title: Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment for acquired bilateral nevus of ota-like maculae: a long-term follow-up.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like maculae (ABNLM) is not an uncommon dermal melanosis in Asian people. It is known for its recalcitrance to conventional treatment. We proposed Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of this entity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy female patients with ABNLM, who were 25-40 years old (mean, 37 years), were included in a prospective clinical study. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at fluence of 8-10 J/cm(2), spot size 2 or 4 mm, and a repetition rate of 10 Hz was used to treat the lesions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two patients were lost to follow-up. In the remaining 68 cases, all lesions attained a 100% clearance after two to five treatment sessions (mean, 2.8 sessions). The results had persisted at 3-4 years follow-up (mean, 42 months). Temporary hyperpigmentation was found in 50% of patients; there was no scarring or changing of skin texture.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective noninvasive alternative treatment for ABNLM.
authors.affiliation: Division of Laser Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kunachak
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leelaudomlipi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000601:surgery; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008548:Melanosis / Q000601:surgery; D009354:Neodymium; D009507:Nevus of Ota / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015019:Yttrium
chemical_list: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D009354:Neodymium; D015019:Yttrium