Efficacy and Safety of 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment for Removing Melanocytic Nevi.
- Author:
Yoon Jee KIM
1
;
Kyu Uang WHANG
;
Won Bok CHOI
;
Hyun Jo KIM
;
Jae Young HWANG
;
Jung Hoon LEE
;
Sung Wook KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Melanocytic nevi; Nevi; Q-switched Nd:YAG
- MeSH: Cicatrix; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic; Humans; Lasers, Gas; Light; Lighting; Melanocytes; Nevus; Nevus of Ota; Nevus, Pigmented
- From:Annals of Dermatology 2012;24(2):162-167
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: BACKGROUND: Until recently, the removal of melanocytic nevi has been performed with a CO2 laser or Er:YAG laser. These lasers have been useful for removing affected spots. However, enlargement of spots or some sequelae, including depressed or hypertrophic scars, could develop as unwanted results. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser has been used to remove deep-seated melanocytes, such as Ota nevus or tattoos. However, there have been no previous experiments performed to test the efficacy and safety of this laser treatment for melanocytic nevi. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for removing melanocytic nevi, including congenital nevomelanocytic and acquired nevomelanocytic nevi. METHODS: Two thousand and sixty four Korean patients with small melanocytic nevi were treated with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser from 2005 to 2009. High-resolution photographs were taken in identical lighting and positions before and after the six weeks of treatment to observe the procedural efficacy. RESULTS: About 70% of the nevi treated using a 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser were completely removed after one session. The other 30% were completely treated within three sessions. The appearance of sequelae such as hollow scars noticeably decreased compared to the results seen in CO2 or Er:YAG laser treatments. CONCLUSION: Use of the 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective treatment modality for melanocytic nevi.
