Use of a long-pulse alexandrite laser in the treatment of superficial pigmented lesions

PubMed Reference:Trafeli JP, Kwan JM, Meehan KJ, et al. Dermatol Surg. 2007 Dec.

Study Details:

  • 18 patients (mean age 53.8 years, range, 36-78 years) with Fitzpatrick skin types I to III treated for lentigines on their faces, chest, shoulders, arms, or hands
  • Test-site session: 10-mm spot size with different pulse durations (3, 20, 40, or 60 ms) and fluences, according to skin type and pigmentation of lesion
  • Single treatment session at 3 weeks after a test-site session, using optimal parameters from test spots
  • Blinded evaluation of photographs at 6-week follow-up.

Study Results:

  • All patients (100%) showed some improvement in their lentigines, by blinded assessment
  • Darker lentigines achieved the greatest lesion clearance (76% to 99% lesion clearance overall)
  • 87% of subjects reported improvement (some to complete)
  • Erythema and edema resolved spontaneously after 2 days
  • No instances of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation or side effects at follow-up.