title: A retrospective study looking at the long-term complications of Q-switched ruby laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Despite the extensive use of QS Ruby, there is no report looking at its long-term complication in the treatment of nevus of Ota. To look at the long-term complications of nevus of Ota patients treated with QS Ruby laser.
  
  
  METHODS
  A teaching hospital in Japan where over 400 patients with nevus of Ota had been treated since 1984. Hundred and one nevus of Ota patients that had been treated with QS Ruby laser, but had not received treatment for 12 months prior to the study, were called back for further assessment. Patients were called back to the hospital where they were interviewed and examined by two independent clinicians.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Hypopigmentation was the most common complication, affecting 16.8% of the patients and 5.9% had hyperpigmentation. One patient that had complete clearance post-laser surgery developed recurrence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  QS Ruby laser is effective in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Recurrence is rare, but hypopigmentation is common and can be permanent. Further prospective study comparing its use with other Q-switched lasers is necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan. taro911@prs.twmu.ac.jp
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kono
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nozaki
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Mikashima
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017496:Hypopigmentation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009507:Nevus of Ota / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors