title: A retrospective analysis of the management of freckles and lentigines using four different pigment lasers on Asian skin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is increased during freckles and lentigines treatment in Asians.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effectiveness and safety of using 595-nm long pulsed dye laser (LPDL), 755-nm LP Alexandrite laser, 532-nm QS Nd:YAG laser and 532-nm LP potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser for the treatment of freckles or lentigines in Asian patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective study of 40 Chinese patients, who were divided into four groups based on treatment modality using four different pigment lasers. Each patient attended between 1 and 4 treatments (mean of 1.8), at 4-6 weeks intervals, depending on clinical response. Lesional clearance and PIH were assessed by two independent clinicians.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistically significant improvement of global and focal facial pigmentation was found after treatment with LPDL, QS Nd:YAG and LP KTP lasers. No significant improvement was found after LP Alexandrite laser. PIH risk was 20% after LP Alexandrite treatment, 10% with QS Nd:YAG, and absent after LPDL and LP KTP treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A long pulse laser and small spot size appear to reduce the risks of lentigines treatment in darker skin types.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
authors.forename: S G Y
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: N P Y
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Yeung
authors.forename: S Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Shek
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kono
authors.forename: H H L
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology; D054025:Lasers, Dye / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007911:Lentigo / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy; D008548:Melanosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult