ABSTRACT
Objective@#To compare the recurrence rates between 755 nm Q-switched alexandrite laser (QSAL) treatment and surgical excision of oral melanotic macules (OMM).@*Methods@#This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee, and informed consent was obtained from the patients. A retrospective cohort study was designed to collect demographic and clinical characteristics and follow-up data from patients with OMM. Patients who received QSAL or surgical excision in the Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2019 to August 2021 were included. The one-year recurrence rate was investigated as the primary outcome. Long-term adverse reaction rates were investigated as safety indicators. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to analyze the recurrence-free rates between the groups.@*Results@#A total of 57 patients were enrolled in this study. 16 patients underwent surgical excision, and 41 underwent QSAL. The baseline demographic and clinical characteristics between the groups were not significantly different. No recurrence (0%) of OMM was observed in the surgical excision group, while in the QSAL group, the macule recurred in 12 patients (29.27%). The average duration of recurrence was 6.08 months after treatment. Recurrence was not found to be associated with smoking (P = 1.000), gastrointestinal polyps (P = 1.000), longitudinal melanonychia (P = 0.187), family history (P = 0.552), treatment sessions (P = 0.567) or multiple macule lesions (P = 0.497). Compared with treatment with surgical excision, the odds ratio of recurrence for treatment with QSAL was 4.41, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.27-15.24 (P = 0.020). In the surgical excision group, 3 patients (18.75%) reported depressions and scars on the lesion, while no long-term adverse reactions (0%) were reported in the QSAL group (P = 0.019).@*Conclusion@#Compared with surgical excision, the advantage of QSAL is the low long-term adverse reaction rate, while the disadvantage is the relatively high one-year recurrence rate. It is necessary to communicate the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods with OMM patients to assist in clinical decision-making.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the clinical effect of tranexamic acid radiofrequency introduction combined with Q-switched laser comprehensive treatment of moderate to severe melasma.Methods:From December 2019 to September 2021, ninety-six female patients with melasma [age 24-59 years old, average age (37.8±6.0) years old] were admitted to the Plastic and Aesthetic Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine. They were divided into the Q-switched laser group and the combined group by random number table method, with 48 cases respectively. The Q-switched laser group received Q-switched laser therapy, while the combined group received tranexamic acid radiofrequency introduction combined with Q-switched laser comprehensive therapy. The melasma area and severity index (MASI) scores were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The clinical efficacy, adverse reactions and recurrence rates of the two groups were compared.Results:The MASI scores of the Q-switched laser group and the combined treatment group were (28.28±1.24) points and (28.52±4.25) points respectively before treatment, and (13.38±7.96) points and (9.11±5.48) points respectively after treatment. The MASI scores of the two groups were decreased after treatment, which of the combined group was lower than that of the Q-switched laser group ( t=3.06, P<0.05). The total clinical effective rate of the combination group (93.75%) was higher than that of the Q-switched laser group (79.17%) (χ 2=4.36, P<0.05). The incidence rate of hyperpigmentation (2.08%) and recurrence rate (2.08%) of the combination group were lower than those of the Q-switched laser group (14.58%, 16.67%) (χ 2=6.01, P<0.05). Conclusions:Tranexamic acid radiofrequency introduction combined with Q-switched laser comprehensive treatment can improve skin lesions and clinical efficacy in patients with moderate to severe melasma, and reduce pigmentation and recurrence.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To compare the efficacy and adverse reactions of picosecond and nanosecond Nd∶YAG laser 532 nm in the treatment of seborrheic keratosis.Methods:A total of 30 patients with seborrheic keratosis were enrolled in this study. The rash size was more than 1-2 cm. Half of them were treated with picosecond laser and the other half with nanosecond Q-switched Nd∶YAG laser by wavelength of 532 nm. The treatment effect and adverse reactions were evaluated by observing the area and the disappearance of pigment. The patients were followed up for 3 months after treatment.Results:The total effective rate was 73.33% in the experimental group and 53.33% in the control group, with no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05), but the pain score, satisfactory score, scab shedding time and the incidence of pigmentation in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The 532 nm picosecond laser has a higher efficiency in treating seborrheic keratosis than 532 nm Q-switched Nd∶YAG, but it has no statistical significance. However, the self satisfaction is higher than that of the control group; the pain score, scab shedding time and the incidence of pigmentation are lower than those of the control group, with statistical significance. Therefore, picosecond 532 nm laser treatment of early seborrheic keratosis is worthy of clinical promotion.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 585 nm Q-switched laser in the treatment of acne inflammatory lesions and postinflammatory erythema.@*METHODS@#A total of 25 patients with moderate facial acne, symmetrical distribution of inflammatory lesions and postinflammatory erythema on both sides of the face, were enrolled. Among the 25 patients, 22 patients completed all the treatment and evaluation, and 3 patients were lost to follow-up. 585 nm Q-switched laser was used on a randomly selected side of the face for three times of treatment at a 2 week interval. The evaluations were made before each treatment, 2 and 4 weeks after the last treatment, therefore the evaluation time points were before the treatment, weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, respectively, for a total of 5 times. Acne severity was assessed using the investigator' s global assessment (IGA) score, and erythema severity was assessed using the investigator' s subjective erythema score and narrow-spectrum reflectance spectrophotometer at each follow-up.@*RESULTS@#After 3 times of treatment, there was statistically significant difference between the IGA score in week 8 and before treatment on both sides(Z=2.64, P < 0.01; Z=2.67, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in IGA score between the treatment side and the control side before treatment and in week 8 (P=0.59, P=0.26). There was statistically significant difference between the investiga-tor' s subjective erythema score in week 8 and before treatment on the treatment side(Z=4.24, P < 0.01), while no significant difference was showed on the control side(Z=1.73, P=0.08). In week 8, the investigator's subjective erythema score of the treatment side was lower than that of the control side (Z=3.61, P < 0.01). The erythema index of the treatment side was significantly decreased at 5 time points (P < 0.01), and the index decreased significantly in week 8 compared with the index before treatment (P < 0.01), while the erythema index of the control side was not significantly different at 5 time points. The treatment related adverse events included erythema and edema after treatment and pain during treatment, the severity was mild to moderate, which resolved spontaneously within 1 to 3 days. Nine patients were very satisfied with the treatment, 7 patients were satisfied, and 6 patients considered average.@*CONCLUSION@#585 nm Q-switched laser has some effect in the treatment of postinflammatory erythema, and it ensures good tolerance and safety. There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment side and the control side on the improvement of acne inflammatory lesions.
Subject(s)
Humans , Acne Vulgaris/therapy , Erythema/etiology , Face , Immunoglobulin A , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Introducción: El nevus de Ota es un hamartoma melanocítico dérmico benigno de aspecto macular, mal delimitado y en parche de color negrogrisáceo que generalmente afecta unilateralmente la primera y segunda rama del trigémino. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia, seguridad y los eventos adversos ocasionados por la aplicación de láser Alexandrita de 755 nm para el tratamiento del nevus de Ota. Métodos: Serie de casos de 10 pacientes de fototipo IV con Nevus de Ota unilateral atendidos entre enero 2017 y diciembre 2018, los cuales fueron tratados con esta energía lumínica y con parámetros definidos. Resultados: La media de edad fue de 29 años., Los pacientes que completaron el tratamiento no presentaron repigmentación en la lesión tratada y el índice de satisfacción fue aceptable. Se observó que el promedio de sesiones para obtener resultados favorables varió entre 8 y 10 aplicaciones. Dentro de los efectos adversos más importantes resalta la hiperpigmentación postinflamatoria y la eliminación del estrato superficial de la piel post láser. Todos fueron controlados sin dejar lesiones residuales permanentes. Conclusión: El láser Q-switched Alexandrita de 755 nm es una tecnología efectiva para lograr un alto grado de despigmentación en el tratamiento del nevus de Ota y puede ser considerado como un tratamiento de primera línea para el manejo de esta patología.
Introduction: Ota nevus is a benign dermal melanocytic hamartoma with a macular appearance, poorly defined and in a gray-black patch that generally affects the first and second branches of the trigeminal unilaterally. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and adverse events caused by the application of 755 nm Alexandrite laser for the treatment of Ota nevus. Methods: Case series of 10 phototype IV patients with unilateral Ota Nevus treated between January 2017 and December 2018, which were treated with this light energy and with defined parameters. Results: The mean age was 29 years. The patients who completed the treatment did not show repigmentation in the treated lesion and the satisfaction index was acceptable. It was observed that the average of sessions to obtain favorable results varied between 8 and 10 applications. Among the most important adverse effects, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and the removal of the superficial layer of the post laser skin stand out. All were controlled without leaving permanent residual lesions. Conclusion: The 755 nm Alexandrite Q-switched laser is an effective technology to achieve a high degree of depigmentation in the treatment of Ota nevus and can be considered as a first-line treatment for the management of this pathology.
ABSTRACT
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is an established modality of treatment for epidermal and dermal pigmented lesions. The dual wavelengths of 1064nm and 532nm are suited for the darker skin tones encountered in India. Though this laser has become the one of choice for conditions such as nevus of Ota, Hori's nevus and tattoos, its role in the management of melasma and other acquired dermal melanoses is not clear. Despite several studies having been done on the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in melasma, there is no consensus on the protocol or number of sessions required. Acquired dermal melanoses are heterogenous entities with the common features of pigment incontinence and dermal melanophages resulting in greyish macular hyperpigmentation. This article reviews the current literature on laser toning in melasma and the role of the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in stubborn pigmentary disorders such as lichen planus pigmentosus. As the pathology is primarily dermal or mixed epidermal-dermal in these conditions, the longer wavelength of 1064nm is preferred due to its deeper penetration. Generally multiple sessions are needed for successful outcomes. Low fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1064nm utilizing the multi-pass technique with a large spot size has been suggested as a modality to treat melasma. Varying degrees of success have been reported but recurrences are common on discontinuing laser therapy. Adverse effects such as mottled hypopigmentation have been reported following laser toning; these can be minimized by using larger spot sizes of 8 to 10mm with longer intervals (2 weeks) between sessions.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM) are a common form of hyperpigmentation in Asian populations, characterized by brownish-blue or slate-gray pigmentation in the bilateral malar regions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of a Q-switched (QS) fractional ruby laser in the treatment of ABNOM. METHODS: Forty-four patients with ABNOM treated with a QS fractional ruby laser from January 2014 to February 2016 were enrolled in this study. Patients received up to 10 treatment sessions, at intervals ranging from 3 to 4 weeks. An automatic skin diagnosis system was used before and after laser treatment to evaluate the efficacy of the laser treatment. To evaluate the complications of the laser treatment, a retrospective chart review was conducted. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were female, and 3 were male. The mean age of the patients was 47.2 years, and the mean follow-up period was 14 months. The median skin pigmentation score was 5 (interquartile range [IQR], 5–6) before laser treatment and 3 (IQR, 3–4) after laser treatment. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) was found in the skin pigmentation score before and after laser treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that, although multiple sessions are required, QS ruby fractional lasers can be considered an effective and less invasive form of treatment of ABNOM.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Asian People , Diagnosis , Follow-Up Studies , Hyperpigmentation , Laser Therapy , Lasers, Solid-State , Nevus of Ota , Nevus , Pigmentation , Retrospective Studies , Skin , Skin PigmentationABSTRACT
[Objective]To determine the efficacy and safety of 1064nm Q-switched laser combined with drug therapy in the treatment of mild to moderate rosacea.[Methods]73 patients with mild to moderate rosacea were divided into two groups randomly.The treatment group including 37 patients were treated with Q-switched laser combined with drug thera-py,the control group including 36 patients were treated with drug therapy only.Efficacies and safety were evaluated 6 and 9 weeks after the treatments.[Results]A mean reduction in lesion count was observed,statistically significance differenc-es in effectiveness were found among each group(P<0.05),the effective ratio was 83.8% in treated group,of which was 61.1% in control group,it showed significant difference between these two groups(P<0.05). There was no side effect.[Conclusion]1 064 nm Q-switched laser combined with drug therapy has a marked effect on mild to moderate rosacea,it is safe and effective,better than simple drug treatment.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is one of the most common adverse effects associated with dermatologic procedures, especially those for cosmetic purposes. Low fluence Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser (LFQS) has been widely used for this condition in the field, but reports in the literature are scarce. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the clinical benefit and limitation of LFQS in the treatment of PIH after cosmetic procedures. METHODS: Patients with PIH after laser treatment were enrolled in the study. Patients were treated with LFQS at an interval of 2 to 3 weeks. Photographs were taken. Objective measurement included erythema and melanin indices at the same site. Two blinded assessors graded the degree of improvement using a photograph based on a quartile scale (0~3). Patient satisfaction after treatment was also reported. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients were included in the analysis. Patients received 10 treatment sessions. Patients who started LFQS treatment within 3 months after the causal event showed a better treatment outcome. Those who had a higher erythema index before treatment tended to respond less to the treatment. CONCLUSION: LFQS may be a good treatment modality for patients with PIH. Earlier treatment can provide rapid resolution and better clinical results. However, for patients with PIH combined with intense erythema, LFQS may not be the first choice to consider in the clinical field.
Subject(s)
Humans , Erythema , Hyperpigmentation , Melanins , Patient Satisfaction , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and experience of Q-switched laser with small light spot in the treatment of melasma.Methods Forty-six patients with melasma were emolled in study.Subjects received total of forty-six patients treatment with 1064 nm Q switched laser at one month intervals.Light spot of 3-4 nm were used.Results Forty-six patients completed the trial.The physician evaluation showed that 50％ of patients achieved 90％ to 100％ clearance,and 89.1％ patients achieved 60％ to 90％ clearance.Side effects was minimal and all the patients tolerated the treatment well.Conclusions Small light-spot and low-energy 1064 nm Q Switched laser is substantially effective and highly safe for the treatment of melasma.
ABSTRACT
Introduction:The Department of Dermatology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur has been providing cutaneous laser therapyservices for over 20 years. We aim to describe the utilization of cutaneous laser therapy at the Departmentof Dermatology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur and the post treatment complications.Methods:We reviewed all patients who received cutaneous laser therapy at the Department of Dermatology, HospitalKuala Lumpur from January 2012 till December 2016. Complications were defined as dyspigmentation,infection, scarring, blisters, ulcerations, skin textural changes or contact dermatitis secondary to post/ pre-lasertopical therapy.Results:A total of 1190 patients with a male to female ratio of 1:2.21 and a mean age of 35.8 years received single,repeated or combination cutaneous laser therapy from 2012 till 2016 for 48 different skin conditions. Annually,an average of 1314 laser sessions were performed. Indications included seborrhoeic keratosis (249, 20.9%),port wine stain (162, 13.6%), solar lentigines (144, 12.1%), syringoma (105, 8.8%), viral warts (88, 7.4%),and Naevus of Ota (82, 6.9%) among others. Majority underwent Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (36.5%) followedby pulsed dye laser (33.6%), ablative conventional carbon dioxide laser (29.2%) and fractional carbon dioxidelaser (0.7%). Over the past 5 years, 3 patients developed severe complication post laser therapy which wasblisters. Pain was tolerable with application of topical 5% EMLA? (lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%) creampre-laser treatment.Conclusion:Q-switched Nd:YAG laser therapy was the most frequently employed laser in the Department ofDermatology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Our centre has a high volume of cases with a low rate of posttreatment complication.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Melasma, a common chronic pigmentary disorder, is resistant to various treatments. Recently, pulse-in-pulse type of intense pulsed light (PIP IPL) has been introduced as a treatment for melasma. It can emit multiple peaks during one pulse wave to deliver photothermal energy more effectively with gentle and even low energy so that complications are minimal. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of PIP IPL to low-fluence, multi-pass, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of facial melasma. METHODS: Fifteen female patients with melasma who had Fitzpatrick skin type III or IV were enrolled in this study between November 2014 and April 2015. Patients underwent 6 sessions of treatment at an interval of 1 week. One half of each patient's face was treated with 2 passes of PIP IPL with a fluence of 13~15 J/cm₂. The other half of the face was treated with 4 passes of Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser with a fluence of 1.6~1.8 J/cm₂. Results were evaluated at every visit, including modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, subject's global assessment, and investigator's global assessment. RESULTS: Modified MASI scores were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in both groups after 6 treatment sessions. Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser treatment was more effective than PIP IPL for the treatment of melasma, although the two treatments did not significantly (p=0.44) differ in effectiveness. However, the discomfort levels of patients in the PIP IPL group following procedures were significantly lower compared to those in the Q-Switched Nd:YAG group. CONCLUSION: The current investigation demonstrated that PIP IPL treatment for melasma in Korean women was not inferior to collimated low fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Melanosis , SkinABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Q-switched lasers have made it possible to remove tattoos without leaving unsightly scars. OBJECTIVE: Tobdetermine the optimal time for permanent makeup removal using Q-switched Nd:YAG and ruby lasers, we compared the degree of removal and associated histological changes following irradiation at different time points. METHODS: Using black ink and a permanent makeup machine, we performed 108 separate permanent makeup applications on rat skin. The 1,064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNDL) and 694-nm Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) were used to irradiate the permanent makeup on the day of its application and also 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days later. We assessed changes in pigmentation over time at each irradiated site using Mexameter® measurements and skin biopsies. RESULTS: The Mexameter® analysis demonstrated no significant differences in pigment removal among irradiations with QSNDL or QSRL on the day of permanent makeup application or at 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days later. Histological analysis demonstrated that permanent makeup pigment migrated from the epidermis to the superficial and mid dermis over time. QSNDL more effectively removed pigment throughout the epidermis and dermis compared to QSRL. CONCLUSION: For maximum pigment removal efficacy, the melanin index results suggest that laser treatment should be performed on the day permanent makeup is applied. However, from the histological perspective, permanent makeup should be removed approximately 1 week later, at which point the crusts have peeled off and the wound repair process is almost complete. In this study, histological analysis suggested the superiority of treatment with QSNDL to that with QSRL.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Biopsy , Cicatrix , Dermis , Epidermis , Ink , Lasers, Solid-State , Melanins , Pigmentation , Skin , Wounds and InjuriesABSTRACT
Punctate leukoderma is characterized of the destruction of melanocytes after chemical of physical damage. In addition, the term is broadly used to describe hypopigmented lesions induced in vitiligo patients after psolaren administration with ultraviolet A and in psoriasis patients with repetitive ultraviolet B phototherapy. The Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in treating melasma is frequently reported to be associated with the cause. A 44-year-old woman presented to the department with numerous confetti-like hypopigmented macules on both cheeks for over a year. Weekly treatment of 1,064 nm Qswitched Nd:YAG laser (2.0–3.4 J, 8 mm spot-size) therapy at a non-dermatologic clinic had induced both hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation lesions. Biopsy performed at both hyperpigmented and hypopigmented lesions revealed variable melanin pigmentation with segmental loss and infiltration of pigment incontinence. The patient was diagnosed with punctate leukoderma and was directed for narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy. Herein, we report a case of punctate leukoderma after inadvertent use of 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Aluminum , Biopsy , Cheek , Hyperpigmentation , Hypopigmentation , Melanins , Melanocytes , Melanosis , Phototherapy , Pigmentation , Psoriasis , Vitiligo , YttriumABSTRACT
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic form of cutaneous lupus that can cause permanent scarring. Treatment of DLE includes protection from sunlight and artificial sources of ultraviolet light, as well as systemic and topical medications. The first-line standard therapies are antimalarials and topical steroids. Other systemic therapies include systemic steroid, azathioprine, dapsone, and immunosuppressive agents. Topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus have also been evaluated. Recent studies reported that several treatments, including pulsed dye laser, CO₂ laser, intense pulsed light (IPL), and 1,064-nm long-pulse neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum (Nd:YAG) have been used for the cosmetic treatment of DLE. Here, we report a case of a DLE scar that was successfully treated with a combination therapy of IPL and Q-switched 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser.
Subject(s)
Aluminum , Antimalarials , Azathioprine , Cicatrix , Dapsone , Immunosuppressive Agents , Intense Pulsed Light Therapy , Lasers, Dye , Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid , Steroids , Sunlight , Tacrolimus , Ultraviolet Rays , YttriumABSTRACT
No abstract available.
ABSTRACT
Refractory dermal melasma is resistant to conventional treatment. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) may help to reduce the pigmentation of melasma. We present a case report on the clinical outcome of 2 patients with melasma, given PRP, as an adjunct therapy. PRP was administered at a monthly interval for 2 sessions in combination with a monthly Q-switched Nd Yag laser treatment and topical alpha arbutin application. A modified melasma area and severity index (MASI) was evaluated by two dermatologists who were blinded. At the follow up on the 3rd months, the MASI score was reduced by mean 33.5% for case 1 and 20% for case 2. There were no clinical complications for case 1. However recurrence of melasma was noted in case 2 by a worsening of the MASI score mean to 53% at the sixth months follow up. In conclusion, intradermal PRP injection as an adjunct to the conventional treatment of melasma presented with differing results in two cases.
Subject(s)
MelanosisABSTRACT
Objective To study the feasibility of joint phototherapy in the treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and non-drug therapy in clinical popularization value of 1064 nm Qswitched laser in combination with low energy intense pulsed noncoherent light for secondary pigmentation.Methods A total of 128 patients with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation were randomly divided into 3 groups according to different treatments:first group (42 cases) was subjected to low energy 1064 nm Q-switched laser treatment;second group (40 cases) had intense pulsed light treatment;third group (46 cases) had low energy 1064 nm Q-switched laser plus intense pulsed light therapy.Results After treating for 6 times,the effective rates of intense pulsed light and Q laser were 50％ (20/40) and 52.4％ (22/42),respectively,without statistical significance between two groups (P＞0.05).Effective rate of the third group was 73.9％ (34/46),with significant difference (P＜0.05),compared with the first two groups.Conclusions For those who refuse any drug treatment,low energy 1064 nm Q-switched laser with intense pulsed light therapy is an effective option to facial postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.Furthermore,it has obvious and safe effect without complications and deserves popularization.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Various Q-switched (QS) lasers, such as ruby, alexandrite or neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) lasers, are used to remove tattoos and permanent makeup. To our knowledge, there has been no indication or guideline published for the optimal time for laser-mediated tattoo removal. OBJECTIVE: To set a guideline for the optimal irradiation time for tattoo and permanent makeup removal via 1064 nm QS Nd:YAG (QSND) laser, we compared the degree of tattoo removal and skin histologic changes when the irradiation was employed at different time points. METHODS: Rat skin was marked with 54 artificial permanent makeup marks with black ink using a permanent makeup machine. The marks were irradiated with a 1064 nm QSND laser on the application day, and 3 days, 5 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after application. Pigmentation changes were checked over time using a Mexameter(R) and skin biopsy. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the degree of pigment removal as examined by Mexameter(R) on the day of makeup application compared to 3 days, 5 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after application. Histopathologically, the permanent makeup pigments seemed to move from epidermis to superficial and mid dermis with time. The pigments were relatively well removed throughout the epidermis and dermis when the laser was employed 7 days after tattoo application, compared to laser irradiation on the day of application, as viewed histologically. CONCLUSION: Laser removal of permanent makeup is effective on the day of application, as determined by testing pigment levels. However, based on histopathology, it is recommended to use lasers to remove permanent makeup about a week after application, since the wound repair process is almost complete at that time.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Biopsy , Dermis , Epidermis , Ink , Pigmentation , Skin , Tattooing , Wounds and InjuriesABSTRACT
Introducción: Los láser Q-switched (QS) son actualmente los equipos más utilizados en el tratamiento de los tatuajes traumáticos. Reportamos los resultados del tratamiento de nueve pacientes con este tipo de tatuajes. Materiales y métodos: Fue utilizado el láser Revlite (Hoya ConBio®) QS Nd:YAG 1064 nm. Los parámetros del equipo fueron ajustados en cada paciente variando entre los siguientes valores; diámetro de punta (spot size) 4-6 mm, energía 3,5-7 J/cm2 y 5-10 hercios (Hz). El tiempo mínimo entre cada sesión fue de ocho semanas. Se realizaron fotografías antes y después de cada sesión para evaluar el aclaramiento de las lesiones. Resultados: obtuvimos un aclaramiento completo(>95 por ciento) en tres pacientes en 1,6 +/- 0,5 sesiones y un excelente resultado (75 por ciento-95 por ciento) en un paciente luego de siete sesiones láser. De los cinco pacientes restantes, tres de ellos han tenido una buena respuesta (50 por ciento-75 por ciento) en 1,6 +/- 0,5 sesiones, sin embargo dos de ellos siguen en tratamiento. Solo dos pacientes obtuvieron un aclaramiento razonable (25 por ciento-50 por ciento), uno de ellos abandonó y el otro sigue en tratamiento. Conclusiones: El láser QS Nd:YAG1064 nm es eficaz para el tratamiento de los tatuajes traumáticos.
Introduction: Q-switched are the most used lasers in the treatment of traumatic tattoos. We report the results of treatment of nine patients with these tattoos. Materials and Methods: We used the Revlite QS Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser(Hoya ConBio®). The device parameters were adjusted for each patient varying between the following values; spot size4-6 mm, energy 3,5-7 J/cm2 and 5-10 Hz. The minimum time in between each session was eight weeks. Photographs were taken before and after each session to assess the clearance of the lesions. Results: We achieved a complete clearance (>95 percent) in three patients at 1.6 +/- 0.5 sessions and excellent results (75 percent-95 percent) in one patient after seven laser sessions. Of the remaining five patients, three of them have had a good response (50 percent-75 percent) in 1.6 +/- 0.5 sessions, however two of them are still under treatment. Only two patients had a reasonable clearance (25 percent-50 percent). Conclusion: QS laser Nd: YAG 1064 nm is effective in the treatment of traumatic tattoos.