26
Feb
Intense Pulse Light New Orleans LA
Hi Dr. Lupo, I am a 60 year old African American female; I have dark skin with hyper pigmentation from acne scars. I recently went to a local laser center for a consultation and was recommended that I receive multiple intense pulse light treatments. I am uneasy about this because I know that not all lasers are safe for African American skin. What is your personal opinion on this laser for someone of African American decent?
Intense pulse light is not a safe treatment for most patients of African American, and many of Native American, or Hispanic decent. The treatment could cause more damage than improvement possibly with hypo-pigmentation which is the loss of the skin color in areas that are treated. Most of the time I like to use Tazorac and Diamond Glow for dark skin patients because it evens the skin tone without lightening your natural color. Another safe option would be light chemical peels with Salicylic acid once a month in the fall/winter months. To maintain the result and prevent further pigmentation you should wear a daily sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Always avoid laser clinics where you do not see a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Can IPL be used on all skin types?
IPL is primarily used for photorejuvenation for sun damaged skin in patients with skin types I. II and III. IPL improves that combination of red and brown blotchiness that is the hallmark of too much sun in your youth. Dilated capillaries, pores and fine lines are also improved after a series of 3-6 sessions. We usually space these sessions every 3 weeks and combine it with a skin care program designed to prevent future damage. People with darker skin types IV-VI, usually will not get the full benefits from IPL since their skin ages differently from people with lighter skin tones. In addition, Intense Pulsed Light is riskier for darker skin types. I would say in general that IPL best serves those with lighter skin tone. Darker skin patients benefit from other devices like Diamond Glow, Clear and Brilliant, and light chemical peels.
Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. – Connect on Instagram
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
- 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;
- 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 – Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.