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Review
. 2006 May;154(5):889-95.
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.07106.x.

Congenital naevi treated with erbium:YAG laser (Derma K) resurfacing in neonates: clinical results and review of the literature

J U Ostertag  1 , P J F Quaedvlieg, F E M J Kerckhoffs, A H M Vermeulen, M J O E Bertleff, A W Venema, S van der Geer, G A M Krekels
Affiliations
Review

Congenital naevi treated with erbium:YAG laser (Derma K) resurfacing in neonates: clinical results and review of the literature

J U Ostertag et al. Br J Dermatol. 2006 May.

Abstract

Background: Giant congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) are often disfiguring, potentially malignant pigmented lesions present at birth. Their management is based on two main considerations: attempt to minimize the risk of malignancy and to obtain an acceptable cosmetic result. In the past various approaches have been used to treat these naevi.

Objectives: To describe clinical and histopathological results after treatment of CMN in neonates with erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser resurfacing.

Methods: Ten children with CMN were treated with Er:YAG laser resurfacing in the first weeks of life.

Results: Laser ablation was well tolerated by all children and immediate results were good. At a total follow-up ranging from 3 to 36 months we saw good results, with no or minimal repigmentation, in eight of 10 patients. Patients experienced minimal side-effects such as postoperative pain, bleeding and scar formation. Postoperative histopathology showed disappearance of heavily pigmented cells in the upper part of the dermis.

Conclusions: Er:YAG laser resurfacing is an effective method of ablating CMN, with minimal scarring and postoperative complications.

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