[Benign melanosis of the lip. Treatment with the Q-switched ruby laser].
OBJECTIVE
Benign melanosis of the lip represents a cosmetic problem for many of those who are afflicted. It responds well to therapy with Q-switched lasers. The value of previous studies has been limited by small numbers of cases or short follow-up times.


METHODS
In a retrospective study 9 patients were treated by the Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm, pulse duration 25-40 ns, spot size 4 mm, energy density 10 J/cm2) in the period from 5/94 to 10/99. The benignity of the lip melanosis was determined dermatoscopically. In one case, the diagnosis was also confirmed histologically by a punch biopsy. The follow-up time was between 6 months and 5 1/2 years.


RESULTS
In 3 cases a complete clearance of the melanosis was achieved after one session, while in 6 patients a second treatment was required. There were no recurrences. Scars or pigment alterations were likewise not observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The treatment of benign melanosis of the lip with the Q-switched ruby laser is an elegant and safe method with excellent cosmetic results.
Laserklinik Karlsruhe. info@raulin.de
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C
Raulin
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B
Greve
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W
Hartschuh
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Werner
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008046:Lip / Q000473:pathology; D008047:Lip Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008548:Melanosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010580:Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors