Patients with ethnic or melanated skin have distinct skin care concerns that may require specialized treatment to achieve optimal results. The Board-Certified Dermatologists at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston specialize in ethnic skin care. We address the specific concerns of each of our patients and we draw upon our deep knowledge of advanced skin care in order to develop personalized treatment plans.
Laser Treatments for Ethnic Patients
Lasers are a central component of modern dermatology, but people with darker complexions are often concerned that laser treatment can cause hyperpigmentation or discoloration. While it is true that side effects can occur with certain devices or with practitioners who are not experienced in treating darker skin types, laser treatment is safe for all skin types when properly performed under the supervision of an experienced and skilled Board-Certified Dermatologist.1 The Houston skin care providers at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center are experts in treating ethnic patients and we confidently offer a full range of laser treatments for patients with melanated skin, as well as treatment for a variety of skin conditions and a full range of dermatology procedures.
We provide laser treatments for ethnic patients to address concerns such as:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sunspots
- Wrinkles
- Scarring
- Melasma
- Port-wine Stains
- Hair Reduction
- Tattoo Removal
- Keloids
- Acne
Skin Care Treatment Options for Ethnic Skin
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Laser treatment can improve hyperpigmentation, diminish the appearance of scars, and tighten skin for a smoother, more even-toned complexion. Our advanced technology and specialized experience allows us to offer treatments, such as Fraxel and Clear+Brilliant Touch, for African American patients. Clear & Brilliant Touch is a gentler laser treatment that can be used to reduce the appearance of pores and improve skin texture.
Laser Hair Reduction
Unwanted hair can be safely and effectively reduced from the face, arms, chest, back, legs, and more. We use the GentleMAX® Laser for hair reduction, a laser that is safe for darker skin types and offers precise hair reduction for smooth, hair-free skin.
Tattoo Removal
Dermatologist Dr. Paul Friedman is known as a tattoo removal expert and has extensive experience removing tattoos from patients of all skin types and tones. Dr. Friedman uses the advanced PicoWay™ laser along with the DESCRIBE® PFD Patch for a laser tattoo removal experience that is quicker and more effective with less pain than traditional tattoo removal lasers.
Keloid Treatment
Keloids are thick, raised scars that can occur spontaneously or as the result of an injury or incision. Experts are unsure why some people are prone to keloid scarring, but patients of African and Hispanic descent are more likely to have them.2. The dermatologists at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center offer a variety of therapeutic treatments for scarring.
Acne Treatment
Acne is a top dermatological concern for ethnic patients.3 At Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center, we offer comprehensive acne treatment for patients of all ethnicities and ages. We work with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that may consist of prescription topical or oral medications, skin care products, and in-office procedures in order to help you achieve a smooth, clear complexion.
Popular Cosmetic Procedures That Are Safe For All Skin Types
Thermage FLX™
We specialize in solutions for patients who have concerns with loss of skin elasticity on the face and body, but do not want surgery. Thermage FLX™ is a non-surgical procedure that is FDA-approved to tighten skin. This innovative procedure uses radiofrequency technology to reduce sagging in the face, neck, and body with minimal downtime.
Ultherapy®
Ultherapy® is ideal for patients seeking a non-surgical treatment that can effectively reduce the appearance of mild to moderate facial sagging and signs of facial aging. This procedure uses ultrasonic waves to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, which results in tighter, firmer skin. Since there are no incisions or injections, it is a great choice for patients who would like to avoid scarring.
Coolsculpting
Exercising and eating well are great for your health, but they are not always enough to get you to your ideal body shape. Surgery such as liposuction can be invasive with a long, uncomfortable recovery. Luckily, there is another way to get rid of stubborn fat—freeze it away! CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical procedure that permanently destroys fat cells on the stomach, love handles, thighs, bra area, under the chin, and more. CoolSculpting is quick with no incisions and no downtime needed.
Contact Us for Personalized Skin Care Treatments
The experienced dermatologists at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston offer a number of skin care treatments, including chemical peels and prescription skin treatments such as retinoids and antibiotics. We can develop a customized skin care plan that will meet your needs and goals without causing side effects common to ethnic skin. Contact us with any skin care questions or to schedule a consultation for the procedure of your choice.
1 Elsaie ML, Lloyd HW. Latest Laser And Light-Based Advances for Ethnic Skin Rejuvenation. Indian J Dermatol. 2008; 53(2): 49–53. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.41643
2 American Academy of Dermatology. KELOIDS: WHO GETS AND CAUSES. Available: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/keloids-causes Accessed May 7, 2020.
3 Davis SA, Narahari S, Feldman SR, et al. Top dermatologic conditions in patients of color: an analysis of nationally representative data. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD, 31 Mar 2012, 11(4):466-473 PMID: 22453583