Abstract
(1) Benign hyperpigmentations are a common problem in cosmetic dermatology. Melasma, solar lentigo, and other acquired hyperpigmentations represent an aesthetic issue for an increasing number of patients. The gold standard in managing this condition is currently 1064/532 nanometers (nm) Q-Switched lasers. This study reports our experience on the use of a Q-switched laser with a nanosecond pulse to treat these conditions. (2) Methods: A total of 96 patients asking for benign hyperpigmentation removal were consecutively enrolled at the Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro and Tor Vergata University of Rome. Treating parameters were the following: 1064 nm with a pulse duration of 6 nanoseconds (ns) for dermic lesions and 532 nm with 6 ns for epidermal ones. Up to five treatments with a minimum interval between laser treatments of thirty days were performed. A follow-up visit three months after the last session assessed patient satisfaction with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Two blinded dermatologists assessed the cosmetic result using a five-point scale comparing pictures before treatment and at follow-up. (3) Results: 96 patients were included; 47 participants were women (49.0%) and 49 men (51.0%). The mean reported age was 50.0 ± 17.3 years. All patients reached a good to complete hyperpigmentation removal at the dermatological evaluation with a mean VAS score of 8.91 ± 1.07. (4) Conclusions: Q Switched 1064/532 nm laser may be considered the gold standard treatment for benign hyperpigmentations. Our results confirm the literature findings on the effectiveness of these devices.
Highlights
Hyperpigmentation may be defined as the darkening of the skin due to a melanin deposit in the epidermis or dermis
Different studies indicate that Q-switched lasers deliver high energies in the order of nano or picoseconds and act selectively on the melanin chromophore sparing surrounding tissues, and may be considered as the most effective and safe treatment for benign hyperpigmentations [7,8,9]
In 92 cases (95.8%), benign hyperpigmentations were limited to the epidermis; only 4 (4.2%) were deeper, reaching the dermal stratum
Summary
Hyperpigmentation may be defined as the darkening of the skin due to a melanin deposit in the epidermis or dermis Removal of such lesions for cosmetic reasons is a procedure that is becoming more and more common in dermatologic practices [1]. Lasers traditionally used to treat exophytic lesions, such as CO2 lasers, have been initially proposed, especially in fractional mode, exploiting their ability to convey energy in the superficial layers of the skin [3,4]. These devices are associated with a more considerable risk of scarring and pigmentation changes [5,6]. Different studies indicate that Q-switched lasers deliver high energies in the order of nano or picoseconds and act selectively on the melanin chromophore sparing surrounding
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