Efficacy and safety of the short-pulse erbium:YAG laser in the treatment of acquired melanocytic nevi.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Various laser systems have been used in the treatment of acquired melanocytic nevi. However, CO2 lasers may cause scarring, and some nevi cannot be removed with pigment-specific lasers completely. To date, no study has evaluated the efficacy and safety of an erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser, with its small penetration depth and fewer adverse effects, in the treatment of acquired melanocytic nevi.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the efficacy and safety of the short-pulse erbium:YAG laser in the treatment of acquired melanocytic nevi.

METHODS:

The study included 28 nevi in 14 patients. The lesions were pigmented, flat, or just palpable nevi. Nevi were irradiated with single-pulse laser energy of 1,000 mJ and a pulse duration of 300 microseconds. Fluences between 5.2 and 14.4 J/cm2 were used. Four months following laser treatment, the entire lesion was excised. Each specimen was histopathologically and immunohistochemically examined for the presence of nevus cells.

RESULTS:

Clinically, all of the nevi and, histopathologically, 27 of 28 nevi (96%) were completely removed without scarring. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was seen in two patients and hypopigmentation in three patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Short-pulse erbium:YAG laser treatment is an effective and safe method for removing acquired melanocytic nevi.

• Authors: Mete Baba, Nebil Bal
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 32 Issue 2 Pg. 256-60 (Feb 2006) ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16442047 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Laser Therapy (methods)
• Male
• Nevus, Pigmented (surgery)
• Skin Neoplasms (surgery)
• Treatment Outcome