Med Lasers.  2024 Mar;13(1):25-34. 10.25289/ML.24.005.

Comparison of the picosecond and Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers in the treatment of pigmentary disorders: a retrospective case series in the Republic of Korea

• Byun SJ
• Kim WS
• Choi YJ

• KMID: 2564445
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.25289/ML.24.005

Abstract

Background
A picosecond laser irradiation technique has presented satisfactory cosmetic outcomes for the treatment of various pigmented lesions. We aimed to evaluate the clinical results of a picosecond neodymiumdoped:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) (PSNY) laser for the treatment of various pigmented lesions and to compare them with the results of a conventional Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.
Methods
A retrospective review of subjects treated with a PSNY laser was performed. Clinical improvement was assessed by two blinded dermatologists using a 5-point Global Assessment Scale (GAS). Adverse events were also assessed.
Results
Forty-eight patients were treated with a dual-wavelength (532-nm and/or 1,064-nm) PSNY laser. Sixteen of the 48 patients (33.3%) experienced more than 50% improvement after the PSNY treatment. Patients with café-au-lait macule showed the greatest improvement, which was fair to good (GAS, 3.80 ± 0.76). Patients with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation received the highest number of treatment sessions (6.60 ± 3.44 times). The duration of follow-up was the longest in patients with Ota’s nevus (22.50 ± 5.44 weeks). There were no serious complications during the treatment period.
Conclusion
In our case series, it was concluded that a dual-wavelength 532-nm and 1,064-nm PSNY laser was safe and effective for the treatment of pigmented lesions in Korean patients.

Keyword

Asian; Laser therapy; Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet lasers; Pigmentation dis orders; Skin pigmentation