Efficacy and Safety of Short-Pulse Erbium:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Acquired Melanocytic Nevi

BACKGROUND: Various laser systems have been used in the treatment of acquired melanocytic nevi. However, CO2 lasers may cause scarring, and some nevi cannot be removed with pigment-specific lasers completely. To date, no study has evaluated the efficacy and safety of an erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser, with its small penetration depth and fewer adverse effects, in the treatment of acquired melanocytic nevi. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the short-pulse erbium:YAG laser in the treatment of acquired melanocytic nevi. METHODS: The study included 28 nevi in 14 patients. The lesions were pigmented, flat, or just palpable nevi. Nevi were irradiated with single-pulse laser energy of 1,000 mJ and a pulse duration of 300 microseconds. Fluences between 5.2 and 14.4 J/cm2 were used. Four months following laser treatment, the entire lesion was excised. Each specimen was histopathologically and immunohistochemically examined for the presence of nevus cells. RESULTS: Clinically, all of the nevi and, histopathologically, 27 of 28 nevi (96%) were completely removed without scarring. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was seen in two patients and hypopigmentation in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: Short-pulse erbium:YAG laser treatment is an effective and safe method for removing acquired melanocytic nevi.