Dear Dr. Seckel, I see that you are a big proponent of Laser Genesis for the reduction enlarged pores. However, I am an African American male with very dark skin, will this treatment work for me, if not do you suggest any form of pore reduction for black skin? Thank you, Dee, New York, NY
Dear Dee,
Thank you for a very important question. I do feel LaserGenesis® is safe for black skin and is a good method to shrink enlarged pores.
Unlike other lasers there is no contact with the skin, thus the chance of injury to the skin, which could result in loss of pigment or hypo pigmentation and a noticeable light area on the skin, is very unlikely.
I have always been very conservative and not used other lasers on black skin because I fear injury and loss of pigment. Some doctors disagree with me but I always want to err on the safe side.
The LaserGenesis® because it is a non-ablative (does not remove skin) and no skin contact laser, is I believe safe for any dark skin, of course as long as it is being used by a board certified doctor who is experienced in lasers and the use of LaserGenesis®.
One great way to start the process to reduce pore size is microdermabrasion®. It is safe, not a laser, and much less expensive. It also is the best way to start.
The microdermabrasion® provides skin exfoliation of the skin and removes obstructions from the pores and lets excess skin oil out. This helps control oily skin and prevent acne break outs and reduce pore size.
Also I think LaserGenesis® will work better if the excess oils are removed from the oil glands first. LaserGenesis® works by building up collagen around the oil glands which presses on the oil gland openings (the pores) to make them smaller. If the excess oil has been removed by microdermabrasion® first, then there will be less work for the LaserGenesis® to do.
Also Brevoxyl Washes will help dry the skin, prevent acne break outs, remove oil and help the overall process.
Thank you very much for your question. For further information visit my Boston Plastic Surgery Practice, read Save Your Face or contact me.
Boston, Massachusetts
Peabody, Massachusetts