Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Therapy of Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules.
BACKGROUND
Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM) is a dermal pigmented lesion common in individuals of Oriental origin. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNYL) has been used successfully to treat a variety of benign, dermal, pigmented lesions, including nevus of Ota lesions. The similarity between ABNOM and nevus of Ota suggested that QSNYL may also be effective in the former.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and side-effect profiles of QSNYL treatment of ABNOM in Korean patients.


METHODS
Of 42 Korean patients with ABNOM, 29 were treated with QSNYL (1,064 nm, 3 mm spot size, fluence 8~9.5 J/cm(2)), for up to 10 sessions each. Clinical photographs were taken before and after treatment. Lesion clearance was graded and complications such as hyperpigmentation, scarring, hypopigmentation, and erythema were assessed.


RESULTS
Of the 29 treated patients, 19 (66%) showed excellent or good results. Of the patients who were treated more than 3 times, 76% showed good to excellent results. Two patients experienced post-laser hyperpigmentation (PLH), which persisted for more than one month, but no patient experienced persistent erythema or hypertrophic scarring.


CONCLUSIONS
QSNYL is safe and effective in the treatment of ABNOM in Korean patients. Short-interval repetitive treatment is especially useful in improving therapeutic results and reducing PLH.
Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Woo Jin
WJ
Lee
Seung Seog
SS
Han
Sung Eun
SE
Chang
Mi Woo
MW
Lee
Jee Ho
JH
Choi
Kee Chan
KC
Moon
Jai Kyoung
JK
Koh