Use of the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of pigmentary disorders in Egyptians.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Laser treatment of cutaneous pigmentation is one of the most interesting areas in cutaneous surgery. Our purpose was to study the efficacy of Q-switched Nd:YAG at 1064 nm and 532 nm for the treatment of some pigmented lesions in our locality in Egypt.

METHODS

A total of 60 subjects were treated with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with fluences ranging from 8 to 10 J/cm(2) for dermal lesions and 2.5-5 J/cm(2) for epidermal lesions. The number of sessions ranged from one to six sittings for epidermal lesions, four to six sessions for dermal lesions, while the mixed group required two to three sessions.

RESULTS

A total of 34 patients (56.7%) showed excellent response, seven patients (11.7%) showed good response, nine patients (15%) showed fair response, and 10 (16.6%) showed poor response. Transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred in five patients (8.33%) and erythema in seven patients (11.66%). Complications were common in darker skin types V and VI.

CONCLUSION

The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of pigmented skin lesions. Adverse hyperpigmentation can occur but is transient.