Blog

About half of my patients have sensitive or ethnic skin. Patients with darker skin color (Asians, Hispanics, African Americans, Middle Eastern skin) have a much higher tendency to develop keloids, unsightly scars, discolorations, and abnormal prolonged healing and redness. One thing I’ve learned during my  20 years in private practice is that performing a test spot behind the ear significantly improves the chances of the treatment working and the patient being happy. Observing a test spot heal helps in determining the laser parameters and reduces the risk of unsightly scars and discolorations. It also allows the patient to get a sense of the healing process and become mentally ready. After the test spot a few patients decide not to have the procedure done.  Test spots are not always required but a good idea if you have sensitive skin or thick keloids or hypertrophic scars elsewhere on your body. 

Performing test spots also allows me to find out if the patient is compliant and can follow post operative instructions. 

Ask your Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon to perform a test spot before any major facial laser procedures.