Laser photorejuvenation of Asian and ethnic skin

Laser therapy of Asian and ethnic skin has been relatively poorly studied in the literature. Owing to particular physiologic aspects of darker skin, the physical properties of currently available lasers, and the nature of laser-tissue interactions, the use of lasers to treat chronological and photodamage in such patients may be challenging and fraught with complications. Nevertheless, both ablative and non-ablative technologies have been used successfully to address various cosmetic concerns. This article is a review of skin physiology and laser-tissue interactions in Asian and ethnic skin, particular aesthetic concerns and medical pre- and postoperative considerations in such patients, and a summary of the past 20 years of experience with ablative and non-ablative technologies for effective and safe photorejuvenation.