Q-Switched 1064/532 nm Laser with Picosecond Pulse to Treat Benign Hyperpigmentations: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Abstract

(1) Benign melanoses are a frequent issue in aesthetic dermatology. Solar lentigo, ephelides, café au lait spots, and other melanoses represent a cosmetic issue for a growing number of subjects. The Q-switched 1064/532-nanometer (nm) laser may be considered the gold standard for management of these aesthetic issues. A new generation of Q-switched lasers, capable of concentrating the energy pulse in the spectrum of hundreds of picoseconds, is emerging, promising better results than previous ones. In this paper, we report the use of a Q-switched laser with a picosecond pulse to manage hypermelanoses. (2) Methods: 36 patients seeking melanosis removal were retrospectively enrolled at Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro. Treatment parameters, although variable, were the following: 1064 nm with a pulse duration of 450 picoseconds (ps) for dermic lesions and 532 nm with 370 ps for epidermal lesions. Up to four treatments, with a minimum interval between laser treatments of 30 days, were performed. After the last session, patients’ satisfaction was assessed at a three-month follow up with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Two blinded dermatologists measured the aesthetic outcome using a five-point scale comparing pictures before laser sessions and during follow-up. (3) Results: 36 patients were enrolled; 23 were females (63.9%) and 13 males (36.1%). The mean reported age was 49.2 ± 18.9 years. All participants were assessed with a complete/almost complete melanosis removal at the dermatological evaluation, with a mean VAS score of 9.39 ± 0.90. (4) Conclusions: The Q-switched 1064/532 nm laser may be considered the main weapon in treating benign hypermelanosis. The picosecond pulse seems to guarantee better results than other devices. However, a clinical trial comparing Q-switched nanosecond pulse with picosecond pulse is necessary to confirm this study’s findings.

Blue Laser (450 nm) Treatment of Solar Lentigines

“…The most commonly used laser device for the treatment of lentigines today is the frequency doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser [ 24 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Picosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers seem to give a better result in managing lentigo than old nanosecond lasers due to their ability to concentrate energy in minimal fractions of time [ 30 ]. Many clinical studies demonstrate the superiority and better therapeutic effects of Nd:YAG over other laser devices, cryotherapy, as well as chemical peels [ 6 , 27 , 28 ].…”

Picosecond Q-Switched 1064/532 nm Laser in Tattoo Removal: Our Single Center Experience

“…Patients must be informed of the possibility of residual pigmentation after treatment, especially in the case of professional tattoos [27]. The risk of adverse events, such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and skin darkening, must be communicated to patients [28,29]. Colored tattoos respond poorly to removal-especially when the pigment is yellow or green-even when using other types of Q-switched lasers, such as alexandrite (755 nm).…”

Efficacy and Safety of Q-Switched 1064/532 nm Nd:YAG Lasers on Benign Hypermelanosis in Dark-Skinned Individuals—A Preliminary Study

“…The majority of lasers used for these purposes operate on the selective photothermolysis concept [ 14 ]. The most effective and secure treatment for benign hyperpigmentation is provided by these lasers, which selectively destroy melanosomes via photomechanical and low-heat effects while protecting adjacent tissues [ 15 ]. While the majority of current research supports using this sort of laser on Caucasian populations, a growing amount of scientific data indicate that persons of Asian ethnicity, particularly those with lighter phototypes, may benefit from it as well [ 15 ].…”

“…Particularly, the Q-switched 1064/532 nm Nd:YAG laser has proved an effective and safe technique for the treatment of pigmented skin lesions as already demonstrated in the literature [ 15 , 29 , 30 ].…”