Many people want to rejuvenate their faces but don’t want a facelift or eyelid lift (Blepharoplasty). The good news is there are effective non-surgical procedures available that can make your face look fresher and younger.
If you have darker skin, you may wonder if non-surgical cosmetic treatments will work for you. Patients with darker skin tones may be concerned that their skin will show the effects of procedures in a way that lighter skin doesn’t.
Below is more information about the best surgical procedures for dark skin.
Botox And Injectable Fillers For Darker Skin
Many non-surgical procedures are safe and effective for those with darker skin. Botox and dermal fillers such as Juvederm are some of the most popular for the face that doesn’t involve surgery.
As long as you’re healthy, a person with darker skin can have these treatments, and they work wonderfully.
Botox and dermal fillers are used to reduce facial lines and wrinkles as we age. The results last several months, and there are few if any side effects.
Laser Treatments
Many laser treatments are effective for removing the top layer of skin from the face. New, fresh skin is exposed and makes your face look younger and smoother.
Laser treatments are perfectly safe for most people, but some lasers aren’t safe for skin with darker tones. The most important thing is to choose a provider with experience with laser treatments with patients who look like you.
The best laser for darker skin is a long-pulse Nd: YAG laser. It works well for darker skin because it features a longer energy wavelength that goes deeper under the skin. That way, any possible interaction with pigment in the skin is reduced.
Lasers that aren’t good for darker skin are CO2 and Fraxel lasers. They take off the top layer of skin, so they can cause hyperpigmentation when used on darker complexions.
Microdermabrasion
Do you want to brighten your skin, remove age spots, or treat acne scars? Microdermabrasion could be for you. With this procedure, dead skin cells are removed with a spray of tiny crystals.
This is a painless procedure that’s safe for any skin type. Microdermabrasion won’t change the color of your skin or cause scars.
Note that traditional dermabrasion is only suitable for people with light skin. If you have dark skin, it can cause discoloration and scarring.
Microneedling With Radio Frequency
If you want a more advanced face rejuvenation treatment, microneedling with radio frequency treatments work under the skin and alternative to treatments that use heat and energy.
Most of these tools use plated needles to penetrate your skin and deliver energy below the surface. This technology can be tweaked for darker skin types to address pigmentation, fine wrinkles, and acne scars.
Salt Facial
This facial uses sea salt to pressure the skin to eliminate acne, increase exfoliation, and smooth fine lines and pores. It doesn’t use heat or energy, so it’s safe for darker skin.
This is a three-step treatment that exfoliates the outer layers of your skin and places customized serums into your skin. Last, it uses LED therapy to reduce inflammation.
RF Technology
Radiofrequency (RF) technology uses radio waves to increase collagen production in your face. As we age, collagen production drops, which can cause hollow areas in the face and lines and wrinkles.
Some providers use the Venus Viva device for this procedure that’s safe for any skin type and can treat surgical scars, acne scars, large pores, and stretch marks. It also helps with wrinkles, skin laxity, and skin texture issues.
However, some RF devices use lasers as well as radio waves. This isn’t the right choice for people with darker skin.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels work by taking off the top skin layer, which can be an issue for darker skin. A light chemical peel, including glycolic acid peels, only takes off dead skin cells from the surface. So, this procedure is usually safe and effective if you have dark skin.
But you should avoid deeper peels because they can cause hyperpigmented patches or hypopigmented patches.
Risks For Patients With Darker Skin
Any surgeon you choose should know the risks to patients who have darker skin tones. One of the most common is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is a condition that can happen after a minor skin problem such as acne or bug bites.
Your surgeon or provider should be open with you about the chances that PIH or other problems could happen based on the treatment you choose.
Talk to them about the number of incidents of pigmentation problems for your non-surgical procedure, whether it’s dermal fillers, Botox, dermabrasion, or something else.
Some patients are more likely to have pigmentation issues than others, so you should share your skin history with your provider.
No matter which treatment you want, always ask for before and after pictures of other patients with darker skin. Look especially for people whose skin tones are like yours. Seeing the results first-hand can tell you if the procedure will be effective for you.
Request a Houston Cosmetic Procedure Consultation
Interested in a Houston non-surgical procedure for dark skin? Please set up a consultation with Dr. Ashley Steinberg today. She’ll talk to you about the benefits and risks of these procedures and determine if you’re a good candidate.
References
Skin Treatments For Dark Skin. (2020). Accessed at https://www.byrdie.com/skin-treatments-for-dark-skin
The Best Laser Treatments For Dark Skin. (2019). Accessed at https://www.allure.com/story/best-laser-treatments-for-dark-skin-at-dermatologist
