the 595nm long pulsed dye laser: a large prospective study in adult Japanese patients. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 54: 487–93PubMedCrossRef Asahina A, Watanabe T, Kishi A, et al. Evaluation of the treatment of portwine stains with the 595nm long pulsed dye laser: a large prospective study in adult Japanese patients. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 54: 487–93PubMedCrossRef
63.
go back to reference Sommer S, Sheehan-Dare RA. Pulsed dye laser treatment of port-wine stains in pigmented skin. J Am Acad Dermatol 2000; 42: 667–71PubMed Sommer S, Sheehan-Dare RA. Pulsed dye laser treatment of port-wine stains in pigmented skin. J Am Acad Dermatol 2000; 42: 667–71PubMed
64.
go back to reference Ho WS, Chan HH, Ying SY, et al. Laser treatment of congenital facial portwine stains: long-term efficacy and complication in Chinese patients. Lasers Surg Med 2002; 30: 44–7PubMedCrossRef Ho WS, Chan HH, Ying SY, et al. Laser treatment of congenital facial portwine stains: long-term efficacy and complication in Chinese patients. Lasers Surg Med 2002; 30: 44–7PubMedCrossRef
65.
go back to reference Chang CJ, Nelson JS. Cryogen spray cooling and higher fluence pulsed dye laser treatment improve port-wine stain clearance while minimizing epidermal damage. Dermatol Surg 1999; 25: 767–72PubMedCrossRef Chang CJ, Nelson JS. Cryogen spray cooling and higher fluence pulsed dye laser treatment improve port-wine stain clearance while minimizing epidermal damage. Dermatol Surg 1999; 25: 767–72PubMedCrossRef
66.
go back to reference Chiu CH, Chan HH, Ho WS, et al. Prospective study of pulsed dye laser in conjunction with cryogen spray cooling for treatment of port wine stains in Chinese patients. Dermatol Surg 2003; 29: 909–15PubMedCrossRef Chiu CH, Chan HH, Ho WS, et al. Prospective study of pulsed dye laser in conjunction with cryogen spray cooling for treatment of port wine stains in Chinese patients. Dermatol Surg 2003; 29: 909–15PubMedCrossRef
67.
go back to reference Weiss RA, Dover JS. Laser surgery of leg veins. Dermatol Clin 2002; 1: 19–36 Weiss RA, Dover JS. Laser surgery of leg veins. Dermatol Clin 2002; 1: 19–36
68.
go back to reference Dover JS, Arndt KA. New approaches to the treatment of vascular lesions. Lasers Surg Med 2000; 26: 158–63PubMedCrossRef Dover JS, Arndt KA. New approaches to the treatment of vascular lesions. Lasers Surg Med 2000; 26: 158–63PubMedCrossRef
69.
go back to reference Yang MU, Yaroslavsky AN, Farinelli WA, et al. Long-pulsed neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser treatment for port-wine stains. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005; 52: 480–90PubMedCrossRef Yang MU, Yaroslavsky AN, Farinelli WA, et al. Long-pulsed neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser treatment for port-wine stains. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005; 52: 480–90PubMedCrossRef
70.
go back to reference Alster TS, Tanzi EL. Combined 595nm and 1064nm laser irradiation of recalcitrant and hypertrophic port-wine stains in children and adults. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 914–9PubMedCrossRef Alster TS, Tanzi EL. Combined 595nm and 1064nm laser irradiation of recalcitrant and hypertrophic port-wine stains in children and adults. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 914–9PubMedCrossRef
71.
go back to reference Kauvar AN, Loud WW. Pulsed alexandrite laser for the treatment of leg telangiectasia and reticular veins. Arch Dermatol 2000; 136: 1371–5PubMedCrossRef Kauvar AN, Loud WW. Pulsed alexandrite laser for the treatment of leg telangiectasia and reticular veins. Arch Dermatol 2000; 136: 1371–5PubMedCrossRef
72.
go back to reference Alster TS, Tanzi EL. Hypertrophic scars and keloids: etiology and management. Am J Clin Dermatol 2003; 4: 235–43PubMedCrossRef Alster TS, Tanzi EL. Hypertrophic scars and keloids: etiology and management. Am J Clin Dermatol 2003; 4: 235–43PubMedCrossRef
73.
74.
go back to reference Alster TS, Nanni CA. Pulsed dye laser treatment of hypertrophic burn scars. Plast Reconstr Surg 1998; 102: 2190–5PubMedCrossRef Alster TS, Nanni CA. Pulsed dye laser treatment of hypertrophic burn scars. Plast Reconstr Surg 1998; 102: 2190–5PubMedCrossRef
75.
go back to reference Alster TS, Williams CM. Treatment of keloid sternotomy scars with 585nm flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser. Lancet 1995; 345: 1198–200PubMedCrossRef Alster TS, Williams CM. Treatment of keloid sternotomy scars with 585nm flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser. Lancet 1995; 345: 1198–200PubMedCrossRef
76.
go back to reference Reiken SR, Wolfort SF, Berthiamume F, et al. Control of hypertrophic scar growth using selective photothermolysis. Lasers Surg Med 1997; 21: 7–12PubMedCrossRef Reiken SR, Wolfort SF, Berthiamume F, et al. Control of hypertrophic scar growth using selective photothermolysis. Lasers Surg Med 1997; 21: 7–12PubMedCrossRef
77.
go back to reference Kuo YR, Jeng SR, Wang FS, et al. Flashlamp pulsed dye laser (PDL) suppression of keloid proliferation through down-regulation of TGF-beta, expression of extracellular matrix expression. Lasers Surg Med 2004; 34: 104–8PubMedCrossRef Kuo YR, Jeng SR, Wang FS, et al. Flashlamp pulsed dye laser (PDL) suppression of keloid proliferation through down-regulation of TGF-beta, expression of extracellular matrix expression. Lasers Surg Med 2004; 34: 104–8PubMedCrossRef
78.
go back to reference Alster TS, Tanzi EL. Laser skin resurfacing: ablative and nonablative. In: Robinson J, Sengelman R, Siegal DM, et al. editors. Surgery of the skin. Philadelphia (PA): Elsevier, 2005: 611–24 Alster TS, Tanzi EL. Laser skin resurfacing: ablative and nonablative. In: Robinson J, Sengelman R, Siegal DM, et al. editors. Surgery of the skin. Philadelphia (PA): Elsevier, 2005: 611–24
79.
go back to reference Alster TS. Cutaneous resurfacing with CO2 and erbium:YAG lasers: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations. Plast Reconstr Surg 1999; 103: 619–32PubMedCrossRef Alster TS. Cutaneous resurfacing with CO2 and erbium:YAG lasers: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations. Plast Reconstr Surg 1999; 103: 619–32PubMedCrossRef
80.
go back to reference Ho C, Nguyen Q, Lowe NJ, et al. Laser resurfacing in pigmented skin.Dermatol Surg 1995; 21: 1035–7PubMedCrossRef Ho C, Nguyen Q, Lowe NJ, et al. Laser resurfacing in pigmented skin.Dermatol Surg 1995; 21: 1035–7PubMedCrossRef
81.
go back to reference Kim JW, Lee JO. Skin resurfacing with laser in Asians. Aesth Plast Surg 1997; 21: 115–7CrossRef Kim JW, Lee JO. Skin resurfacing with laser in Asians. Aesth Plast Surg 1997; 21: 115–7CrossRef
82.
go back to reference Ruiz-Espara J, Gomez JM, de la Torre OL, et al. Ultrapulse laser skin resurfacing in Hispanic patients: a prospective study of 36 individuals. Dermatol Surg 1998; 24: 59–62CrossRef Ruiz-Espara J, Gomez JM, de la Torre OL, et al. Ultrapulse laser skin resurfacing in Hispanic patients: a prospective study of 36 individuals. Dermatol Surg 1998; 24: 59–62CrossRef
83.
go back to reference Alster TS, Hirsch RJ. Single-pass CO2 laser skin resurfacing of light and dark skin: extended experience with 52 patients. J Cosmetic Laser Ther 2003; 5: 39–42CrossRef Alster TS, Hirsch RJ. Single-pass CO2 laser skin resurfacing of light and dark skin: extended experience with 52 patients. J Cosmetic Laser Ther 2003; 5: 39–42CrossRef
84.
go back to reference Tanzi EL, Alster TS. Complications of ablative and nonablative lasers and light sources. In:Gloster Jr HM, editor. Complications in cutaneous surgery. New York: Springer, 2008: 167–82CrossRef Tanzi EL, Alster TS. Complications of ablative and nonablative lasers and light sources. In:Gloster Jr HM, editor. Complications in cutaneous surgery. New York: Springer, 2008: 167–82CrossRef
85.
go back to reference Munavalli GS, Weiss RA, Halder R. Photoaging and nonablative photorejuvenation in ethnic skin. Dermatol Surg 2005; 31: 1250–61PubMedCrossRef Munavalli GS, Weiss RA, Halder R. Photoaging and nonablative photorejuvenation in ethnic skin. Dermatol Surg 2005; 31: 1250–61PubMedCrossRef
86.
go back to reference Alster TS, Lupton JR.Are all infrared lasers equally effective in skin rejuvenation. Semin Cutan Med Surg 2002; 21: 274–9PubMedCrossRef Alster TS, Lupton JR.Are all infrared lasers equally effective in skin rejuvenation. Semin Cutan Med Surg 2002; 21: 274–9PubMedCrossRef
87.
go back to reference Hardaway CA, Ross EV. Non-ablative laser skin remodeling. Dermatol Clin 2002; 20: 97–111PubMed Hardaway CA, Ross EV. Non-ablative laser skin remodeling. Dermatol Clin 2002; 20: 97–111PubMed
88.
go back to reference Alam M, Hsu T, Dover JS, et al. Nonablative laser and light treatments: histology and tissue effects: a review. Lasers Surg Med 2003; 33: 30–9PubMedCrossRef Alam M, Hsu T, Dover JS, et al. Nonablative laser and light treatments: histology and tissue effects: a review. Lasers Surg Med 2003; 33: 30–9PubMedCrossRef
89.
go back to reference Fitzpatrick R, Geronemus R, Goldberg D, et al. Multicenter study of noninvasive radiofrequency for periorbital tissue tightening. Lasers Surg Med 2003; 33: 232–4PubMedCrossRef Fitzpatrick R, Geronemus R, Goldberg D, et al. Multicenter study of noninvasive radiofrequency for periorbital tissue tightening. Lasers Surg Med 2003; 33: 232–4PubMedCrossRef
90.
go back to reference Alster TS, Tanzi EL. Improvement of neck and cheek laxity with a non-ablative radiofrequency device: a lifting experience. Dermatol Surg 2004; 30: 503–7PubMedCrossRef Alster TS, Tanzi EL. Improvement of neck and cheek laxity with a non-ablative radiofrequency device: a lifting experience. Dermatol Surg 2004; 30: 503–7PubMedCrossRef
91.
go back to reference Alster TS, Lupton JR. Nonablative cutaneous remodeling using radiofrequency devices. Clin Dermatol 2007; 25: 487–91PubMedCrossRef Alster TS, Lupton JR. Nonablative cutaneous remodeling using radiofrequency devices. Clin Dermatol 2007; 25: 487–91PubMedCrossRef
92.
go back to reference Alexiades-Armenakas MR, Dover JS, Arndt KA. The spectrum of laser skin resurfacing: nonablative, fractional, and ablative laser resurfacing. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008; 58: 719–37PubMedCrossRef Alexiades-Armenakas MR, Dover JS, Arndt KA. The spectrum of laser skin resurfacing: nonablative, fractional, and ablative laser resurfacing. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008; 58: 719–37PubMedCrossRef
93.
go back to reference Manstein D, Herron GS, Sink RV, et al. Fractional photothermolysis: a new concept for cutaneous remodeling using microscopic patterns of thermal injury. Lasers Surg Med 2004; 34: 426–38PubMedCrossRef Manstein D, Herron GS, Sink RV, et al. Fractional photothermolysis: a new concept for cutaneous remodeling using microscopic patterns of thermal injury. Lasers Surg Med 2004; 34: 426–38PubMedCrossRef
94.
go back to reference Hantash BM, Bedi VP, Kapadia B, et al. In vivo histological evaluation of a novel ablative fractional resurfacing device. Lasers Surg Med 2007; 39: 96–107PubMedCrossRef Hantash BM, Bedi VP, Kapadia B, et al. In vivo histological evaluation of a novel ablative fractional resurfacing device. Lasers Surg Med 2007; 39: 96–107PubMedCrossRef
95.
go back to reference Wanner M, Tanzi EL, Alster TS. Fractional photothermolysis: treatment of facial and nonfacial cutaneous photodamage with a 1500-nm erbium-doped fiber laser. Dermatol Surg 2007; 33: 23–8PubMedCrossRef Wanner M, Tanzi EL, Alster TS. Fractional photothermolysis: treatment of facial and nonfacial cutaneous photodamage with a 1500-nm erbium-doped fiber laser. Dermatol Surg 2007; 33: 23–8PubMedCrossRef
96.
go back to reference Alster TS, Tanzi EL, Lazarus M. The use of fractional laser photothermolysis for the treatment of atrophic scars. Dermatol Surg 2007; 33: 295–9PubMedCrossRef Alster TS, Tanzi EL, Lazarus M. The use of fractional laser photothermolysis for the treatment of atrophic scars. Dermatol Surg 2007; 33: 295–9PubMedCrossRef
97.
go back to reference Kono T, Chan HH, Groff WF, et al. Prospective direct comparison study of fractional resurfacing using different fluences and densities for skin rejuvenation in Asians. Lasers Surg Med 2007; 39: 311–4PubMedCrossRef Kono T, Chan HH, Groff WF, et al. Prospective direct comparison study of fractional resurfacing using different fluences and densities for skin rejuvenation in Asians. Lasers Surg Med 2007; 39: 311–4PubMedCrossRef
98.
go back to reference Lee HS, Lee JH, Ahn GY, et al. Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of acne scars: a report of 27 Korean patients. J Dermatol Treat 2008; 19: 45–9CrossRef Lee HS, Lee JH, Ahn GY, et al. Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of acne scars: a report of 27 Korean patients. J Dermatol Treat 2008; 19: 45–9CrossRef
99.
go back to reference Hu S, Chen MC, Lee MC, et al. Fractional resurfacing for the treatment of atrophic facial acne scars in Asian skin. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 826–32PubMedCrossRef Hu S, Chen MC, Lee MC, et al. Fractional resurfacing for the treatment of atrophic facial acne scars in Asian skin. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 826–32PubMedCrossRef
100.
go back to reference Taub AF. Fractionated delivery systems for difficult to treat clinical applications: acne scarring, melasma, atrophic scarring, striae distensae, and deep rhytides. J Drugs Dermatol 2007; 6: 1120–8PubMed Taub AF. Fractionated delivery systems for difficult to treat clinical applications: acne scarring, melasma, atrophic scarring, striae distensae, and deep rhytides. J Drugs Dermatol 2007; 6: 1120–8PubMed
101.
go back to reference Kim BJ, Lee DH, Kim MN, et al. Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of striae distensae in Asian skin. Am J Clin Dermatol 2008; 9: 33–7PubMedCrossRef Kim BJ, Lee DH, Kim MN, et al. Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of striae distensae in Asian skin. Am J Clin Dermatol 2008; 9: 33–7PubMedCrossRef
102.
go back to reference Tierney EP, Kouba DJ, Hanke CW. Review of fractional photothermolysis: treatment indications and efficacy. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 1445–61PubMedCrossRef Tierney EP, Kouba DJ, Hanke CW. Review of fractional photothermolysis: treatment indications and efficacy. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 1445–61PubMedCrossRef
103.
go back to reference Tanzi EL, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Alster TS. Fraxel laser indications and long-term follow-up. Aesth Surg J 2008; 28 (6): 1–4CrossRef Tanzi EL, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Alster TS. Fraxel laser indications and long-term follow-up. Aesth Surg J 2008; 28 (6): 1–4CrossRef
104.
go back to reference Chapas AM, Brightman L, Sukal S, et al. Successful treatment of acneiform scarring withCO2 ablative fractional resurfacing.Lasers Surg Med 2008; 40: 381–6PubMedCrossRef Chapas AM, Brightman L, Sukal S, et al. Successful treatment of acneiform scarring withCO2 ablative fractional resurfacing.Lasers Surg Med 2008; 40: 381–6PubMedCrossRef
105.
go back to reference Waibel J, Beer K, Narurkar V, et al.Preliminary observations on fractional ablative resurfacing devices: clinical impressions. J Drugs Dermatol 2009; 8: 481–5PubMed Waibel J, Beer K, Narurkar V, et al.Preliminary observations on fractional ablative resurfacing devices: clinical impressions. J Drugs Dermatol 2009; 8: 481–5PubMed
106.
go back to reference Kim S, Cho KH. Clinical trial of dual treatment with an ablative fractional laser and a nonablative laser for the treatment of acne scars in Asian patients. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 1089–98PubMedCrossRef Kim S, Cho KH. Clinical trial of dual treatment with an ablative fractional laser and a nonablative laser for the treatment of acne scars in Asian patients. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 1089–98PubMedCrossRef
107.
go back to reference Cho SB, Lee SJ, Kang JM, et al. The efficacy and safety of 10 600-nm carbon dioxide fractional laser for acne scars in Asian patients. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 1955–61PubMedCrossRef Cho SB, Lee SJ, Kang JM, et al. The efficacy and safety of 10 600-nm carbon dioxide fractional laser for acne scars in Asian patients. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 1955–61PubMedCrossRef
108.
go back to reference Graber EM, Tanzi EL, Alster TS. Side effects and complications of fractional laser photothermolysis: experience with 961 treatments. Dermatol Surg 2008; 34: 301–7PubMedCrossRef Graber EM, Tanzi EL, Alster TS. Side effects and complications of fractional laser photothermolysis: experience with 961 treatments. Dermatol Surg 2008; 34: 301–7PubMedCrossRef
109.
go back to reference Chan HH, Manstein D, Yu CS, et al. The prevalence and risk factors of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after fractional resurfacing in Asians. Lasers Surg Med 2007; 39: 381–5PubMedCrossRef Chan HH, Manstein D, Yu CS, et al. The prevalence and risk factors of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after fractional resurfacing in Asians. Lasers Surg Med 2007; 39: 381–5PubMedCrossRef
110.
go back to reference Tan KL, Kurniawati C, Gold MH. Low risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin types 4 and 5 after treatment with fractional CO2 laser device. J Drugs Dermatol 2008; 7: 774–7PubMed Tan KL, Kurniawati C, Gold MH. Low risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin types 4 and 5 after treatment with fractional CO2 laser device. J Drugs Dermatol 2008; 7: 774–7PubMed
111.
go back to reference Metelitsa AI, Alster TS. Fractionated laser skin resurfacing treatment complications: a review. Dermatol Surg 2010; 36: 299–306PubMedCrossRef Metelitsa AI, Alster TS. Fractionated laser skin resurfacing treatment complications: a review. Dermatol Surg 2010; 36: 299–306PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Laser Treatment of Dark Skin
An Updated Review
Authors
Sona Shah
Dr Tina S. Alster
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 6/2010
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/11538940-000000000-00000

Other articles of this Issue 6/2010

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 6/2010 Go to the issue

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgment