Novel Low Fluence Combination Laser Treatment of Solar Lentigines in Type III Asian Skin.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate a novel low fluence combination laser technique [Erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Erb:YAG) and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG)] to effectively treat solar lentigines in type III Asian skin in a single session.

DESIGN

A prospective study.

SETTING

A Singapore-based clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Five patients (all females) were enrolled into the study. The ages ranged 35-60 years; all patients had Fitzpatrick skin type III.

MEASUREMENTS: Photographs were taken at baseline and at 1-month follow-up. These were reviewed by two independent physicians who were blinded to the study. Changes in pigment severity were assessed by a 5-point scale (1: Aggravation of pigment, 2: No change, 3: 25-50% improvement, 4: 51-75% improvement, and 5: 76-100% improvement).

RESULTS

All patients received a single treatment session. At 1-month follow-up, a reduction in pigment was observed in all patients. Both physicians' reports were independently agreeable. All patients scored 5, having >90% improvement in pigment severity. No hypopigmentation, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), or recurrence was seen.

CONCLUSION

Low fluence combination laser is effective and safe for clearance of solar lentigines in type III Asian skin.