New combined laser therapy for small mass of melanocytic nevi on the face.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A small mass of melanocytic nevi on the face is commonly treated by surgical resection. This method is associated with cosmetic complications, such as scarring and scar contracture. The use of CO2 Laser treatment to avoid these complications is increasing. However, scarring or recurrence may still occur after CO2 Laser treatment. To resolve these problems, we developed a new Combined Laser Therapy (CLT) protocol using three laser instruments.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We used CO2 Laser, Nd:YAG Laser and Q-Switched Ruby Laser. The first treatment was a minimal mass reduction using CO2 Laser. The surface is covered with carbonized tissue. The second treatment with Nd:YAG Laser which removes the carbonized tissue, because the laser specifically absorbs black chromatophores. Finally, any surviving nevus cells containing melanin are destroyed with Q-Switched Ruby Laser.

RESULTS

This method was used for 12 cases presenting with small masses of melanocytic nevi on the face. The maximum size of the mass was 20 mm. All cases resulted in a cosmetic improvement and there was no scarring or recurrence. Either satisfactory or greatly improved cosmetic results were obtained in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

We think that the wound healing without scarring observed in all of our cases is related to the administration of both CLT and auto-simultaneous Low reactive Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in these cases. Therefore, this method may provide the better treatment than surgical resection in the future.