The treatment of benign pigmented lesions and tattoos with the Q-switched ruby laser. A comparative study using the 5.0- and 6.5-mm spot size.
BACKGROUND
The Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) is useful in the treatment of benign pigmented lesions and tattoos. Two spot sizes are available in the QSRL (5 and 6.5 mm). It has not been shown if one spot size is more efficacious in the treatment of benign pigmented lesions and tattoos.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical lightening and side effects observed with the 5.0- and 6.5-mm spot sizes of the QSRL in the treatment of benign pigmented lesions and tattoos.


METHODS
Eleven patients with 12 benign pigmented lesions or tattoos were prospectively studied with the QSRL. Half of the lesion was treated with the 5.0-mm spot size while the other half was treated with the 6.5-mm spot size. Clinical lightening of the lesion was assessed using pretreatment and posttreatment photographs.


RESULTS
No significant clinical difference in the lightening of lesions or in the side effect profile was observed with either spot size.


CONCLUSIONS
The 5.0- and 6.5-mm spot sizes of the QSRL are equally efficacious in the removal of benign pigmented lesions and tattoos. It seems prudent to use the 6.5-mm spot size when treating large lesions to reduce treatment time, patient discomfort, and treatment cost.
Nehal
K S
KS
Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA.
Levine
V J
VJ
Ashinoff
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D013653:Tattooing