title: A split-face, evaluator-blind randomized study on the early effects of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser versus Er:YAG micropeel in light solar lentigines in Asians.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Asians are prone to develop epidermal pigmentary lesions as a result of photoaging. Solar lentigines, especially those which are light in color, show somewhat limited response to pigment lasers and intense pulsed light sources.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to compare the early effects as well as side effects of Q-switched Nd:YAG and Er:YAG micropeel in treating light solar lentigines in Asians.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a split-face, evaluator-blind, randomized controlled study. A single session of treatment was performed on Asian patients with light facial lentigines. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was allocated to one half of the face, and Er:YAG micropeel to the other half. The response to therapy was evaluated by two independent dermatologists with standardized photographs taken 2 weeks and 1 month after the laser treatment. Patients' satisfaction and preference in treatment were also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen patients completed the study and were analyzed. A reduction in pigment was observed with both lasers during the study period. The degree of pigment reduction in the Q-switched Nd:YAG treated side of the face was significantly higher than that of the Er:YAG micropeel treated side at 2-week follow-up (p < 0.001). The degree of pigment reduction between the Q-switched Nd:YAG-treated side and the Er:YAG micropeel-treated side was similar at 1-month follow-up (p = 0.110).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While there is no perfect therapy for light solar lentigines, a single session of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and Er:YAG micropeel was shown to reduce pigmentation. The immediate effects (2-week follow-up) were better with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser but there was no great difference between the two laser types at 1-month follow-up due to the greater degree of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following Q-switched Nd:YAG. Both laser types could be applied either singly in turns, or in combination for maximal efficacy in future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea , Incheon , Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hee Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Jun
authors.forename: So Min
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Won Joon
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Sang Hyun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Jeong Deuk
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Hei Sung
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012060:Rejuvenation; D056910:Republic of Korea; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D015595:Skin Aging