Laser resurfacing of darkly pigmented patients

Hyperpigmentation following laser resurfacing in darker-skinned individuals is common but treatable. This pigmentation is usually heralded by persistent erythema and can be prevented in most patients if aggressive laser resurfacing is curtailed and conservative or single-pass techniques are applied. Avoiding excessive intraoperative frictional trauma when removing the desiccated tissue Avoiding excessive intraoperative frictional trauma when removing the desiccated tissue and potentially irritating agents or infections in the pre- or postoperative period is also instrumental in avoiding long-term complications.