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. 2015 Oct-Dec;8(4):222-6.
doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.172196.

Treatment of Postinflammatory Pigmentation Due to Acne with Q-Switched Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet In 78 Indian Cases

Vijay P Zawar  1 , Madhuri Agarwal  2 , Biju Vasudevan  3
Affiliations

Treatment of Postinflammatory Pigmentation Due to Acne with Q-Switched Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet In 78 Indian Cases

Vijay P Zawar et al. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2015 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

Background: Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common sequela seen in the Indian population following affliction by acne. It is psychologically extremely disturbing for the patients and can severely affect the quality of life. Very few therapeutic modalities have proved to be really efficacious in this condition.

Aims: The aim was to review our experience with 1,064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (QSNY) laser in the treatment of PIH.

Materials and methods: Seventy-eight patients with postacne hyperpigmentation were included in the study. They were treated with six sessions at two weekly intervals using a 1,064-nm QSNY laser. Patient and physician scores were assessed at 1 month and 3 months after the last treatment. Clinical photographs also were reviewed to determine the efficacy. Adverse effects were noted.

Results: Seventy percent of the patients reported significant improvement in hyperpigmentation as compared to the baseline. The majority of the adverse events were limited to mild, brief erythema.

Conclusion: The 1,064-nm QSNY laser is an effective modality for the treatment of PIH caused by acne.

Keywords: Acne; Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (QSNY) laser; hyperpigmentation.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Before treatment of hyperpigmentation on the forehead of a male patient (b) Treatment with QSNY laser (c) Edema and erythema after 10 min (d) Significant lightening of pigmentation after three sittings (e) Complete resolution after six sittings
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Before treatment of hyperpigmentation on the forehead of a female patient (b) Treatment with QSNY laser (c) Good reduction of pigmentation after three sittings (d) Significant lightening after six sittings
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Before treatment of hyperpigmentation on the left malar area of a male patient (b) Immediately after treatment (c) Good reduction in pigmentation after three sittings
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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