Yes, laser treatments can change skin color in some instances.
While many laser procedures aim to improve skin tone and texture, there are situations where skin color can be altered, particularly through the darkening of skin pigment. This change, often called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, is a potential side effect of laser treatments.
How Laser Can Change Skin Color:
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): As indicated by the provided reference, incorrect laser settings for a patient's specific skin type can cause heat damage in the dermis layer of the skin. This damage can trigger the skin to produce excess melanin, leading to a darkening of the treated area. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Darker Skin and Laser Settings:
- Lasers that penetrate the dermis deeply can be more likely to cause this issue if the energy levels are too high for a particular skin tone.
- This is why consulting with an experienced laser technician and having a patch test is vital before undergoing a full procedure, particularly if you have a darker skin tone.
- The risk of hyperpigmentation is not always the same for all lasers and all skin tones, therefore the correct laser type and its settings must be selected by a trained professional to minimise unwanted changes in skin color.
Key Takeaways:
- Laser treatment can result in skin darkening if not performed correctly.
- The risk of unwanted skin colour changes is minimized by choosing the correct laser for your skin type and using appropriate laser settings.
- Experienced practitioners will assess skin tone to adjust laser settings accordingly.
- Consultation and patch tests are essential to avoid adverse effects.
