Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

Hi Dr Lam,

What are the risks of PIH for Asians skin with Plasma resurfacing?In your opinion,is it uncommon for PIH to become permanent?

PIH should not be permanent. however, it is very real and prolonged when doing PSR2/PSR3 in asians, i.e., high settings. I really do not recommend high settings in most Asians because of the risk of prolonged recovery. however, repeated low setting is a good option and much safer. the results are a bit less than high settings but most asians do not have the degree of photodamage that fairer skin whites do.

Thanks for ur reply.I have acne scarring which I assume may require higher settings .Any preventative measures to reduce the risk such as bleaching cream ?How many Asians have you treated with Plasma and how common were PIH amongst them?

Dr. Lam, isn't the new fractional CO2 better for acne scarring than plasma resurfacing? I've seen some impressive pics but it maybe the usual hype ....

Initially the old Fraxel was hyped too but then it turned out the results were quite modest and the price astronomical.

i personally think all laser technologies for acne scarring are overhyped. i don't have any personal experience with any of them since i usually use silicone and 100% acid. since i have the plasma, i wanted to use it on individuals who want to finish the picture so to speak, i.e. after i finish silicone work on them.
sml