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Fractional Ablative and Non-Ablative Lasers for Ethnic Skin

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Lasers, Lights and Other Technologies

Abstract

Ethnic skin is a term used to define the darker skin corresponding to Fitzpatrick’s IV, V, and VI skin types. Patients with ethnic skin have an increased risk of problems related to pigmentation, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. For a long time, ethnic skin treatment with lasers was a big challenge, especially when referring to ablative technologies, a technique so widely used and widespread in dermatological procedures. Over time, laser devices have evolved, and recent techniques make its use safer, with less downtime and, consequently, with less damage and risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation. When performed by skilled and well-trained dermatologists, the use of fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers can be considered safe and viable for many different treatments. This chapter is going to discuss ethnic skin and the peculiarities of laser treatment.

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Correspondence to Paulo Roberto Barbosa .

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Barbosa, P.R., Valverde, T., Almada e Silva, R., Moriya, F.S. (2017). Fractional Ablative and Non-Ablative Lasers for Ethnic Skin. In: Issa, M., Tamura, B. (eds) Lasers, Lights and Other Technologies. Clinical Approaches and Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20251-8_15-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20251-8_15-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-20251-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-20251-8

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