title: Long-pulsed 532-nm Nd:YAG laser treatment for small acquired melanocytic nevi in a single session: an 8-year study on 350 Yemeni patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Current laser treatments for acquired melanocytic nevi are unpredictable in terms of efficiency and cause considerable scarring. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the long-pulsed 532-nm Nd:YAG laser for removing small acquired melanocytic nevi in Yemeni patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2004 to 2012, 350 patients (M:F; 41:309) with Fitzpatrick skin type IV and 1 or more small acquired melanocytic nevi were included in the study. The patients were exposed to the following laser parameters: wavelength, 532 nm; pulse duration, 20 ms; spot size, 2 mm; fluence, 30-50 j/cm². Photographs were taken on 0, 1, 4, and 12 weeks posttreatment. The follow-up period ranged from 12 weeks to 5 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All nevi were completely removed with good to excellent cosmetic results in only one session. Side effects were seen in 30% of patients; the majority was temporary and, very mild in intensity, such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Atrophic and hypertrophic scars were observed in 9.4% and 0.6% of cases, respectively. Recurrence was seen within 2-6 months after laser treatment in 25 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The long-pulsed, 532-nm Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective in the removal of small acquired melanocytic nevi in Yemeni patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Kuwait University Hospital, Sana'a University , Sana'a , Yemen.
authors.forename: Mohammad Ali
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Alshami
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010781:Photography; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D015006:Yemen; D055815:Young Adult