Treatment of epidermal pigmented lesions with the frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. A controlled, single-impact, dose-response, multicenter trial.
METHODS
The removal of benign, aesthetically important, pigmented lesions can be effectively treated with multiple modalities. Selective removal of the pigment by lasers is becoming increasingly popular. A three-center trial evaluated the effectiveness of the frequency-doubled Q-switched neodymium (Nd):YAG laser (532 nm, 2.0-mm spot size, 10 nanoseconds) in removing benign epidermal pigmented lesions with a single treatment. Forty-nine patients were treated for multiple lentigines (n = 37), for cafe au lait macules (n = 7), and for miscellaneous lesions (n = 5). Treatment areas were divided into four quadrants, irradiated with fluences of 2, 3, 4, or 5 J/cm2 and evaluated at 1- and 3-month intervals following treatment.


RESULTS
For lentigines, response was related to dose with a greater than 75% pigment removal achieved in 60% of those lesions treated at higher energy fluences. Responses were more variable with other lesions, with fair-to-good improvement noted in most cases. Mild, transient erythema; hypopigmentation; and hyperpigmentation were noted in several patients, but resolved spontaneously within 3 months. No other textural changes, scarring, or other side effects were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
The frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd: YAG laser (532 nm) safely and effectively treats benign epidermal pigmented lesions.
Kilmer
S L
SL
Department of Dermatology, Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
Wheeland
R G
RG
Goldberg
D J
DJ
Anderson
R R
RR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D007911:Lentigo / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008297:Male; D008548:Melanosis / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000532:radiotherapy*