<title>808-nm diode lasers with and without exogenous chromophore in the treatment of benign facial pigmented and vascular lesions</title>

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an 808 nm diode laser for the treatment of benign facial pigmented and vascular lesions, with and without the use of an exogenous chromophore. Method: Thirty-eight patients were treated with an 808 nm diode laser (Eufoton, Italy), in some cases using a chromophore (1% methylene blue, SALF, Bergamo). Pigmented lesions: 21 patients, (15 pigmented keratoses, 6 melanoses). All the lesions were evaluated by dermatoscopy (Videocap 200, DS Medica, Italy) before the treatment. Fluence levels were 10 - 30 J/cmq; pulse lengths were 10 - 50 ms; spot size was 2 mm. Five hypopigmented keratoses were artificially pigmented using exogenous chromophore. Two melanoses required an additional laser session. Vascular lesions: 17 patients, (12 small angiomas, 5 teleangectasias). Fluences were 50 - 100 J/cmq; pulse lengths were 10 - 50 ms; spot size was 2 mm. Eight angiomas were pigmented with exogenous chromophore prior to the treatment. In all cases the areas surrounding the lesions were cooled. The patients were followed at 1, 4 and 8 weeks after the procedure. Results: The keratoses healed completely within two weeks. Four melanoses healed after four weeks. In the two melanoses that were re-treated after eight weeks there remained slight hypopigmentation of the area. All the vascular lesions healed after 15 days without any residual scarring. Considerations: The use of the 808 nm diode laser in the treatment of benign facial pigmented and vascular lesions appears to be justified on the grounds of efficacy and safety of the device, and good degree of acceptance by the patients. By increasing absorption of the 808 nm beam and reducing its penetration, the pigmentation of superficial lesions with exogenous chromophore allowed us to decrease fluences and reduce irradiation times.