title: The use of lasers and intense pulsed light sources for the treatment of pigmentary lesions.
abstract: Lasers and intense pulsed light sources are frequently used for the treatment of pigmented lesions, and the appropriate selection of devices for different lesions is vital to achieving satisfactory clinical outcomes. In dark-skinned patients, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is of particular importance. In general, long-pulse laser and intense pulsed light sources can be effective with a low risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) when used for the treatment of lentigines. However, for dermal pigmentation and tattoo, Q-switched lasers are effective, with a lower risk of complications. In the removal of melanocytic nevi, a combined approach with a long-pulse pigmented laser and a Q-switched laser is particularly applicable.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: H H L
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kono
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019080:Cafe-au-Lait Spots / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007911:Lentigo / Q000601:surgery*; D009507:Nevus of Ota / Q000601:surgery*; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000601:surgery*; D013653:Tattooing; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome