A retrospective chart review to assess the safety of nonablative fractional laser resurfacing in fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI

Background: Laser resurfacing in patients with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (SPT) IV to VI is associated with a higher risk of pigmentary alteration. There is a paucity of studies evaluating optimum treatment parameters for fractional lasers in darkly pigmented skin types. Methods: This is a retrospective review of medical records for patients with SPT IV to VI who were treated with a 1,550 nm erbiumdoped fractional nonablative laser (Fraxel Re: Store SR 1550; Solta Medical, Hayword, CA). Data were collected from patient charts and the clinic laser logbook from January 2008 to January 2012. The frequency of treatment-associated postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and treatment settings used were evaluated.