Treatment of small nevomelanocytic nevi with a Q-switched ruby laser.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Small nevomelanocytic nevi are common and some are of cosmetic concern. Conventional therapy may cause a scar or permanent hypopigmentation.

OBJECTIVE:

Our purpose was to determine whether selective photothermolysis of pigmented cells by Q-switched ruby laser treatment removes small nevomelanocytic nevi in a nonscarring fashion.

METHODS:

Twelve patients with 18 small nevomelanocytic nevi were treated with a Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm, 28 nsec) at fluences of 8 J/cm2. Biopsy specimens were obtained after treatment at varying time intervals.

RESULTS:

Twelve lesions (67%) showed a complete response and six lesions (33%) had a partial response. The only adverse sequela observed was mild fibrosis of the papillary dermis, without loss of papillary architecture.

CONCLUSION:

The Q-switched ruby laser is effective in removing small melanocytic nevi. However, some might recur depending on the depth of the nevomelanocytic nests.

• Authors: C Vibhagool, H R Byers, J M Grevelink
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 36 Issue 5 Pt 1 Pg. 738-41 (May 1997) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9146536 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Female
• Humans
• Laser Therapy
• Lasers (adverse effects)
• Male
• Nevus, Pigmented (pathology, radiotherapy)
• Skin Neoplasms (pathology, radiotherapy)