Palomar Fractional Resurfacing and Dark Skin Tones

Fractional resurfacing is a preferred choice for many patients that want to eliminate wrinkles, age spots and other skin irregularities and would like to avoid aggressive treatments such as surgery. Palomar fractional resurfacing is a newly developed technique that uses both ablative and non-ablative laser beams. This type of treatment is most effective when applied on patients with lighter skin tones. In patients with dark skin tones, the Palomar fractional resurfacing should be used with caution.

Palomar Fractional Resurfacing and Dark Skin Tones

Theoretically, the Palomar fractional resurfacing can be applied on patients with all types of skin and all skin tones. However, in practice, the treatment has proven to cause depigmentation or hyperpigmentation in patients with dark skin tones. The laser beams may stimulate the pigmentation of the skin and result in a darkening of certain skin portions. On the other hand, the lasers may weaken the production of melanin and result in skin discoloration. These side effects are temporary and will be repaired within two months from the treatment. However, if the treatment is administered on the face or visible areas of skin, this potential side effect should be considered in patients with dark skin tones.