Efficacy and Safety of 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment for Removing Melanocytic Nevi

Abstract

BackgroundUntil 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.ObjectiveThe 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.MethodsTwo 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.ResultsAbout 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.ConclusionUse of the 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective treatment modality for melanocytic nevi.

Final congenital melanocytic naevi colour is determined by normal skin colour and unaltered by superficial removal techniques: a longitudinal study

“…Furthermore, medical complication rates were high, with reported scarring in up to 25%, and wound infection in up to 18% . Several small studies have reported dramatic improvements and high levels of patient satisfaction after superficial removal techniques; however, improvements in colour were judged subjectively and immediately postintervention . Furthermore, several reports and studies still advocate early aggressive intervention in CMN with superficial removal techniques with outcomes reported by direct comparison of results to early postnatal pictures .…”

Single treatment with 100-microsecond alexandrite laser clears selected acquired melanocytic nevi in type IV asian facial skin

“…Good results for small common AMNs have also been obtained with the short-pulse Erbium: YAG laser,[14] and the QS Nd: YAG laser in Asian skin [Table 3]. [1516] Future head-to-head studies comparing these lasers, the μsAL laser, the msAL laser and the carbon dioxide laser will be useful to identify the preferred laser for the removal of facial AMNs in Asian patients.…”

Multiple miliary osteoma cutis treatment response to Q-switched Nd:YAG laser: A case report

“…This suggests water as the primary chromophore inducing a dermal inside-out heating. 16 Moreover, the photoacoustic effect triggered by the pocket cell (in the nanosecond domain) of this Q-switched technology, can create intradermal cavitation 17 in and around the targeted structure. Such mega-pulse of light energy may then, in turn, destroy/implode even bone structures (osteoma cutis) in the dermis followed by a wound healing response without epidermal damage, reducing the risk of pigmentary changes in darker phototype individuals.…”