Long-pulsed Alexandrite Laser Research Articles

Control of hair growth using long-pulsed alexandrite laser is an efficient and cost effective therapy for patients suffering from recurrent pilonidal disease.

Pilonidal sinus (PNS) and its surgical management have a profound impact on hospital resources in terms of finances and productive man-hours. Surgical treatment has been the mainstay of treatment of both acute and chronic pilonidal sinus but recurrence is common. The control of hair growth in the sinus region plays an important role in preventing recurrence. Here, we discuss our experience of treating 19 patients suffering from recurrent pilonidal sinus with laser depilation and its long-term cost effectiveness. This is a retrospective study on patients who had recurrence of pilonidal sinus following multiple surgical treatments. They were treated using long-pulsed alexandrite laser for depilation in the sinus area, an outpatient procedure. Their clinical characteristics and outcomes were then evaluated. There was a significant reduction in hair density after laser treatment (p < 0.001). The disease-free period after laser treatment was significantly longer than that one after surgical treatment (p < 0.001). The average cost of repeated surgical treatment per disease-free month was significantly higher than that of laser treatment(p < 0.001). Evidence suggests the role of natal cleft hair growth in the evolution of the pilonidal disease; therefore, control of hair growth should be considered as an adjunct to the initial treatment via surgery. Compared to surgical treatment of recurrences, laser depilation is an efficient and cost-effective method of preventing recurrence and reducing morbidity and loss of man-hours. We suggest that laser depilation of the pilonidal sinus should be funded by clinical commissioning groups.

Treatment of Acquired and Small Congenital Melanocytic Nevi With Combined Er

There is no gold standard for the treatment of benign melanocytic nevi for cosmetic purposes. To investigate the efficacy and safety of combined treatment with the short-pulsed erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) and long-pulsed alexandrite laser for acquired melanocytic nevi (AMN) and small congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). Fifty-eight AMN and 7 small CMN in 24 Korean patients were treated with Er:YAG laser followed by long-pulsed alexandrite laser at 1-month intervals. At 8 weeks after the final treatment, all treated nevi showed complete removal of pigmentation, and the mean overall improvement score assessed by physicians, with a quartile grading scale, was 3.6 ± 0.7. The mean number of treatment sessions required to treat CMN (1.5 ± 0.3) was significantly greater than that for junctional (1.1 ± 0.2) or compound (1.2 ± 0.5) AMN. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (4.6%), erythema (9.2%), hypertrophic scars (1.5%), and mild atrophic scars (10.8%) were observed, but all resolved within 6 months, except for hypertrophic scars and 1 atrophic scar. Recurrence of pigmentation was observed in 1 CMN (1.5%) during 6 months of follow-up. Combined treatment with Er:YAG laser and long-pulsed alexandrite laser is effective for the removal of small benign melanocytic nevi with minimal adverse effects and low recurrence rates.

Hidradenitis suppurativa treated with a long-pulsed Alexandrite laser

Hidradenitis suppurativa treated with a long-pulsed Alexandrite laser

Beneficial effects of early treatment of infantile hemangiomas with a long‐pulse Alexandrite laser

There is an increasing interest in treating vascular lesions with a long-pulse Alexandrite laser. However, it is difficult to search information in the literature about infantile hemangiomas (IH) treated with long-pulse Alexandrite laser. This article aims to determine whether 755 nm long-pulse Alexandrite laser is effective and safe for early intervention of IH and provides some new data on this issue. This is a retrospective study of 48 infants with IH treated with long-pulse Alexandrite laser during a 1.5-year period. Patients received a series of 1-7 treatment sessions with long-pulse Alexandrite laser at settings of 3 milliseconds pulse duration, 6-8 mm spot, 45-70 J/cm(2) fluences, and with dynamic cooling device (DCD) spray duration of 90 milliseconds and delay of 80 milliseconds, given at 4- to 6-week intervals. This study demonstrated that IH responded favorably to the treatment of a long-pulse Alexandrite laser while accompany with relatively few complications. The difference between the original untreated and post-treatment scores of all IH and two subgroups were statistically significant, respectively (P < 0.01). The difference of the degree of improvement between the two subgroups was not significant (P > 0.05). It was observed that IH on the trunk and extremities improved more effectively and more quickly than those on the face, neck, and perineum. Besides, age at the first treatment, the sex of the patients and the presence of proliferation were not significantly correlated with the degree of improvement. Adverse effects were seen in 11 patients (22.91%): blistering (n = 9), marked edema and erosion without subsequent residual scarring (n = 1), and hypopigmentation (n = 1), which improved gradually with time. Fortunately, there was no incidence of scarring or ulceration in this case series of IH. It was clinically effective and safe for early treatment of IH, including the thick/deep ones, with a long-pulse Alexandrite laser, which indicated be able to reduce the possibility that the IH will reach its full size. In this way it can prevent several complications connected to the rapid proliferation of IH.

Long-pulsed alexandrite laser for treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa

Long-pulsed alexandrite laser for treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa

Long-pulsed Alexandrite Laser vs. Intense Pulsed Light for Axillary Hair Removal in Korean Women

Long-pulsed Alexandrite Laser vs. Intense Pulsed Light for Axillary Hair Removal in Korean Women

Photorejuvenation using long‐pulsed alexandrite and long‐pulsed neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet lasers: A pilot study of clinical outcome and patients’ satisfaction in Koreans

Long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite and long-pulsed 1064-nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers have been used for photorejuvenation of the face. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of long-pulsed alexandrite and long-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers for photorejuvenation in Korea. One hundred and sixteen Korean patients with photo-aged facial skin were enrolled. Sixty-two patients with facial pigmentation underwent long-pulsed alexandrite laser treatment. Eleven patients that wanted to improve facial pigmentation with minimal pain had quasi-long-pulsed alexandrite laser treatment. Forty three patients had long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser therapy. Outcome assessments included standard photographs and global evaluation by blinded investigators. The self-assessment grade was provided in questionnaires. Forty-four percent of patients reported excellent or good improvement of their pigmentary lesions (>50% improvement) using a long-pulsed alexandrite laser. Of patients who underwent long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser treatment, 36% reported excellent or good improvement in skin tightening, 50% in facial flushing and 45% in pigmentary lesions. We conclude that long-pulsed alexandrite and long-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers are safe and effective for facial photorejuvenation in Koreans.

Hairy intraoral flap – an unusual indication for laser epilation: a series of 5 cases and review of the literature

A variety of the flaps used to reconstruct defects of the head and neck region following surgery for malignant disease contain hair follicles that may result in unwanted hair growth. This can cause significant distress to the patients in a variety of ways. We report 5 cases of significant intraoral hair growth of which 4 cases were successfully managed with long-pulsed alexandrite laser. One patient was not treated due to technical difficulties. We review the literature on the management of hair growth on intraoral flaps.

755 nm alexandrite laser for the reduction of tumor burden in basal cell Nevus syndrome

Basal Cell Nevus syndrome (BCNS) is characterized by numerous basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). Multiple treatments with the pulsed dye laser (PDL) have been shown, in small studies, to be effective for the treatment of superficial and nodular BCCs. Like PDL, the alexandrite laser can be vessel-selective, but has the added advantage of deeper tissue penetration. We evaluated the utility of the alexandrite laser in reducing the tumor burden in BCNS with a single treatment. A case report and review of the literature are presented. A 45-year-old man with BCNS and a history of radiation therapy presented with an extraordinarily high tumor burden (>250 BCCs). As a compassionate measure to reduce the tumor burden, we investigated the utility of a single treatment of the long-pulsed 755 nm alexandrite laser to several BCC lesions. The treated lesions were evaluated at 2-month and 7-month clinical follow-up. Histopathologic analysis of a treated lesion was performed at 7-month clinical follow-up. At 2-month, and 7-month clinical follow-up, 15 of 18 treated lesions or about 83% of the alexandrite laser treated lesions showed a complete clinical response and appeared as hypopigmented areas with scarring. Histopathologic analysis of a treated lesion at 7-month clinical follow-up showed no evidence of residual tumor. The long-pulsed alexandrite laser may be helpful in significantly reducing tumor burden in difficult to manage BCNS patients with a single treatment. This provides a facile and practical treatment alternative for the management of challenging cases of BCNS. The limitation of this study is that it is a single case observation. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these observations.

Reticulate Eruption Caused by Long-Pulse Alexandrite Laser

Reticulate Eruption Caused by Long-Pulse Alexandrite Laser

Prevention and treatment of the complications caused by long-pulsed alexandrite laser on hair removal

Objective To investigate the causes and treatment methods of complications induced by the long-pulsed alexandrite laser on hair removal. Methods A total of 2 562 patients (3 279 sites) with unwanted hairs were treated by the long-pulsed alexandrite laser. Wave length was 755 nm. With 20 msec pulse width. 12. 5 mm spot size, 12. 0-16. 5 J/cm2 treatment energy, and 50-60 days intermitted between each treatment. Results There were 242 patients with complications such as erythema, eruption, blister, bulla, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scar. Conclusion The long-pulsed alexandrite laser on hair removal is effective and safe, and the correct procedures of treatment can reduce the complications. Key words: Long-pulsed alexandrite laser; Hair removal; Complication

Use of a Variable Long-Pulse Alexandrite Laser in the Treatment of Facial Telangiectasia

The alexandrite laser selectively targets melanin and hemoglobin. We used the alexandrite laser with variable pulse widths to treat facial telangiectasia. Nineteen patients were enrolled in this study, which consisted of two parts: a series of test spots over a range of pulse durations (3-80 ms) and treatment over a larger area based on the pulse width-specific outcomes from the test spots. The final follow-up visit was 12 weeks after irradiation. The 40-ms pulse width achieved the optimal balance of pain tolerance, epidermal tolerance, and vessel reduction. Mean fluence was 88 J/cm(2), with a 6-mm spot. Overall, a 48% reduction in vessels was noted after one treatment. Side effects were minimal. In fair-skinned patients with large telangiectasia, the alexandrite laser is a good option for vessel reduction.

Uncommonly reported side effects of hair removal by long pulsed‐alexandrite laser

To provide retrospective clinical review of some uncommonly reported side effects of long-pulsed alexandrite laser treatment for hair removal. Two hundred and fifty female patients suffering from hirsutism of the face were subjected to treatment by long pulse alexandrite laser for a maximum of 15 sessions per patient at 5- to 7-week intervals. Apart from the commonly reported side effects of pigmentary changes, occasional blistering and rare scarring, other untoward effects have been observed. These include - among others - de-novo growth of hair outside the area treated by laser, potentiation of co-existing vellus hair in the treatment area, induction or aggravation of acne, rosacea-like rash, premature grayness of hair, tunneling of hair under the skin, prolonged diffuse redness and edema of the face, focal hypopigmentation of the lip, angular cheilitis, allergic reaction to the cooling gas, and inflammatory and pigmentary changes of pre-existing nevi. Although the efficacy of long-pulsed alexandrite laser seems unmistakable, the short- and long-term untoward effects of such treatment have yet to be carefully delineated and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be adequately clarified.

Treatment of Becker's Nevi With a Long-Pulse Alexandrite Laser

Becker's nevus (BN) can be a distressing cosmetic handicap for patients and a treatment challenge for physicians. Various treatment modalities have been used, but repigmentation commonly occurs after treatment. To evaluate the efficacy of long-pulse alexandrite laser in the treatment of BN. Eleven Korean patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III to V were included in this study. A long-pulsed alexandrite laser with a wavelength of 755 nm and a pulse duration of 3 ms was used. Patients were treated with a fluence of 20 to 25 J/cm(2) and a spot size of 15 to 18 mm. Cryogen spray cooling was not used. Two patients had excellent responses, five had good responses, and four had fair responses. Hair density simultaneously decreased with treatment in all patients. Although mild hypopigmentation was observed in some patients, and partial hypertrophic scarring was observed in one patient, the outcomes were cosmetically acceptable. No repigmentation was noted during the follow-up period. A long-pulsed alexandrite laser without cryogen spray cooling is an effective and safe alternative in the treatment of BN.

Alexandrite laser hair removal results in 2359 patients: A Turkish experience

Background: Various lasers have been developed for epilation of unwanted hair. Effective hair removal in the Turkish population can be difficult, and multiple treatments are usually required for effective treatment. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of a long-pulsed alexandrite laser for hair removal in the Turkish population with Fitzpatrick skin types II–V exclusively and to determine the benefit of multiple treatments. Methods: Retrospective clinical evaluation conducted from September 2005 to May 2008 at a referral private clinic. Pre-laser skin testing was performed starting at 16 J/cm2 and the energy fluence was selected according to response. All subjects were followed for 6 months after their final treatment. Results: A total of 2359 patients are reported (264 men and 2095 women) ranging in age from 14 to 70 years, for a total of 3830 treatment sites. The majority of treatment sites were axillae (24.2%) followed by the bikini line (16.8%). Maximum reductions observed were 95% for axillae, 92% for the bikini line, 86% for breast, respectively. The patients had a mean 80.6% hair reduction. Complications occurred in only 2.2% of cases. Transient hyperpigmentation (0.7%), folliculitis (0.5%), transient hypopigmentation (0.5%), and blistering (0.4%) were commonly seen complications. No subjects had scarring or long-term pigmentary changes. Conclusion: The long-pulsed alexandrite laser is safe for hair removal in darker skin tones. Although Turkish skin can be effectively treated with a cooled, long-pulsed alexandrite laser, complications do occur.

Comparative evaluation of long pulse alexandrite laser and intense pulsed light systems for pseudofolliculitis barbae treatment with one year of follow up

Background:Existing remedies for controlling pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) are sometimes helpful; however the positive effects are often short lived. The only definitive cure for PFB is permanent removal of the hair follicle.Aims:Our aim was to compare the efficacy of the Alexandrite laser with the intense pulsed light system in the treatment of PFB and to follow up the recurrence.Methods:Twenty male patients seeking laser hair removal for the treatment of PFB were enrolled in this study. One half of the face was treated with the long-pulse Alexandrite laser and the other half was treated with the IPL system randomly. The treatment outcome and any complications were observed and followed up for one year.Results:All patients exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the numbers of papules. Our results showed that the Alexandrite-treated side needed seven sessions to reach about 80% improvement, while the IPL-treated side needed 10-12 sessions to reach about 50% improvement. During the one year follow up period, the Alexandrite-treated side showed recurrence in very minimal areas, while the IPL-treated side showed recurrence in bigger areas.Conclusions:Our results showed that both systems might improve PFB but Alexandrite laser was more effective at reducing PFB than IPL.

Intraoral flap depilation using the long-pulsed alexandrite laser

A multitude of skin flaps are used to reconstruct defects following the surgical resection of head and neck cancers. Skin imported from distant sites to provide intraoral coverage often contains hair-bearing skin, which can create a problem following reconstruction of the oropharynx. Patients with hairy intraoral flaps often present with irritation, pooling of saliva and trapping of food. In this article, we report, for the first time, a treatment for the removal of hair from intraoral flaps using a long-pulsed alexandrite laser.

Use of a Long-Pulse Alexandrite Laser in the Treatment of Superficial Pigmented Lesions

Use of a Long-Pulse Alexandrite Laser in the Treatment of Superficial Pigmented Lesions

Use of a Long-Pulse Alexandrite Laser in the Treatment of Superficial Pigmented Lesions

Although the alexandrite 755-nm-wavelength laser is effective in the treatment of unwanted hair, there are no published studies gauging the efficacy of the variable long-pulse alexandrite laser in the treatment of superficial pigmented lesions. Eighteen patients underwent a single treatment session using a variable pulse-width alexandrite laser. Test sites were performed using a 10-mm spot size and up to four pulse widths (3, 20, 40, 60 ms) with and without epidermal cooling. Full treatments were performed 3 weeks later using optimum test parameters. The patients were evaluated at 3 and 6 weeks. Patients with darker lentigines had greater lesion clearance than those patients with lighter colored lentigines. Shorter pulse widths and treatment without cryogen cooling both, independently, lowered the fluence threshold for lentigo clearance. A long-pulse alexandrite laser is effective in clearing solar lentigines in a single pass with minimal adverse effects.

Pupil Damage After Periorbital Laser Treatment of a Port-wine Stain

The increase in the number of laser treatments has led to an increase in the number of therapy-related adverse effects. Herein we report a case in which long-term adverse effects occurred after periorbital laser treatment of a treatment-resistant port-wine stain using a long-pulsed alexandrite laser without protective eyewear. A 33-year-old woman with a therapy-resistant port-wine stain was treated periorbitally with a 755-nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser after several treatment sessions with the pulsed-dye laser; she was not given protective eye shields. Within a few days of the session, she reported disorders in the motility of her left pupil and a painful sensitivity to light, which was not completely resolved after 12 months of follow-up. We recommend that both patients and operators use protective eyewear with every laser procedure. When treatment is administered near the eye, eye shields should be placed behind the eyelid or a safe distance should be maintained between the laser and the eyeball by treating up to the orbital rim only.