An in vivo trial comparing the use of different types of 532 nm Nd:YAG lasers in the treatment of facial lentigines in Oriental patients.

Author: Chan HH, Fung WK, Ying SY, Kono T

Author affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong. henrychan@cuhk.edu.hk

Publication date & source: 2000.08, Dermatol Surg., 26(8):743-9.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Versapulse is a system that consists of four laser modalities and was developed with the aim of increasing cost-effectiveness. However, as these lasers share a common power supply, for the Q-switched (QS) Nd:YAG 532 nm laser a large spot diameter is necessary to lower the fluence to a suitable level. This can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation when used for the treatment of lentigines in dark-skinned patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to access the clinical efficacy and the complication rate of the Versapulse QS Nd:YAG 532 nm laser, the Versapulse long-pulsed Nd:YAG 532 nm laser (without the chill tip), and a conventional QS Nd:YAG 532 nm laser in the treatment of lentigines in Chinese patients. METHODS: Thirty-four Chinese patients with lentigines were randomized to receive laser surgery, with one side of the face treated by one laser and the other side treated by a different system. Patients were monitored for 6 weeks to assess the degree of clearing, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and erythema. Assessments involved patients interviewed using a visual analog questionnaire and two blinded observers who evaluated the pre- and posttreatment clinical photographs. RESULTS: The Versapulse QS Nd:YAG 532 nm laser was associated with a statistically higher risk of complications. The Versapulse long-pulsed Nd:YAG 532 nm laser was compatible with the conventional QS Nd:YAG 532 nm laser in terms of clinical efficacy and complication rates. CONCLUSION: The Versapulse long-pulsed 532 nm laser is more effective and should be used instead of the Versapulse QS Nd:YAG 532 nm laser for the treatment of lentigines in dark-skinned patients.

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