Pigmentary distress impacts people of all skin types, according to Dr. Gilly Munavalli, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. In an interview with Next Steps in Derm, in partnership with Pigmentary Disorders Exchange Symposium, Dr. Munavalli shares how to use lasers and energy-based devices to treat pigmentary disorders. Find out what Dr. Munavalli looks for when considering lasers and energy-based devices in a patient. Hear why pigmentation can be an issue in patients with lighter skin tones. Plus learn which lasers dermatology clinicians can use when treating photoaging in patients with skin of color.
Further Reading
If you want to read more about using lasers and energy-based devices, check out the following articles published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology:
ABSTRACT
Background: Medical aesthetic procedures for facial antiaging with laser and energy-based devices (EBDs) are rapidly increasing, but standards integrating skincare before, during, and after these treatments are lacking. The algorithm for integrated skin care for facial antiaging treatment with EBDs aims to stimulate healing, reduce downtime, and improve comfort and treatment outcomes.
Methods: A panel of 8 global physicians employed a modified Delphi method and reached a consensus on the algorithm integrating skincare based on the best available evidence, the panel’s clinical experience, and opinions.
Results: The algorithm has a pretreatment (starts 2 – 4 weeks before the procedure) and treatment (day of treatment) section, followed by care after the procedure (0 – 7 days) and follow-up care (1 – 4 weeks after the procedure or ongoing). Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 50 or higher, combined with protective measures such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, is recommended to protect the face from sun exposure. Dyschromia is a significant concern for those with skin of color (SOC). Clinicians may recommend skincare using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer containing vitamins C and E, retinoid, or other ingredients such as niacinamide, kojic acid, licorice root extract, azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid, depending on the patient’s facial skin condition.
Conclusion: Medical aesthetic procedures for facial antiaging with EBDs integrating skincare or topical treatments may improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. Topical antioxidants and free radical quenchers can combat photodamage and may offer a safe alternative to topical hydroquinone.
ABSTRACT
Background: Studies show it is safe to have multiple sessions of single laser treatment over an appropriate time period, which allows for the skin to heal between treatments. Waiting to have several sessions may not be realistic for every patient. Physicians may combine laser treatments into a single session to accommodate for patient convenience and to achieve cosmetic improvement faster. Although individual laser therapies are reported to have minimal side effects, few studies explore the safety of multiple laser treatments in a single session.
Methods: This study is a retrospective chart review from a single-physician patient pool. Patients who received 1 laser treatment in a single session were compared to those who received 2 or more laser treatments in a single session. Patients were evaluated for treatment type and safety, measured by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). The CTCAE is a validated severity scale (1-5) where 1 represents minimal adverse events and 5 represents death. Adverse event scores were acquired from follow-up visits, messages through the electronic health record, or follow-up phone calls.
Results: Over a 12-month period, 89 patients qualified for the study with 152 sessions recorded: 116 had 1 laser treatment and 36 had 2 or more laser treatments in a single session. All but 1 patient scored a 1 on the CTCAE, the other, a 2.
Conclusion: This study suggests there is no difference in adverse events from a single laser treatment vs 2 or more laser treatments in a single session.
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