What precaution should be taken for patients with darker skin tones before laser treatment?

Choosing to use lower laser fluence for patients with darker skin tones is crucial in minimizing the risk of hyperpigmentation. Individuals with darker skin have higher amounts of melanin, which can absorb laser energy more readily than lighter skin tones. If a higher fluence is applied, this can lead to excessive heat in the skin, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

By using lower fluence settings, practitioners can effectively target the desired tissue while limiting damage to the surrounding skin and reducing the risk of melanin overproduction post-treatment. This approach ensures a safer treatment process and enhances the overall effectiveness of the laser procedure for patients with darker skin types.

In contrast, applying topical anesthetics is primarily aimed at improving patient comfort during the procedure and does not address the specific concerns related to skin tone and laser interaction. Similarly, limiting the treatment area size can also help manage risks but does not specifically mitigate the issues related to laser fluence and skin type. Therefore, adjusting the fluence is the most critical precaution for minimizing hyperpigmentation risks in these patients.