Treatment of facial postinflammatory hyperpigmentation with facial acne in Asian patients using a Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser.
BACKGROUND
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) due to facial acne commonly occurs in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI and can have a considerable effect on quality of life. The sequelae in terms of pigmentation are often the main reason for consulting a dermatologist and take precedence over the acne itself.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new combined photoacoustic-photothermal low-fluence Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (QSNY) laser in the treatment for facial acne and PIH.


METHODS
Twenty individuals underwent five weekly full-facial treatments using a QSNY laser at 1,064 nm. Another 20 individuals underwent five weekly facial acne treatments by extraction of comedones, and intralesional injections into severely inflamed papules were performed at each treatment session. Clinical assessment scores were determined 1 and 3 months after the last treatment.


RESULTS
QSNY laser treatments at 1,064 nm were found to be effective at treating PIH and have an additional effect on concomitant acne lesions. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
Kim
Sangeun
S
Department of Dermatology, Yonsei-Zium Skin Laser Clinic, Seoul, Korea. i4ks@yahoo.com
Cho
Kyeong-Hun
KH
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000209:etiology; D005145:Face; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult