The removal of cutaneous pigmented lesions with the Q-switched ruby laser and the Q-switched neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. A comparative study

• Published in: The Journal of dermatologic surgery and oncology Vol. 20; no. 12; p. 795
• Main Authors: Tse, Y, Levine, V J, McClain, S A, Ashinoff, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.12.1994
• Subjects: Adult; Aluminum Oxide; Aluminum Silicates; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hyperpigmentation - pathology; Hyperpigmentation - surgery; Laser Coagulation - adverse effects; Laser Coagulation - instrumentation; Laser Coagulation - methods; Lasers; Lentigo - pathology; Lentigo - surgery; Male; Melanosis - pathology; Melanosis - surgery; Neodymium; Nevus of Ota - pathology; Nevus of Ota - surgery; Nevus, Pigmented - pathology; Nevus, Pigmented - surgery; Pain, Postoperative - etiology; Patient Satisfaction; Pigmentation Disorders - pathology; Pigmentation Disorders - surgery; Prospective Studies; Skin Neoplasms - pathology; Skin Neoplasms - surgery; Yttrium
• ISSN: 0148-0812
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.1994.tb03707.x

The Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) (694 nm) has been used successfully in the removal of tattoos and a variety of cutaneous pigmented lesions. The frequency-doubled Q-switched neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (QSNd:YAG) (1064 and 532 nm) has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of tattoos, however, little has been published regarding the QSNd:YAG laser in the removal of cutaneous pigmented lesions. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and side effect profile of the QSRL and the frequency-doubled QSNd:YAG lasers in the removal of cutaneous pigmented lesions, including lentigines, café-au-lait macules, nevus of Ota, nevus spilus, Becker's nevus, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma. Twenty patients with pigmented lesions were treated with the QSRL and the frequency-doubled QSNd:YAG lasers. Clinical lightening of the lesion was assessed 1 month after a single treatment. Side effects and patient satisfaction were also evaluated. A minimum of 30% lightening was achieved in all patients after only one treatment with either the QSRL or the frequency-doubled QSNd:YAG laser. The QSRL seems to provide a slightly better treatment response than the QSNd:YAG laser. Neither laser caused scarring or textural change of the skin. Most patients found the QSRL to be more painful during treatment, but the QSNd:YAG laser caused more postoperative discomfort. Both the QSRL and the frequency-doubled QSND:YAG laser are safe and effective methods of treatment of epidermal and dermal pigmented lesions.