Knowledge Why are large spot sizes and low energy densities preferred for PIH in Asian patients? Expert Laser Safety Tips
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Tech Team · Belislaser

Updated 2 days ago

Why are large spot sizes and low energy densities preferred for PIH in Asian patients? Expert Laser Safety Tips


Large spot sizes and low energy densities are preferred because they allow for the uniform delivery of laser energy into the dermal layers without generating excessive heat. This specific combination—such as an 8mm spot size with 0.6 J/cm² fluence—prioritizes the mechanical shattering of deep pigment while minimizing thermal damage, which is critical for preventing adverse inflammatory reactions in Asian skin.

Core Insight: In the context of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) in Asian patients, the primary clinical goal is safety over aggression. High-energy treatments often trigger a "rebound" effect; utilizing large spot sizes with low energy disrupts pigment physically rather than thermally, preventing the recurrence of hyperpigmentation.

The Mechanics of Gentle Pigment Correction

Ensuring Uniform Energy Delivery

Using a large spot size, such as 8mm, is essential for creating a consistent energy field.

Small spot sizes often result in uneven energy distribution, creating "hot spots" that can damage tissue. A larger surface area ensures the laser energy is spread evenly across the treatment zone.

Targeting Deep Dermal Layers

A large spot size improves the penetration depth of the laser beam.

By maintaining a wide beam diameter, the laser can reach deep pigments residing in the dermis more effectively than narrower beams, which scatter more easily in the upper skin layers.

Shattering Without Burning

The core mechanism of the Picosecond laser is the photoacoustic effect—using sound waves rather than heat to break up pigment.

By setting the energy density low (e.g., 0.6 J/cm²), the practitioner ensures the tissue is not subjected to localized heat accumulation. This shatters the pigment into dust-like particles without cooking the surrounding cells.

Why Asian Skin Requires Specific Parameters

Sensitivity to Thermal Trauma

Asian skin typically possesses higher basal melanin levels and is biologically more prone to inflammatory responses.

If the skin is overheated during treatment, it triggers a biological defense mechanism that produces more melanin. This leads to new inflammatory reactions, worsening the very condition being treated.

Preventing Recurrence (Rebound PIH)

The greatest risk in treating PIH in Asian patients is causing recurrence.

Aggressive, high-heat treatments may clear pigment initially but often cause it to return darker weeks later. The low-energy, large-spot approach avoids this cycle by keeping the tissue calm and cool during the shattering process.

Understanding the Trade-offs

Treatment Duration vs. Safety

While this gentle approach drastically reduces the risk of side effects, it may require a higher number of sessions to achieve total clearance.

Patients expecting "one-and-done" results must be managed carefully; the trade-off for protecting the skin barrier is a gradual, progressive fading of pigment rather than immediate eradication.

Technical Limitations

It is important to note that maintaining a large spot size while keeping energy density low requires a laser system with stable power output.

If the laser cannot maintain consistent energy across the full 8mm diameter, the treatment may become too weak to effect any change, rendering the session ineffective.

Making the Right Choice for Your Goal

When treating PIH in Asian patients, the parameters must align with the biological reality of the patient's skin physiology.

  • If your primary focus is Safety and Prevention: Prioritize the 8mm spot size and 0.6 J/cm² setting to minimize heat and prevent rebound hyperpigmentation.
  • If your primary focus is Deep Pigment Clearance: Rely on the large spot size to reach dermal layers, but resist the urge to increase fluence, as this increases thermal risk.

Success in treating Asian skin relies not on how much power you can apply, but on how much trauma you can avoid.

Summary Table:

Parameter Recommendation Clinical Rationale
Spot Size Large (e.g., 8mm) Ensures uniform energy distribution and deeper dermal penetration.
Energy Density Low (e.g., 0.6 J/cm²) Minimizes thermal trauma, prioritizing photoacoustic shattering over heat.
Skin Response Targeted Coolness Prevents inflammatory triggers and the 'rebound' melanin effect.
Primary Goal Safety & Prevention Protects the sensitive Asian skin barrier while gradually clearing pigment.

Elevate Your Clinic’s Treatment Safety with BELIS Technology

Treating sensitive Asian skin requires precision and stable energy output to avoid Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). BELIS specializes in professional-grade medical aesthetic equipment designed specifically for the rigorous demands of premium clinics and salons.

Our advanced Picosecond Nd:YAG and Pico laser systems offer the stability needed to maintain large spot sizes at low fluences, ensuring safe and effective pigment clearance without the risk of thermal rebound. Beyond lasers, BELIS provides a comprehensive portfolio including HIFU, Microneedle RF, and CO2 Fractional systems, as well as body sculpting solutions like EMSlim and Cryolipolysis.

Ready to provide superior results for your patients? Contact our experts today to find the perfect professional-grade system for your practice!

References

  1. Hae-Jin Lee, Eung Ho Choi. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation Successfully Treated with 1,064-nm Picosecond-Domain Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser. DOI: 10.25289/ml.2018.7.1.52

This article is also based on technical information from Belislaser Knowledge Base .

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