Removal Of Pigmentation Research Articles

Aesthetic Efficacy of a Novel Topical Combination Brightening Regimen to Treat Facial Hyperpigmentation

Purpose: Hyperpigmentation is a multifaceted condition that is often challenging to treat. Due to this complexity, a combination therapy providing a holistic approach of removal and prevention of pigmentation has shown greater efficacy than a monotherapy treatment. A clinical usage study was conducted to assess the cosmetic changes of a combination take-home skincare topical regimen of a novel brightening platform in subjects with mild to severe facial hyperpigmentation.
 Procedure: Participants received a take-home multimodal brightening skincare regimen (EC Regimen) that consisted of twice-daily use of EC brightening Pads and EC serum, and once-daily evening use of EC spot cream. Clinical Efficacy and tolerability assessments, and participant self-assessments of facial skin appearance were conducted.
 Results: Nineteen participants aged 31-69 years, with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV, who self-identified their ethnicity as Asian, White, American Indian, and Hispanic, were included in the study. The EC Regimen provided statistically significant improvements as early as week 1 in Dark Spot Severity and Dark Spot Contrast grades with continued significant improvements through week 12 versus baseline (p<0.01). There were significant improvements in Overall Hyperpigmentation and the validated Modified Melasma Area and Severity Index scores as early as week 2 with continued significant improvements through week 12 versus baseline (p<0.03). Additionally, improvements in a variety of photoaging concerns such as Overall Photodamage, Tactile Roughness, Skin Tone Evenness, Fine and Coarse Lines/Wrinkles and Radiance were observed at all time points.
 The EC Regimen was highly rated by participants with an overall satisfaction of 94% by week 12. At week 12, participants stated that EC Regimen “faded the dark spots that I have had for more than 5 years” (89%), “helped prevent new dark spots” (94%), and “improved my most stubborn spots that bother me the most” (89%). At week 12, EC Regimen improved quality-of-life parameters and participants stated that EC Regimen “makes me feel happier with how I look” (83%) and “makes me more confident” (83%). EC Regimen was well-tolerated as tolerability assessments remained mild for the duration of the study.
 Conclusions: Combination therapy of EC Regimen provides a well-tolerated, effective treatment for multiple hyperpigmentation and photoaging parameters with high patient satisfaction.

Comparison between absorbable dressing (Reso‐Pac®) and eugenol‐free dressing (Coe‐pak) after surgical removal of gingival pigmentation

AbstractObjectiveMany dressings are used after the surgical removal of gingival pigmentation. This study aims to compare absorbed dressing (Reso‐Pac®) and eugenol‐free dressing (Coe‐pak) in accelerating wound healing, re‐epithelization and reducing pain after surgical removal of gingival pigmentation using a surgical scalpel.Materials and MethodsThis randomized clinical trial (RCT) used a split‐mouth design. According to Hedin's classification, 10 patients with maxillary physiological gingival pigmentation class 3 and 4 were selected. Reso‐Pac® and Coe‐pak were randomly applied on each side after surgery. Landry's scale was used to assess healing index, and re‐epithelization was evaluated using toluidine blue stain. Pain was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Induced pain was evaluated after 1 week by applying airflow on each side for 5 s using VAS.ResultsThe study group had higher but insignificant differences after 1 and 2 weeks in healing index and re‐epithelization. Pain was insignificantly higher in study group after 2 h but insignificantly higher in the control group in days (1–5). Induced pain was significantly higher (p = 0.015) in the control group after 1 week.ConclusionReso‐Pac® can be considered as a viable alternative for Coe‐pak due to its effects in pain reduction and accelerating wound healing.

Clinical Application of Er:YAG Laser for Removal of Melanin Pigmentation

Clinical Application of Er:YAG Laser for Removal of Melanin Pigmentation

Gingival depigmentation with scalpel and diode laser

Melanin, a nonhemoglobin-derived brown pigment, is the most common of the endogenous pigments and is produced by melanocytes present in the basal layer of the epithelium. Gingival hyperpigmentation is caused by excessive deposition of melanin located in the basal and suprabasal cell layers of the epithelium. Pigmentation of gingiva not just has an impact on esthetics but also creates psychological negativity. Though a wide range of techniques are available to manage this condition. Depigmentation procedures such as scalpel surgery, gingivectomy with free gingival autografting, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemical agents such as 90% phenol and 95% alcohol, abrasion with diamond bur, Nd: YAG laser, semiconductor diode laser, and CO laser have been employed for removal of melanin hyper pigmentation. The following case report describes two different surgical depigmentation techniques scalpel technique and lasers. Better results of depigmentation were achieved with diode laser than conventional scalpel with respect to esthetics and less postoperative discomfort.

Herbal Lepa Formulation Preparation and its Evaluation

The concept of beauty is as old as humanity itself. It is the natural desire of every human being to look beautiful and glamorous. The beauty and glamour are because of perfect skin. Herbs have been used for beautification from historic times and have also been described in Ayurvedic literature. Herbs as whole or herbal extracts have been used to treat the various ailments of the skin, hair, body odor, and overall beautification. The demand for Ayurveda in cosmetology is established because it is effective, cheaper, and long-lasting without any side effects. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate the beneficial effect of herbal Lepa formulation for beautification. Beautification in terms of skin lightening, removal of scars and pigmentation, dark circles, and ultimately healthy glowing skin. The advantage of herbal cosmetics compared to chemical products is they are non-toxic in nature. The Lepa formulation is the suitable dosage form prepared using various natural components in the appropriate and desired quantity for better effectiveness. The formulation has shown significant improvement in various skin problems, including skin pigmentation, melasma, acne marks, and skin lightening effect with no further moisturizing cream requirements.

Comparison of Bur Abrasion and CO2 Laser in Treatment of Gingival Pigmentation: 6 Months Follow-Up.

Pigmentation of gingiva is an aesthetic problem. Until now, various methods have been introduced for removal of gingival pigmentation. The purpose of this study was to compare bur abrasion and CO2 laser methods in removing gingival pigmentation. Twelve patients aged 20-40 years old with the chief complaint of physiologic gingival pigmentation participated in this study. For these patients, gingival depigmentation was performed using two treatment modalities including bur abrasion and CO2 laser in a split-mouth design. Gingival depigmentation was performed in the right half of the anterior maxillary and mandibular sextants using bur abrasion method by means of diamond bur on a high-speed headpiece with vigorous water irrigation and the left half of the anterior maxillary and mandibular sextants using a CO2 laser. CO2 laser was set at: peak power 252 watts, repeat time 20 ms and pulse duration 200 microsecond which was used in a non-contact position. The area of pigmentation was calculated via gridlines in the Microsoft Paint software 1 and 6 months after the procedure. Gingival recession was also determined before, and at 1 and 6 months after the procedure. The area of gingival pigmentation was not statistically significantly different between the two treatment modalities before the procedure (p = 0.452), 1 month (p = 0.443) and 6 months after the procedure (p = 0.202). There was no statistically significant difference in the variance of pigmented area at different times in the two methods. In both CO2 laser and bur abrasion methods, the mean area of pigmentation was statistically significantly different in the follow-up period (p < 0/001), in a way that the change in the area of pigmentation was statistically significant 1 month after treatment (p <0.001) and also 6 months after treatment (p < 0.001) compared to before. The change in the area of pigmentation between 1 and 6 months after treatment was not statistically significant in both CO2 laser (p = 0.157) and bur abrasion method (p = 0.150). No increase in gingival recession was observed in any of the patients. Both treatment modalities can effectively treat gingival pigmentation. No increase in gingival recession was observed. Conventional method and CO2 laser were not statistically significantly different during a follow-up period of 1 and 6 months.

Acral subcorneal hematoma: Additional dermoscopic findings differentiating it from acral melanocytic lesions

Background: Acral subcorneal hematoma (ASH) is a dark-colored skin lesion of the palms and/or soles due to bleeding. ASH may be difficult to be clinically differentiated from acral melanocytic lesions, resulting in unnecessary biopsies. Few researches reported the importance of dermoscopy in differentiating ASH from acral melanocytic lesions. Purpose: This study aims at reporting the dermoscopic features in a series of ASH to facilitate precise diagnosis and to avoid performing unnecessary surgical techniques. Methods: Eighteen patients with ASH were studied. Dermoscopic images were obtained using a handheld dermoscope and a dermoscope-adopted phone camera. Paring test was performed on all lesions. Results: The preliminary diagnoses of the lesions were ASH in 55.6%, acral melanocytic nevi in 33.3%, and acral lentiginous melanoma in the remaining 11.1%. Dermoscopically, the lesion colors were red-black in 44.4%, black in 27.8%, and brown in the remaining 27.8%. The pigmentation patterns were homogeneous (structureless) in 55.6%, parallel ridge in 27.8%, and negative pseudonetwork in the remaining 16.6%. Over 44% of the lesions had red and/or brown globular satellites. Peripheral red lines with/without radial extensions were noticed around ASH in 55.6%. Paring led to complete removal of pigmentation in all ASH (100%), with the appearance of post-paring blood-tinged serum in 55.6%. No skin biopsies were performed. Conclusion: Although there is clinical similarity between ASH and acral melanocytic lesions, dermoscopy and paring test can facilitate a precise diagnosis and markedly decrease the need for unnecessary invasive procedures.

Toward whole tissue imaging of axolotl regeneration.

The axolotl is a highly regenerative organism and has been studied in laboratories for over 150 years. Despite a long‐standing fascination with regeneration in general and axolotl specifically, we are still scratching the surface trying to visualize and understand the complex cellular behavior that underlies axolotl regeneration. In this review, we will discuss the progress that has been made in visualizing these processes focusing on four major aspects: cell labeling approaches, the removal of pigmentation, reductionist approaches to perform live cell imaging, and finally recent developments applying tissue clearing strategies to visualize the processes that underly regeneration. We also provide several suggestions that the community could consider exploring, notably the generation of novel alleles that further reduce pigmentation as well as improvements in tissue clearing strategies.

Gingival Depigmentation Using CO2 Laser and Scalpel Technique with PRF Membrane-A Clinical and Histological Study

Introduction: Gingival hyperpigmentation is the increase in pigmentation beyond the expected degree. There are various methods for the removal of pigmentation (depigmentation) which can be surgical stripping, use of lasers, chemicals etc. This is a spilt mouth study where surgical stripping and CO2laser depigmentation along with the added benefits of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) membrane have been evaluated clinically and histologically. Materials and Method: 40 sites from 10 patients who were aesthetically conscious of their dark gums were enrolled in the study and a spilt mouth treatment protocol was followed where there were 4 groups as follows: 1) Group 1: CO2laser sites with PRF membrane (n=10). 2) Group 2: CO2 laser sites without PRF membrane (n=10). 3) Group 3: Scalpel technique/surgical stripping sites with PRF membrane (n=10). 4) Group 4: Scalpel technique/surgical stripping sites without PRF membrane (n=10). All the above groups were performed on one patient in one single sitting and by a single operator and follow up were done at 1 day, 1 week and 10 days assessing the visual analogue scales and landrys wound healing index. Histological specimen was obtained on the 7th day from the lateral incisor regions of all four groups. Results: At day 1 of the follow up it was noticed that Group 1 had the least pain, followed by Group 3 and then the groups where PRF membrane was not used. At 10 days post operatively, all the groups showed no pain. Considering healing index, also the groups with PRF membrane showed better healing as compared to the groups where PRF membrane was not used. Therefore it was shown in the study that PRF membrane has helped in better healing as well and reducing the pain post operatively. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that, CO2laser with PRF membrane has shown faster healing and lesser pain perception therefore it can be used as a routine procedure for depigmentation.

Enhanced in vivo-imaging in medaka by optimized anaesthesia, fluorescent protein selection and removal of pigmentation.

Fish are ideally suited for in vivo-imaging due to their transparency at early stages combined with a large genetic toolbox. Key challenges to further advance imaging are fluorophore selection, immobilization of the specimen and approaches to eliminate pigmentation. We addressed all three and identified the fluorophores and anaesthesia of choice by high throughput time-lapse imaging. Our results indicate that eGFP and mCherry are the best conservative choices for in vivo-fluorescence experiments, when availability of well-established antibodies and nanobodies matters. Still, mVenusNB and mGFPmut2 delivered highest absolute fluorescence intensities in vivo. Immobilization is of key importance during extended in vivo imaging. Here, traditional approaches are outperformed by mRNA injection of α-Bungarotoxin which allows a complete and reversible, transient immobilization. In combination with fully transparent juvenile and adult fish established by the targeted inactivation of both, oca2 and pnp4a via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in medaka we could dramatically improve the state-of-the art imaging conditions in post-embryonic fish, now enabling light-sheet microscopy of the growing retina, brain, gills and inner organs in the absence of side effects caused by anaesthetic drugs or pigmentation.

This sector needs laser protection supervisors

Journal of Aesthetic NursingVol. 7, No. 1 Guest EditorialFree AccessThis sector needs laser protection supervisorsMike MurphyMike MurphySearch for more papers by this authorMike MurphyPublished Online:5 Feb 2018https://doi.org/10.12968/joan.2018.7.1.6AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail Laser safety is critical. Many of the Class 4 lasers used routinely in today's clinical centres are very powerful machines, and their use can inflict serious damage to the eyes and the skin. Laser practitioners therefore need to ensure safety is a high priority at all times, to prevent injury to staff and patients.I recently spoke with several insurance companies and they all had the same observation to share: the number of laser-related claims is going through the roof. The main reason for this is simply a lack of proper training and understanding—many laser operators are not following safety protocols and/or are not using the correct safety equipment. Without a significant change in attitude and approach to treatment, the number of incidents, accidents and insurance claims will inevitably increase.All Class 4 lasers are potentially hazardous to the human eye. Many emit invisible light, so you will not know your eyes have been exposed until you feel or hear a ‘pop’! The best way to protect yourself is using the proper safety glasses, yet many suppliers do not routinely supply them with their lasers.Following the Keogh review in 2013, Health Education England (HEE) published a report in November 2015 which described a new framework of qualifications for the aesthetics sector (HEE, 2015). This applies to all aesthetic practitioners and therapists involved in delivering laser, intense pulsed light (IPL) and light-emitting diode (LED) treatments in the skincare field, and should help to improve safety standards.Most insurance companies now require all Class 3B/4 laser and IPL providers to have taken the Core of Knowledge course. The syllabus for this course is set down by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and is defined in its guidance on safe use in medical, surgical, dental and aesthetic practices (MHRA, 2015). Some London borough authorities require treatment providers to undergo training in the Core of Knowledge before issuing them a licence to practice.Many lasers used for the removal of hair, blood vessels, pigmentation, tattoos and skin rejuvenation are Class 4 systems. Without proper training in the Core of Knowledge (delivered by a qualified laser protection advisor (LPA), as recommended by HEE), it is difficult to see how anyone can truly understand what they are doing with their laser, or the associated hazards. When I spoke with the insurance companies, I asked if they would be interested in encouraging their clients to appoint properly trained laser protection supervisors (LPS). They responded positively to this suggestion, for obvious reasons. In most parts of the UK, there is no legal requirement for LPS to work within the private sector; however, not only is it good practice to employ LPS, but also some insurance companies have indicated that such clients might receive preferential premiums as a result of doing so.Without a good understanding of lasers and their hazards, safety will always be compromised—that is when accidents happen. A good risk assessment of your laser room, coupled with having a properly trained LPS, will help to minimise unwanted incidents. But laser safety must be a constant priority, not merely an annual safety check, and it must involve everyone. References Health Education England. Part one: qualification requirements for delivery of cosmetic procedures: Non-surgical cosmetic interventions and hair restoration surgery. 2015. https://tinyurl.com/z43cs8s (accessed 19 January 2018) Google ScholarMedicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Lasers, intense light source systems and LEDs—guidance for safe use in medical, surgical, dental and aesthetic practices. 2015. https://tinyurl.com/y8nsycn8 (accessed 19 January 2018) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 February 2018Volume 7Issue 1ISSN (print): 2050-3717ISSN (online): 2052-2878 Metrics History Published online 5 February 2018 Published in print 2 February 2018 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

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.

Management of Gingival Hyperpigmentation by Scalpel Technique

Oral melanin pigmentation is well documented in the literature and is considered to have multifaceted etiologies including genetic factors, tobacco use, systemic disorders and prolonged administration of certain drugs especially antimalarial agents and tricyclic antidepressant. Melanin, non-hemoglobin derived brown pigment, is the most common of the endogenous pigments and is produced by melanocytes present in the basal layer of epithelium. Although melanin pigmentation of the gingiva is completely benign and does not present a medical problem, cosmetic concerns are common, particularly in patients having a very high smile line (gummy smile). Various depigmentation techniques have been employed, such as scalpel surgery, gingivectomy with free gingival autografting, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, chemical agent such as 90% phenol and 95% alcohol, abrasion with diamond burs, ND:YAG laser, semiconductor diode laser, and CO2 laser. One of the first and still popular techniques to be employed is the surgical removal of undesirable pigmentation using scalpels. The present case report shows a simple and effective surgical depigmentation technique that does not require sophisticated instruments or apparatus, yet yields esthetically acceptable results.

Aesthetic Depigmentation of Gingival Smoker's Melanosis Using Carbon Dioxide Lasers.

Melanic pigmentation results from melanin produced by the melanocytes present in the basal layer of the oral epithelium. One of the most common causes of oral pigmentation is smoker melanosis, a condition associated with the melanocyte stimulation caused by cigarette smoke. This paper aims to illustrate the use of a carbon dioxide laser in the removal of the gingival melanic pigmentation for aesthetic reasons in a 27-year-old female patient with history of a smoking habit. The carbon dioxide laser vaporisation was performed on the gingival mucosa with effective and quick results and without any complications or significant symptoms after the treatment. We conclude that a carbon dioxide laser could be a useful, effective, and safe instrument to treat the aesthetic complications caused by oral smoker melanosis.

Efficacy and safety of combination treatment for oculodermal melanocytosis: surgical reduction and use of 532-nm Q-switched Nd: YAG laser.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination treatment using surgical reduction technique and 532-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment for the removal of oculodermal melanocytosis. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent combination treatment using surgical reduction and 532-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for the removal of ocular pigmentation in oculodermal melanocytosis at Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea) between January 2009 and January 2013. The safety and cosmetic efficacy of this new surgical strategy were assessed by both patients and observers. Fifty eyes of 47 patients with oculodermal melanocytosis were enrolled. Ocular pigmentation was successfully reduced in all patients, and all patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results at the last visit. Preoperative and postoperative corrected visual acuity, keratometry, and refractive errors did not significantly differ. Postoperative intraocular pressure was significantly reduced (mean change, 2.33 ± 3.54 mm Hg; P = 0.03) at 1 month after surgery. During the follow-up period, no serious adverse events developed other than conjunctival neovascularization and conjunctival inclusion cyst in 5 eyes, respectively. Combination treatment for oculodermal melanocytosis removal seems to be cosmetically satisfactory and safe. This study suggested that combination treatment using surgical technique and 532-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser may be helpful for the removal of oculodermal melanocytosis.

Depigmentation: A Review

Melanin, carotene and hemoglobin are the most common natural pigments which contribute to the normal colour of the gingiva. The physiologic gingival pigmentation is not a medical problem, but complaints about “black gums” are common. Gingival depigmentation can be carried out using non-surgical and surgical procedures. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. Selection of a technique is based on clinical experience and the individual's preferences. Removal of gingival melanin pigmentation should be performed with a caution and the adjacent teeth should be protected, as inappropriate application may cause gingival recession, damage to underlying periosteum and bone, delayed wound healing as well as loss of enamel.

Gingival Melanin Depigmentation: A Review and Case Report

The color of the gingiva has a tremendous impact on the esthetics of the smile. Clinically gingival melanin hyper pigmentation is presented as ‘black gum’ which is a common esthetic problem especially for those who have gummy smile. Several attempts have been made for removal of gingival pigmentation by different techniques. Each technique had its own supremacy in efficiency and also draw back. In the present cases, an effort has been made to assess the procedure of melanin depigmentation using surgical scalpel technique.

A comparative evaluation of management of melanin pigmented gingiva using a scalpel and laser

Objective: There are only a few case reports in the literature evaluating the effects of the diode laser on gingival melanin pigmentation. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of melanin depigmentation using a scalpel and diode lasers based on effective removal of gingival pigmentation, recurrence, and patient acceptability. Study Design: Gingival melanin pigmentation at the anterior maxillary or mandibular gingiva at 20 sites from 7 patients was included. Pigmented areas were measured on pre-and post-operative 1 and 6 months using Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index. This was a split mouth study where gingival depigmentation was carried out using a scalpel and diode laser. For one quadrant scalpel techniques were used and for other quadrant laser ablation was done. Results: Ablation of the hyperpigmented gingiva was accomplished with minimal carbonization and almost no bleeding. Postoperative healing was uneventful with no significant postoperative pain. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a significant difference between pre- and post-operative measurements of pigmented area. No significant changes in pigmentation were seen between 1 and 6 months follow-up with both the procedures. Conclusion: Application of diode laser appears to be an effective and safe method for the elimination of gingival melanin pigmentation.Clinical Relevance To Interdisciplinary Dentistry Esthetics plays an important role in treatment planning

The Efficacy and Safety of Episcleral Pigmentation Removal From Pig Eyes

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of removing episcleral pigmentation from pig eyes using a 532-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Forty-four porcine eyes with episcleral pigmentation were enucleated approximately 3 hours after death. After conjunctival dissection, 0.5×1.0 cm-sized segments of pigmented episcleral surface underwent laser treatment. To determine the minimal energy fluence required for effective episcleral pigmentation removal, the laser output was set to 2, 3.2, 4, 5, and 6 J/cm for 20 eyes. To investigate thermal effects, the surface temperatures of the episclera were measured in the remaining 24 eyes before and after laser treatment in which the minimal energy fluence required to effectively remove episcleral pigmentation was used. Episcleral pigmentation began to fade immediately with a laser setting of 2 J/cm and was satisfactorily removed immediately with a laser setting of 4 J/cm. The increase in surface temperature was 0.90±0.37°C from baseline with a laser setting of 4 J/cm (P>0.05). Light-microscopic analysis showed that levels of melanin granules decreased by laser treatment in all tested episcleral tissues. The retinal pigment epithelium and the choroid were not affected by treatment. However, the collagen fiber structure was damaged after laser treatment with settings of more than 5 J/cm, as showed by the loss of straight profiles, although the damage was confined to the outer one third of the scleral stroma. 532-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment is effective and safe for the removal of episcleral pigmentation in pig eyes. Our findings indicate that the laser system may be effective for the removal of episcleral pigmentation in cases of oculodermal melanocytosis, and further investigation is necessary to evaluate long-term safety of laser treatment.

Laser Application in Periodontics

Introduction: The use of lasers for treatment has become a common phenomenon in the medical field. Currently, numerous laser systems are available for dental use. The use of lasers for periodontal treatment becomes more complicated because the periodontium consists of both hard and soft tissues. Methods: Related articles were gathered and selected carefully and reviewed. Among the many lasers available, high power lasers such as Carbon Dioxide Laser (CO2) , Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd:YAG) and diode lasers can be used in periodontics. The use of these lasers is limited to gingivectomy, frenectomy and similar soft tissue procedures including the removal of melanin pigmentation of gingiva. Recently, Erbium: Yttrium Aluminium Garnet(Er:YAG) and Erbium, Chromium doped Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) lasers are used for scaling, root debridement, cutting, shaving, contouring and resection of oral osseous tissues. Results: In addition to their surgical applications, low-level lasers such as Er:YAG laser irradiation promotes osteoblast proliferation showing higher and favorable bone tissue regeneration. These findings suggest faster bone tissue healing following periodontal and peri-implant low level laser therapy. Conclusion: Advantages of laser treatment in periodontics are effective and efficient soft and hard tissue ablation with a greater hemostasis, bactericidal effect, minimal wound contraction, faster bone tissue healing, minimal collateral damages along with reduced use of local analgesia.