Dr. Elizabeth Kiracofe at AAD 2026 — Treating Acne Scars, Hyperpigmentation & Melasma in Skin of Color with the Aerolase Neo Elite

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Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Kiracofe, founder of Airia Comprehensive Dermatology in Chicago, presents a clinical demonstration of the Aerolase Neo Elite recorded at AAD 2026. Dr. Kiracofe walks through a live patient treatment addressing acne scarring and facial hair reduction simultaneously — and explains why the Neo Elite's 650-microsecond 1064nm Nd:YAG technology makes this combination possible without risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color patients.

Dr. Kiracofe covers the following clinical applications and insights:

• Acne scarring and PIH: How the 1064nm wavelength targets four chromophores — hemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, water, and melanin — to remodel the dermis, stimulate collagen synthesis, and address post-acne pigmentation.
• Melasma in skin of color: Why treating both the pigmented and vascular components of melasma together produces more durable outcomes, and how the Neo Elite accomplishes this safely without risk of thermal injury to epidermal melanocytes.
• Concurrent isotretinoin use: Dr. Kiracofe's clinical experience using the Neo Elite simultaneously with Accutane in an immunocompromised patient — eliminating the need to delay scar treatment until after isotretinoin is complete.
• Striae: Collagen-stimulating protocols for stretch marks resulting from prolonged corticosteroid use.
• Lip rejuvenation: Immediate plumping and luminosity without filler — including same-day pre-wedding protocols.
• Bruise resolution post-filler: Using the Neo Elite's hemoglobin targeting to accelerate bruise clearance after injectable treatments.
• Combination protocols: Same-day pairing with microneedling, chemical peels, Botox, and filler — and future combination with the Aerolase Era Elite for ablative resurfacing.

Presented by Elizabeth A. Kiracofe, MD

Elizabeth A. Kiracofe, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Airia Comprehensive Dermatology, located in Chicago’s Fulton Market District. Known globally for her work in eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and hidradenitis suppurativa, Dr. Kiracofe combines clinical expertise with a passion for advocacy and health equity.