A randomized,single-blind,study evaluating a 755-nm picosecond pulsed Alexandrite laser vs. a non-ablative 1927-nm fractionated thulium laser for the treatment of facial photopigmentation and aging

Background: Laser toning is one of the most popular strategies to treat facial photopigmentation and aging. Several laser modalities, including fractional non-ablative, Q-switched (QS) lasers and new generation picosecond lasers have been used for this indication. However, there is paucity of head to head comparisons of older generation of lasers with new ones.

Objective: To compare a 755 nm picosecond pulsed alexandrite laser with a non-ablative 1927 nm fractionated thulium laser for the treatment of facial photopigmentation and aging through a randomized, single-blind study.

Materials and methods: 20 subjects (skin types I–IV) were randomized to receive either four 755-nm picosecond alexandrite laser treatments, spaced 3 weeks apart, or two dual wavelength thulium fiber fractionated 1550/1927 nm laser treatments, spaced 6 weeks apart. Follow-up assessment visits occurred 4 and 12 weeks after the last study treatment.

Results: At the 4- and 12-week follow-up, both groups showed significant improvement of photoaging, pigmentation, skin quality according to the investigator and subjects assessments. When comparing the two groups, subjects in 755 nm group had statistically significant greater improvement in investigator assessments of photoaging/skin quality and subject satisfaction than those in the 1927 nm group.

Conclusion: Both the non-ablative 1927 and 755 nm picosecond laser can improve facial photopigmentation, but the latter can yield superior results with less pain and side effects according to patient and investigator assessments.     

不同波长的Q-开关激光治疗眶周色素沉着症疗效比较

目的：评价三种Q-开关激光治疗眶周色素沉着症的疗效。方法：83例患者随机分为A、B、C3组，A组和C组分别采用532nm和1064nm Q-开关Nd：YAG激光治疗，B组采用Q-开关翠绿宝石激光(755nm)治疗。结果：A组和C组疗效差，B组经4次及以上的治疗，总有效率可达82．1％，3组的总有效率的差异有显著性。结论：Q-开关翠绿宝石激光治疗眶周色素沉着症有较满意疗效，无明显副作用，可作为首选治疗方法。     

长脉宽755nm紫翠宝石激光治疗雀斑的疗效观察

目的观察长脉宽755nm紫翠宝石激光治疗雀斑的疗效及安全性。方法119例雀斑患者接受长脉宽755nm激光治疗,共治疗1～2次,治疗间隔4周。术后4周、1年和2年复诊或电话随访,观察疗效和不良反应。结果119例患者中1次治疗有效率为79．8％（95例）,2次治疗后有效率为98．3％（117例）。所有患者术后反应轻微,且均无永久色素改变、瘢痕、皮肤质地改变、创面感染及其他严重不良反应。结论长脉宽755nm激光治疗雀斑疗效肯定,且较为安全。     

Successful treatment of Becker’s Nevus with long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG and 755-nm alexandrite laser and review of the literature

Background: Becker’s Nevus is an aesthetically troublesome condition secondary to hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis. Although several lasers have been employed with varying degrees of success, the exact devices and treatment parameters have yet to be elucidated. Objective: To assess the combination Nd:YAG and alexandrite laser as a safe and efficacious treatment for Becker’s Nevus. Methods: In a 20-year-old Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV male, a Becker’s Nevus was treated with six sessions of long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser at six-week intervals followed by five sessions of long-pulsed 755 nm alexandrite laser at three-month intervals. Results: This patient experienced a significant reduction in both hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis after these treatment sessions. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: This case supports the use of combination long-pulsed 1064 nm laser and 755 nm laser as a safe and efficacious treatment for Becker’s Nevus.     

皮秒翠绿宝石激光与超脉冲CO2点阵激光治疗面部萎缩性痤疮瘢痕的疗效与安全性比较

【摘要】 目的 通过前瞻性、半脸对照研究,比较皮秒翠绿宝石激光与超脉冲CO2点阵激光治疗面部萎缩性痤疮瘢痕的疗效与安全性。方法 2015年10月至2017年10月在中国医学科学院皮肤病医院激光科收集面部对称性萎缩性痤疮瘢痕患者,左侧面部痤疮瘢痕采用超脉冲CO2点阵激光治疗,右侧采用皮秒翠绿宝石激光点阵模式治疗,治疗间隔为2个月,共治疗3次。治疗前后由皮肤科医生根据ECCA评价表对瘢痕进行评分,患者根据四分法自评临床疗效。记录治疗时疼痛程度和不良反应。两侧间、治疗前后ECCA评分及疼痛程度评分比较采用配对t检验,组间四分法评分比较采用 Wilcoxon 秩和检验。结果 治疗前皮秒激光侧和点阵激光侧间ECCA评分差异无统计学意义（t = 1.06,P = 0.300）,治疗3次后差异有统计学意义［（70.98 ± 21.48）分比（58.04 ± 17.63）分,t = 3.76,P = 0.001］。与治疗前相比,皮秒激光侧瘢痕改善评分（2.21 ± 1.09）分,CO2点阵激光侧（2.83 ± 1.11）分,两组差异有统计学意义（z = 2.70,P = 0.007）。与CO2点阵激光侧相比,皮秒激光侧不良反应更少,表现为一过性红斑、水肿,治疗疼痛评分亦明显降低［（3.71 ± 0.62）分比（6.23 ± 1.06）分,t = 11.93,P < 0.001］。结论 皮秒翠绿宝石激光与超脉冲CO2点阵激光均能有效改善萎缩性痤疮瘢痕,CO2点阵激光疗效更显著,而皮秒激光不良反应更少。     

A split-face comparison of facial hair removal with the long-pulsed alexandrite laser and intense pulsed light system

Background: Undesirable hair growth presents a significant problem for many patients. Photoepilation has become a very popular procedure in esthetic and cosmetic practice. Among the systems used are the long-pulsed alexandrite laser (755 nm) (ALX) and intense pulsed light (IPL). Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of long-pulsed ALX and IPL for hair removal. Patients and methods: This comparative study was carried out in the outpatient Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Al-Sadir Teaching Hospital, Al Najaf City during the period from June 2009 to July 2010. Thirty-five patients were included; thirty of them completed the study. They received six treatment sessions with the ALX on the left side of the face and IPL on the right side of face with 4-week intervals between sessions. Response to treatment on both sides of the face was assessed at 1, 3, and 6 treatment sessions. Hair-free intervals and patient's satisfaction were recorded in each visit. Results: After six treatment sessions, IPL-treated sides showed longer median hair-free intervals compared with ALX-treated sides. Reduction in hair counts was significantly larger on the IPL compared with that on the ALX-treated sides at 1, 3, and 6 sessions. Three patients (10%) developed postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, one of them on the left side and the others on the right side. It was more severe on the right side and both the patients were of skin type IV. Slight stinging and burning sensation at time of the treatment were recorded in all patients. All reported side effects were transient and tolerated by the patients except postinflammatory hyperpigmentation which persisted and was decreasing gradually toward the end of the study. Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that IPL is more effective in reducing excessive facial hair growth, with longer hair-free intervals and greater patient satisfaction than the ALX.     

Novel 755-nm diode laser vs. conventional 755-nm scanned alexandrite laser: Side-by-side comparison pilot study for thorax and axillary hair removal

Background: Alexandrite (755 nm) and diode lasers (800–810 nm) are commonly used for hair removal. The alexandrite laser technology is somewhat cumbersome whereas new diode lasers are more robust. Recently, alexandrite-like 755 nm wavelength diodes became available. Objectives: To compare the efficacy, tolerability, and subject satisfaction of a 755 nm diode laser operated in conventional (HR) and non-conventional in-motion (SHR) modes with a conventional scanned alexandrite 755 nm laser for chest and axillary hair removal. Materials and methods: A prospective, single-center, proof of principle study was designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy and handling of a 755 nm diode laser system in comparison to a standard alexandrite 755 nm scanning hair removal laser. Results: The new 755 nm diode is suitable to be used in SHR and HR mode and has been tested for its safety, efficacy and handling in a volunteer with success. Overall, both systems showed a high efficacy in hair reduction (88.8% 755 nm diode laser vs. 77.7% 755 nm alexandrite laser). Also, during the study period, no severe adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: The new 755 nm diode laser is as effective and safe as the traditional 755 nm alexandrite laser. Additionally, treatment with the 755 nm diode laser with HR and SHR modes was found to be less painful.     

Successful and quick treatment of nevus of Ota with 755nm picosecond laser in Chinese

ABSTRACT

Nevus of Ota, also known as nevus fusco-caeruleus ophthalmo-maxillaris, is a benign dermal melanocytosis. In the past, this disease was usually treated by Q-switched laser therapy, but the course of treatment was relatively long. In recent years, it has been reported that 755nm picosecond laser, which was firstly reported to treat tattoos, is also effective in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Here, we report six cases of nevus of Ota which were treated with 755nm picosecond laser in Chinese people. We find amazingly that these lesions almost disappeared after only one or two sessions of treatment.     

Combination of 595-nm pulsed dye laser,long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser,and microdermabrasion treatment for keratosis pilaris: retrospective analysis of 26 Korean patients

Abstract

Keratosis pilaris (KP) has beenpresented as small keratotic follicular papules with or without surrounding erythema. Various treatments with laser or light therapy have been used for the management of KP with various clinical outcomes. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy for KP. A total of 29 anatomical sites with KP in 26 patients were treated using a 595-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) with nonpurpuragenic fluences, a long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser, and microdermabrasion. Clinical improvement was assessed by comparing preand posttreatment clinical photographs and patient satisfaction rates. Evaluation of the clinical results three months after the treatments showed that 12 of the 29 anatomical sites (41.4%) demonstrated Grade 3 clinical improvement, ten (34.5%) had Grade 2 clinical improvement, four (13.8%) showed Grade 1 improvement, and three (10.3%) showed Grade 4 improvement. We observed that KP lesions improved not only in erythema and skin texture, but also in brownish dyschromias. Potential adverse events were not observed, except prolonged posttherapy scaling. Our observations demonstrate that combination therapy using a 595-nm PDL, a long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser, and microdermabrasion can have a positive therapeutic effect on KP.     

调Q开关紫翠宝石激光治疗颧部褐青色痣疗效观察

目的：评价调Q开关紫翠宝石激光治疗颧部褐青色痣的疗效。方法：用调Q开关紫翠宝石激光治疗43例颧部褐青色痣患者，治疗前后照相对进行评分，并观察不良反应。结盟果：43例患才治疗1-4次，治疗间隔为2-3个月。有效率为72.1%，痊愈率为25.6%。3例患者出现暂时性的色素减退。结论：调Q开关紫翠宝石激光治疗颧部褐青色痣安全、有效。     

Treatment of café au lait macules in Chinese patients with a Q-switched 755-nm alexandrite laser

Abstract Background: Café au lait macules (CALMs) are a benign epidermal hyperpigmentation disorder. Although CALMs have been removed successfully with lasers, there have been few investigations on the use of the Q-switched 755-nm alexandrite laser. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Q-switched 755-nm alexandrite laser for the treatment of CALMs in Chinese patients. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, data of CALMs patients (n = 48) treated with a Q-switched 755-nm alexandrite laser were collected. Patients received an average of 3.2 treatments. Clinical responses were assessed by three blinded investigators. Adverse effects and recurrence rates were also evaluated. The mean follow-up time was 16.1 months. Results: Good to excellent responses were achieved in 26 patients (54.1%) and poor responses in 8 patients (16.7%). Recurrence was noted in five patients (10.4%) and transient hypopigmentation was observed in one patient. Efficacy was significantly greater in males than in females while patient age and lesional area did not show significant correlation with efficacy. Conclusions: The Q-switched 755-nm alexandrite laser shows relatively high efficacy in removing CALMs and the recurrence rate is low. Males respond might more favorably than females.     

Q开关紫翠宝石激光治疗儿童太田痣180例疗效观察

目的观察Q开关紫翠宝石激光治疗儿童太田痣的疗效及不良反应。方法应用Q开关紫翠宝石激光治疗儿童太田痣180例,治疗间隔3～12个月,根据临床登记及治疗前后患者照片判断疗效,并观察不良反应。结果治疗次数1～7次,治愈123例(68.3%),总有效率85%。除个别患儿出现一过性的粟丘疹、色素沉着、色素减退和点状表浅瘢痕外,未见明显其他不良反应。结论 Q开关紫翠宝石激光治疗儿童太田痣安全有效。     

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.     

Treatment of trichostasis spinulosa with a 755‐nm long‐pulsed alexandrite laser

Background Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a common disorder of hair follicle, characterized by spinous plugs. Topical treatments offer temporary relief but permanent removal of the abnormal follicles using hair removal lasers may result in a definite cure. Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 755‐nm alexandrite laser for the treatment of TS lesions. Patients and methods Two consecutive 755‐nm alexandrite laser treatments were performed one month apart. The clinical response and adverse effects were assessed four weeks after the first and second treatments and 20 weeks after the second treatment. Results Thirty one patients with skin phototypes II to IV completed the study. At the last follow up visit, a decrease in dark‐plug density of greater than 50% was noted in 16 patients (51.3%), while only three patients (9.7%) had an improvement of greater than 75%. Ten of the 21 patients (47.6%) with skin type III and six of the seven patients (85.7%) with skin type IV achieved at least 50% improvement in lesions at the last follow up visit (P = 0.1). Conclusion The 755‐nm alexandrite laser can safely and effectively reduce TS lesions lasting for a relatively long time in patients with skin types III–IV.     

A comparison of gingival depigmentation by Er:YAG laser and Kirkland knife: osmotic pressure and visual analog scale

Background: The aim of this study was to compare osmotic pressure (OP) 1 week after the gingival depigmentation in two diffeent methods: Er: YAG laser and Kirkland knife. Methods: This study included 20 patients, 13 women, and 7 men who had esthetic complaints of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation. The left side of the maxilla and mandible were depigmented with Er:YAG laser using air and water spray and the right side was removed with a Kirkland knife. Gingival biopsies were obtained from attached gingiva of operation sides with approximate dimensions of 2 mm × 2 mm before and 1 week after the depigmentation. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain level experienced by each patient. Results: Patients reported no pain at the gingivoplasty sides after 4 days and at the laser sides after 3 days. There were not statistical differences between laser and gingivoplasty groups according to values of OP (P > 0.05). Conclusion: According to results of wound healing, OP and VAS, two depigmentation procedures can be used safely and effectively.     

Effects of a fractional picosecond 1,064 nm laser for the treatment of dermal and mixed type melasma

Background: Picosecond laser is a novel modality for pigmented skin disorders with extremely short pulse duration. Little is known about the effects of the picosecond laser in melasma. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of fractional picosecond 1,064?nm laser in melasma treatment. Study design: A prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded, intra-individual split face comparative study. Methods: Female subjects with melasma were enrolled and received fractional picosecond 1,064?nm laser plus 4% hydroquinone cream on one randomly assigned side of the face; the results were compared to the use of hydroquinone cream only on the contralateral side. The modified melasma area severity index (mMASI) score, melanin index by Mexameter MX18®, participant satisfaction score by quartile rating scale, and the quality of life by the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were evaluated over 12 weeks. Results: Thirty female subjects completed the protocol. The mean (± standard deviation, SD) mMASI score at the 12-week visit was significantly reduced in the picosecond laser-treated areas compared to controls (3.52 ± 1.4 and 4.18 ± 2.03 respectively; p = 0.035). No differences were observed in the mean Mexameter melanin index, participant satisfaction score, and DLQI score. The observed adverse effects included transient mild erythema and mild skin desquamation. Conclusion: The addition of fractional picosecond 1,064?nm laser to 4% hydroquinone was effective and significantly better than 4% hydroquinone alone for the treatment of melasma.     

Clinical features of Ota's naevus in Koreans and its treatment with Q-switched alexandrite laser

Ota's naevus is a fairly common pigmentary disorder in Asians. Recently, encouraging results in the treatment of Ota's naevus have been obtained, but most of these concerned the white skins of Caucasian patients. Our purpose was to examine the clinical features of Ota's naevus in Koreans and to assess the clinical outcomes and histological changes induced by a Q-switched alexandrite laser at 755 nm. Eighty-seven Koreans with Ota's naevus were studied; the peak age of onset was during the first decade and adolescence. The infraorbital area was the most frequent site and black or dark brown colours predominated. Improvements were achieved in 52 patients (77%). Better results were obtained in unilateral lesions and patients who received a greater number of treatments. Mild hyperpigmentation after treatment was noticed in 14 patients and mild hypopigmentation in eight patients. However, all of these were reversed in time. Hypertrophic scarring or secondary infection did not occur. The histology of laser-irradiated lesions showed selective thermal damage of melanocytes in the upper dermis and the elimination of upper dermal pigmentation. Our clinical data demonstrate the usefulness of the Q-switched alexandrite laser for the treatment of Ota's naevus in brown skin.     

A Split-Face,Single-Blinded,Randomized Controlled Comparison of 532 nm Picosecond Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser versus 532 nm Q-Switched Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser in the Treatment of Solar Lentigines

BackgroundSolar lentigines are the most common form of benign epidermal pigmentation and one of the major cosmetic concerns in Korea. A 532 nm Q-switched neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (QSND) laser is typically used for the treatment, but the occurrence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is not rare. Recently, the use of picosecond (PS) lasers has emerged in pursuit of better outcomes.ObjectiveTo objectively compare the efficacy and safety of 532 nm PS and QSND lasers for the treatment of solar lentigines.MethodsTwenty patients with solar lentigines were enrolled in a prospective, randomized split-face, single-blind study. One side of each face was treated using a 532 nm PS laser, and the other side using a 532 nm QSND laser. After one treatment, all patients were followed up for evaluation after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The clinical clearance was assessed by three blinded dermatologists using a 5-point quartile improvement scale (QIS). Subjective satisfaction, development of PIH, pain scale during treatment, and adverse problems were also recorded.ResultsClinical clearance measured by QIS showed that the PS laser was more effective than the QSND laser. Subjective satisfaction and pain scale did not significantly differ between the two groups. The incidence of PIH was 5% in sides treated with the PS laser, and 30% with the QSND laser.ConclusionBoth 532 nm PS laser and QSND laser were effective for the treatment of solar lentigines, but the PS laser was more effective with less PIH development.     

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.     

Treatment of Ota's nevus by Q-switched alexandrite laser : therapeutic outcome in relation to clinical and histopathological findings

Ota's nevus is a dermal melanocytic disease which causes serious cosmetic problems for affected individuals. Recently Q-switched lasers with a pulse duration of 100 nsec or less became available for patient treatment. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of the Q-switched alexandrite laser (755 nm, 100 nsec) in relation to the histopathological findings. Fifty-five Korean patients with Ota's nevus were treated with a Q-switched alexandrite laser for three sessions (7.5 J/cm2) at three month intervals. Skin biopsies were taken in all of the patients before treatment and immediately after treatment in five patients. Clinical effectiveness and side effects were evaluated by direct observation and photographs. Pigment clearing was excellent in 27 patients (49%), good in 17 patients (31%), fair in 7 patients (13%) and poor in 4 (7%) patients. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation developed in 30 patients (55%) which resolved within four months. But there were no serious complications including scarring or textural change. The therapeutic outcome was not affected by color but by depth of the nevus. Nevi of Ota with depth of 1 mm or less were associated with excellent or good results. Q-switched alexandrite laser is a very effective and safe tool for treating Ota's nevus. Depth of 1 mm or less of dermal melanocytes was a good prognostic marker.