Treatment of small nevomelanocytic nevi with a Q-switched ruby laser.
BACKGROUND
Small nevomelanocytic nevi are common and some are of cosmetic concern. Conventional therapy may cause a scar or permanent hypopigmentation.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to determine whether selective photothermolysis of pigmented cells by Q-switched ruby laser treatment removes small nevomelanocytic nevi in a nonscarring fashion.


METHODS
Twelve patients with 18 small nevomelanocytic nevi were treated with a Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm, 28 nsec) at fluences of 8 J/cm2. Biopsy specimens were obtained after treatment at varying time intervals.


RESULTS
Twelve lesions (67%) showed a complete response and six lesions (33%) had a partial response. The only adverse sequela observed was mild fibrosis of the papillary dermis, without loss of papillary architecture.


CONCLUSIONS
The Q-switched ruby laser is effective in removing small melanocytic nevi. However, some might recur depending on the depth of the nevomelanocytic nests.
Vibhagool
C
C
Dermatology Laser Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
Byers
H R
HR
Grevelink
J M
JM
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*