Single treatment with 100-microsecond alexandrite laser clears selected acquired melanocytic nevi in type IV asian facial skin

• Main Authors: Etienne CE Wang, Priya Sen, Chee-Leok Goh, Sze-Hon Chua
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2013-01-01
• Series: Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery
• Subjects: Alexandrite laser; microsecond pulse; small acquired melanocytic nevi
• Online Access: http://www.jcasonline.com/article.asp?issn=0974-2077;year=2013;volume=6;issue=1;spage=21;epage=26;aulast=Wang

Context: Small common acquired melanocytic nevi (AMNs) are common on Asian facial skin. Aims: To show that the 755 nm Alexandrite laser stacked at the 100-μs long-pulsed mode (μsAL) is an effective modality for the removal of selected AMNs. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective case series, followed up with a telephone interview. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients treated between January 2010 and April 2012 with the μsAL laser for small AMNs was conducted. Pre- and post-treatment facial photographs and photographs of the individual lesions were analyzed by two independent dermatological surgeons for degree of clearance and complications. A telephone interview was conducted with the patients to assess their satisfaction with the procedure. Results: A total of 18 patients with 53 lesions were included. 7/18 (38.9%) of patients had ′excellent′ results. No patients had ′mild′ or ′poor′ results. At 4 week post-treatment, 49/53 (92.5%) were totally cleared, with 14/53 (26.4%) reporting mild atrophy, and 11/53 (20.8%) reporting mild post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. The majority of lesions had negligible complications. 9/18 (50%) judged the procedure to be ′excellent′, and all patients reported that they would recommend this procedure to a friend seeking removal of small facial AMNs. Conclusion: The μsAL is an effective modality for the removal of small facial AMNs.