When administering laser treatments, what is crucial when treating dark skin types?

When treating dark skin types with laser treatments, it is crucial to use low Joule and high Millisecond settings. This approach helps to minimize the risk of thermal injury to the skin. Darker skin contains more melanin, which can absorb more laser energy. If high Joule settings are used, it may lead to excessive heating of the epidermis, increasing the likelihood of complications such as burns or hyperpigmentation.

By opting for lower energy settings (measured in Joules), the risk of overheating the skin is reduced, making treatments safer for darker skin types. Additionally, employing higher Millisecond durations allows the laser to deliver energy over a longer period, which can improve the precision of targeting the desired tissue while providing the skin more time to dissipate heat. Therefore, this combination is essential in ensuring effective treatments while prioritizing patient safety and minimizing adverse effects.