Clinical effects of 532 nm picosecond and nanosecond Nd∶YAG laser in treatment of early seborrheic keratosis / 中华医学美学美容杂志

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.

Optimizing Q-switched lasers for melasma and acquired dermal melanoses

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.

Effective Treatment for Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Caused by Cosmetic Procedures / 대한피부과학회지

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.

The Utilization of Cutaneous Laser Therapy at the Department of Dermatology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur: A 5-year review

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.

A Case of Punctate Leukoderma after 1,064 nm Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser

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.

Permanent Makeup Removal from Murine Skin Using 1,064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser and 694-nm Q-switched Ruby Laser: Comparing the Degree of Removal Following Irradiation at Different Time Points after Application / 대한피부과학회지

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.

Split-face Comparison of Pulse-in-pulse Type Intense Pulsed Light Versus Low-fluence Multi-pass 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Facial Melasma / 대한피부과학회지

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.

Use of Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Longitudinal Melanonychia / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Response to intradermal autologous platelet rich plasma injection in refractory dermal melasma: report of two cases

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.

Comparison of Wound Repair after Irradiation of Rat Skin with 1064 nm Nd:YAG, CO2, and Er:YAG Lasers / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Laser therapy for various skin conditions is one of the most common procedures in dermatology. Recently, several articles described the use of 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers for the treatment of benign skin lesions. Such treatment is known to trigger its therapeutic effect through a photoacoustic effect and selective photothermolysis effect. However, only a limited number of articles have dealt with the theoretical base of the photoacoustic effect of the 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. OBJECTIVE: To compare the wound repair process and nonselective tissue heat damage induced by three different laser modalities: the CO2 laser, Er:YAG laser, and 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. METHODS: We irradiated the skin of an albino rat (Sprague Dawley(R), 200~250 g) with CO2, Er:YAG, and 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers. Skin biopsy specimens of the irradiated areas were collected on the first, fifth, and tenth day after laser exposure. For histologic analysis, the specimens were stained with the H&E, Verhoff-Van Gieson, and Masson's trichrome protocols. RESULTS: Compared with other laser modalities, rat skin irradiated by the 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser showed the least amount of heat damage and the quickest tissue repair response to the damage. CONCLUSION: A 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a photoacoustic effect capable of ablating the epidermis and dermis can be a proper treatment modality for the removal of benign skin lesions. The 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser may be considered as an alternative treatment option for the treatment of benign skin lesions.

Tatuajes traumáticos en Chile tratados con láser Q-switched Nd:YAG: reporte de nueve casos / Traumatic tattoos in Chile treated with Q-switched laser Nd: YAG: report of nine cases

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.

Nevus of Ota is a Rare Nevus and Q-switched Laser is the Best Available Option for Successful Treatment.

Patients with the nevus of Ota have increased amounts of melanin (pigment) and melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) in and around their eyes. This includes the intraocular blood vessel layer called the uvea (choroid, ciliary body and iris), on the sclera (the white part of the eye ball), and in the eyelids. Q-switched laser is the best available option for successful treatment.

A comparative study on efficacy of high and low fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and glycolic acid peel in melasma.

Background: Melasma is acquired symmetric hypermelanosis characterized by light-to-deep brown pigmentation over cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose. Treatment of this condition is difficult and associated with high recurrence rates. With the advent of newer therapies, there is interest in the use of glycolic acid peels and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNYL) in high and low fluence for this disorder. Aims: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of low fluence QSNYL, high fluence QSNYL, and glycolic acid peel in melasma in three study groups of 25 patients each. Methods: Seventy-five Indian patients diagnosed as melasma were included. These patients were randomly divided in three groups (Group A = 25 patients of melasma treated with low-fluence QSNYL at weekly intervals, Group B = 25 patients of melasma treated with glycolic acid peel at 2 weeks intervals, Group C = 25 patients of melasma treated with high-fluence QSNYL at 2 weeks intervals). Study period and follow-up period was of 12 weeks each. Out of the 75 patients included, 21 patients in Group A, 19 patients in Group B, and 20 patients in Group C completed the study. Response to treatment was assessed using melasma area and severity index score. Results: Significant improvement was recorded in all the three groups. The improvement was statistically highly significant in Group A as compared to Group C (P<0.005), significant in Group A as compared to Group B (P<0.05), and also in Group B when compared to Group C (P<0.05). Low-fluence QSNYL was associated with least side effects. Conclusions: This study shows the efficacy of low-fluence QSNYL and glycolic acid peel in melasma. These could be an effective treatment options compared to conventional methods for the treatment of melasma.

Efficacy and Safety of 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment for Removing Melanocytic Nevi

BACKGROUND: Until recently, the removal of melanocytic nevi has been performed with a CO2 laser or Er:YAG laser. These lasers have been useful for removing affected spots. However, enlargement of spots or some sequelae, including depressed or hypertrophic scars, could develop as unwanted results. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser has been used to remove deep-seated melanocytes, such as Ota nevus or tattoos. However, there have been no previous experiments performed to test the efficacy and safety of this laser treatment for melanocytic nevi. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for removing melanocytic nevi, including congenital nevomelanocytic and acquired nevomelanocytic nevi. METHODS: Two thousand and sixty four Korean patients with small melanocytic nevi were treated with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser from 2005 to 2009. High-resolution photographs were taken in identical lighting and positions before and after the six weeks of treatment to observe the procedural efficacy. RESULTS: About 70% of the nevi treated using a 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser were completely removed after one session. The other 30% were completely treated within three sessions. The appearance of sequelae such as hollow scars noticeably decreased compared to the results seen in CO2 or Er:YAG laser treatments. CONCLUSION: Use of the 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective treatment modality for melanocytic nevi.

1064 nm Q switched Nd: YAG laser treatment of nevus of Ota: An Indian open label prospective study of 50 patients.

Background: Nevus of Ota is very common in Asians. Estimated male to female ratio is 1:4.8. Patients seek treatment early in life due to psychological trauma and cosmetic disfigurement. The creation of high power, short pulse Q switched lasers has recently provided tools for considerable therapeutic advances in the treatment of dermal pigmented lesions. Aims: To determine the efficacy and side-effect profile of Q switched Nd:YAG Laser (QSNYL) in fifty Indian patients. Methods: Fifty patients of nevus of Ota underwent multiple treatments (average 5 sessions) at monthly intervals carried out over a period of 2 years with QSNYL (Med-lite C6). Of the 50 patients, 2 were males; and the rest were females. Skin types treated included phototype IV and V. The response after subsequent treatments was documented through serial photographs that were taken before and after every treatment session. Response to the treatment was graded based on quartile grading scale. Results: Near total improvement was seen in 8%, marked improvement in 22%, moderate improvement in 38% and 32% patients reported less than 25% clearing of the lesion. All patients reported some improvement. Transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed in 4 (8%) patients, which cleared with use of sunscreens and bleaching agents within 2 months. No textural change or scarring was observed in any patient. Conclusions: QSNYL is an easy-to-perform and effective treatment in cases of nevus of Ota in Indian patients with few side effects.

Borrado de tatuajes con láser en Chile: experiencia clínica / Laser tattoo removal in Chile: clinical experience

Durante las últimas decadas se han desarrollado múltiples técnicas para el borrado de tatuajes. Los láseres Q-switched Nd:YAG han demostrado ser los más eficaces y con el menor riesgo de efectos adversos por su habilidad de fragmentar selectivamente el pigmento (fototermólisis selectiva). Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del tratamiento para el borrado de tatuajes amateur, profesionales, cosméticos y traumáticos con un equipo láser Q-switched Nd:YAG. Materiales y métodos: Se estudiaron cien pacientes con 140 tatuajes entre marzo de 2008 y enero del 2011. Los pacientes fueron tratados mediante un láser Q-switched (QS) Nd:YAG, capaz de producir múltiples longitudes de onda. Los resultados fueron comparados mediante la prueba no paramétrica de Mann Whitney (p <0,05). Resultados: Trece tatuajes (9,2 por ciento) obtuvieron una respuesta completa de aclaramiento y se consideró terminado su tratamiento. Veinticinco tatuajes (17,8 por ciento) lograron una excelente respuesta. Treinta y dos (23 por ciento) tatuajes lograron una respuesta buena. Treinta y dos (22,8 por ciento) tatuajes obtuvieron una respuesta razonable y 38 (27,1 por ciento) obtuvieron una respuesta pobre. Conclusiones: el grupo de pacientes que más se beneficia del tratamiento láser es el amateur negro-azul.

Several techniques for removing tattoos have been developed in recent decades. Q-switched lasers have demonstrated to be most effective with the least risk of adverse effects for its ability to selectively break tattoo pigments into smaller fragments (selective photothermolysis). Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for erasing amateur, professional, cosmetic and traumatic tattoos using a Q-switched (QS) Nd: YAG laser. Materials and methods: From March 2008 through January 2011 one hundred patients were studied, altogether they had one hundred and forty tattoos. The patients were treated with a Q-switched Nd: YAG laser device capable of producing multiple wavelengths. The results were compared using the nonparametric Mann Whitney test (p <0.05). Results: 13 tattoos (9.2 percent) had a complete clearance response and the patients were considered to have completed the treatment. Twenty five (17.8 percent) tattoos achieved ann excellent response. Thirty two (23 percent) were considered as good response. Thirty two (23 percent) tattoos accomplished a reasonable response and 38 (27 percent) were considered to achieve a poor response. Conclusions: The patients who benefitted the most from laser treatments are the amateur blue black group.

A Case of Macular Hole after Exposure to Tattoo Removal by Q-Switched Neodymium:YAG Laser

PURPOSE: To report a case of a macular hole resulting from accidental exposure to tattoo removal by the Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser, which was treated successfully by vitrectomy and silicone oil infusion. CASE SUMMARY: A 33-year-old man presented with decreased visual acuity after accidental exposure to a Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser. According to fundus examination, vitreous hemorrhage and macular edema were observed. After 21 days, a macular hole had developed which was treated by standard pars plana vitrectomy and gas tamponade. Unfortunately, closure was not obtained on the first attempt. Therefore, a second attempt using silicone oil infusion was performed. Four months after the initial visit, BCVA had increased to 20/50, and anatomical occlusion was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The authors of the present study experienced an unusual case of macular hole developed from the Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser used to remove a tattoo. A satisfactory visual acuity was achieved after silicone oil infusion despite failure in the first surgery.

Treatment of a Congenital Melanocytic Nevus by New Combined Therapy: Intense Pulsed Light and a Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser / 대한피부과학회지

A congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) is present at birth in approximately 1% of newborn infants. Treating CMN with a single laser without complications is very difficult because of the deep nature of the pigments in this lesion. A 5-year-old girl presented with a single 3x6 cm sized dark brown plaque on the right lower leg; some black hairs were also evident inside the pigmented lesion. She received ten treatments with intense pulsed light and then four treatments with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. In order to achieve the chemoexfoliation, a topically modified Kligman formula (Trilusta(R)) was applied to the pigmented lesion twice a day for 6 months. Complete pigment clearance and hair removal were obtained and no side effects were observed. These results have been maintained for up to 18 months follow-up. We suggest that this combined treatment will be a good option for treating CMN with minimal scarring.

Tratamiento de lesiones pigmentarias en pacientes pediátricos con laser Q-switched Nd: YAG / Treatment of pigmented lesions in pediatric patients with laser Q-switched Nd: YAG

Las lesiones pigmentarias en la infancia pueden ser: epidérmicas, como las efélides, las máculas café con leche, los nevos pigmentarios, los lentigos y el nevo Spilus; dermoepidémicas, como el nevo de Becker y la pigmentación postinflamatoria; y de localización dérmica, como el nevo de Ota, la mancha mongólica, el nevo de Ito y el nevo de Hori. El avance en la tecnología láser nos permite tratar muchas de estas lesiones en forma segura y eficaz. Se hace una revisión de la literatura sobre el uso del láser Q-switched neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) para el tratamiento de lesiones pigmentarias.

Pigmented lesions in children can be due to pigment located in the epidermis, such as freckles, café au lait spots, pigmented nevi, lentigo and Spilus nevus; in the dermo-epidermal junction such as Becker´s nevus, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and others are due to pigment in the dermis, like nevus of Ota, Mongolian spots, nevus of Ito and Hori´s nevus. Recent advances in laser technology make possible the treatment of many of these lesions possible in a safe and efficacious way. This is a literature review about the applications of Q-switched neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) for the treatment of pigmented lesions in children.

Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Therapy of Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules

BACKGROUND: Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM) is a dermal pigmented lesion common in individuals of Oriental origin. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNYL) has been used successfully to treat a variety of benign, dermal, pigmented lesions, including nevus of Ota lesions. The similarity between ABNOM and nevus of Ota suggested that QSNYL may also be effective in the former. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and side-effect profiles of QSNYL treatment of ABNOM in Korean patients. METHODS: Of 42 Korean patients with ABNOM, 29 were treated with QSNYL (1,064 nm, 3 mm spot size, fluence 8~9.5 J/cm2), for up to 10 sessions each. Clinical photographs were taken before and after treatment. Lesion clearance was graded and complications such as hyperpigmentation, scarring, hypopigmentation, and erythema were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 29 treated patients, 19 (66%) showed excellent or good results. Of the patients who were treated more than 3 times, 76% showed good to excellent results. Two patients experienced post-laser hyperpigmentation (PLH), which persisted for more than one month, but no patient experienced persistent erythema or hypertrophic scarring. CONCLUSION: QSNYL is safe and effective in the treatment of ABNOM in Korean patients. Short-interval repetitive treatment is especially useful in improving therapeutic results and reducing PLH.