Cosmetic lasers we carry for beauty treatments in Surrey (near Vancouver)

It is true that cosmetic lasers can be finicky to use on darker skin tones. However, it is not impossible to utilize them in these cases, when needed.

It does take a lot more training and caution to perform laser treatments on a dark-skinned patient. So, on the one hand, you should be sure you’re picking a highly experienced practitioner. On the other hand, you’ll need to be patient, and have realistic expectations about results. It can take longer, and require more sessions, when using lasers to treat dark skin.

The reason we need to be more careful on dark skin is that it burns more easily. Lasers are ‘hot’ devices. If dark skin gets burned, it can more easily form post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is the type of darkness you may have experienced on a scar that has healed over. We want to avoid this from happening during laser treatments as much as possible.

The other thing to know is that it’s not just those who look dark-skinned who will be sensitive to laser light. ‘Skin of colour’ is used to describe skin tones that generally tan (versus burn) when exposed to UV light. This covers a wide array of skin types, starting from olive-toned skin. Light-skinned, Middle-Easterners, for example, may fall into this category. They will require the same precautions as ‘brown’ Southeast Asians.

After a few tests and treatments, we’ll be able to gauge what laser strengths your skin can tolerate. We’ll be able to customize treatments for your skin and body, not someone else’s.

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If you have had laser treatments at another clinic, and would like to switch to ours, we would need to learn more about your case before taking you on. We encourage you to book a consultation with us, so we can learn more about why you are seeking a new provider. We can make suggestions from there. Often, medical complications will need another route before coming to us.

Other times, people move to a new place. Or, they simply don’t see results from past providers. We are usually able to ‘take over’ in these cases. 

However, please note that if another laser clinic did something to your skin, you should not expect that we will be able to do the exact same thing, or follow another clinic’s guidelines.

It doesn’t quite work this way. We will still need to follow the safety procedures and methods that we use at our clinic. Each clinic can be unique in the way they operate. You’ll need to be ok adapting to our protocols. We will treat you as a ‘new’ patient in this regard.

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We treat a wide array of cosmetic conditions at our laser clinic, not all of which are listed on our website. If you have a specific concern you would like laser treatments for, we encourage you to reach out to us. We may be able to help.

However, we do list services we do not offer. For example, we do not treat plantar warts (foot warts) using lasers at our clinic, nor internal genital warts at all. We also do not offer nail fungus treatments.

Please also note that our laser clinic only performs procedures that are not covered by MSP in B.C. Sometimes, private insurance companies may cover some of our services. You’ll need to find out more from your provider.

If you need medical assistance, we also run a family physician practice next door to our Surrey laser centre. You are welcome to book an appointment there. Click here to visit the medical clinic website.

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Most of the dangers and side effects of cosmetic lasers have to do with the way they are used. You can think of it like using a very sharp kitchen knife; it is safe, and it can do wonders, if it is handled properly. Lasers are far more powerful, of course.

So, while it’s true that lasers can be dangerous, this would only be the case when safety protocols are not followed. For example, wearing protective eyewear in a closed room is always necessary. Not pointing the laser aimlessly around the room is another obvious one. And, of course, proper machine settings must always be used in relation to the skin type being treated.

At our clinic, our laser technicians go to laser schools before coming on board with us. They are then trained again while on the job, by Dr. Shah himself (our lead doctor). We also appoint a laser safety officer, to ensure everyone is properly trained and adhering to safety guidelines.

Learn more about what sets us apart, here.

In addition, Dr. Shah is always available should any issues arise with our patients.

The most common, long-term side-effects of cosmetic laser treatments would be burns causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (i.e. darkening of the skin). It is more common on darker skin tones, as noted above. However, cosmetic laser practitioners should know about what causes this condition. It can be avoided to a large degree, but not to a 100% degree. Since we have many types of lasers and tools at our clinic, we can often help patients reduce the effects of this condition, if it arises.

We would also advise that you learn more about the associated downtime with each of our laser treatments. See their respective pages, noted above.