Which patient characteristic may require special considerations before laser treatment?

Skin tone is a critical patient characteristic that necessitates special considerations before laser treatment because it can significantly influence the effectiveness and safety of the procedure. Different skin tones have varying amounts of melanin, which affects how the skin absorbs laser light. For instance, individuals with darker skin may have a higher risk of hyperpigmentation, burns, or other adverse effects when treated with certain types of lasers if the settings are not appropriately adjusted. It is essential for practitioners to tailor the laser parameters to accommodate the patient’s skin type to achieve the desired outcomes and minimize risks.

In contrast, while age, gender, and activity level can influence treatment planning in certain contexts, they do not typically have the same direct, critical impact on the safety and efficacy of laser treatments as skin tone does. Therefore, special considerations regarding skin tone are necessary to ensure patient safety and successful treatment results.