Laser therapy is routinely used today to treat a myriad of general and cosmetic dermatologic conditions. Most laser procedures are performed on lighter skin types with an abundance of published literature. There is a dearth of information about lasers on darker ethnic skin types. The demand for laser procedures on ethnic skin is growing dramatically. The dermatologic surgeon needs a conservative approach combined with ingenuity, sound judgment, and a clear understanding of laser optics in treating ethnic skin.