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

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.