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. 2013 Jan;6(1):21-6.
doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.110092.

Single Treatment with 100-Microsecond Alexandrite Laser Clears Selected Acquired Melanocytic Nevi in Type IV Asian Facial Skin

Etienne Ce Wang  1 , Priya Sen, Chee-Leok Goh, Sze-Hon Chua
Affiliations

Single Treatment with 100-Microsecond Alexandrite Laser Clears Selected Acquired Melanocytic Nevi in Type IV Asian Facial Skin

Etienne Ce Wang et al. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Jan.

Abstract

Context: Small common acquired melanocytic nevi (AMNs) are common on Asian facial skin.

Aims: To show that the 755 nm Alexandrite laser stacked at the 100-μs long-pulsed mode (μsAL) is an effective modality for the removal of selected AMNs.

Settings and design: This was a retrospective case series, followed up with a telephone interview.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients treated between January 2010 and April 2012 with the μsAL laser for small AMNs was conducted. Pre- and post-treatment facial photographs and photographs of the individual lesions were analyzed by two independent dermatological surgeons for degree of clearance and complications. A telephone interview was conducted with the patients to assess their satisfaction with the procedure.

Results: A total of 18 patients with 53 lesions were included. 7/18 (38.9%) of patients had 'excellent' results. No patients had 'mild' or 'poor' results. At 4 week post-treatment, 49/53 (92.5%) were totally cleared, with 14/53 (26.4%) reporting mild atrophy, and 11/53 (20.8%) reporting mild post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. The majority of lesions had negligible complications. 9/18 (50%) judged the procedure to be 'excellent', and all patients reported that they would recommend this procedure to a friend seeking removal of small facial AMNs.

Conclusion: The μsAL is an effective modality for the removal of small facial AMNs.

Keywords: Alexandrite laser; microsecond pulse; small acquired melanocytic nevi.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Before (a) and after (b) pictures showing 3 completely cleared AMNs in Patient No 3 at 4-weeks post laser treatment, rated as “excellent” results
Figure 2
Figure 2
Before (a) and after (b) pictures showing 2 completely cleared AMNs in Patient No 11 at 4-weeks post laser treatment, rated as “excellent” results
Figure 3
Figure 3
Patient satisfaction with the μsAL laser procedure to remove AMNs on the face and neck
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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