Quantitative method for evaluation of aesthetic results after laser treatment for birthmarks

Abstract

Subjective assessment of results after laser treatment for birthmarks does not provide a validated method for clinicians. Previous reports concerning objective evaluation using L*a*b color coordinates were only partially successful due to difficulties in standardizing and comparing colors from pre- and posttreatment photographs. The study aimed to present a reliable and clinically applicable method of aesthetic result assessment after laser treatment for birthmarks. All 48 patients, included in the study, were treated for birthmarks on the face or neck using laser. Each pre- and posttreatment photograph was subjected to triple objective comparative assessment of color fading with use of a computer program, as well as to subjective evaluation by three core physicians and three laypeople. Objective analysis was based on an innovative method using combined L*a*b and hue saturation value color coordinates. Accuracy was higher between objective assessment with the computer program and subjective evaluation by core physicians than by laypeople. Repeatability of results was higher with the use of the computer program than among core physicians or among laypeople. In conclusion, our method may be considered for objective assessment of the results after laser treatment of vascular and pigmented birthmarks.