What is the main concern when treating clients with darker skin types using lasers?

When treating clients with darker skin types using lasers, the primary concern is the higher risk of hyperpigmentation. Darker skin contains more melanin, which can absorb laser energy more effectively. This increased absorption can lead to unintended effects, such as hyperpigmentation, where areas of the skin develop darker patches as a reaction to the treatment. This condition is particularly sensitive in darker skin tones because the body may respond to the heat generated by the laser with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

The other concerns related to treatment, such as pain, treatment efficacy, or achieving desired results, may still be relevant, but they are not as significant as the risk of hyperpigmentation. For individuals with darker skin, practitioners must take extra precautions, such as using specific laser wavelengths and settings, to minimize this risk and ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes.