Cutaneous Compression for the Laser Treatment of Epidermal Pigmented Lesions with the 595-nm Pulsed Dye Laser

BACKGROUNDThe 595-nm pulsed dye laser has been the standard of care for many vascular lesions and has rarely been used in the treatment of epidermal pigmented lesions. OBJECTIVEThe objective was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a compression technique for the treatment of epidermal pigmented lesion using a modified 595-nm pulsed dye laser with no epidermal cooling. METHODSTwelve subjects (mean age 58 years) underwent treatments using a modified 595-nm dye laser with a compression handpiece and no epidermal cooling. Treatments were performed with radiant exposures of 7 to 12 J/cm, 7-mm spot size, and 1.5-ms pulse duration. Each subject received one to four treatments, 4 to 6 weeks apart. Follow-up evaluations were held before each treatment and 4 months after last treatment. RESULTSClearance of 75% to 100% was obtained in 43, 59, 76, and 79% of the lesions treated after one, two, three, and four treatments respectively. The fourth treatment was evaluated 4 months posttreatment. Side effects included immediate erythema and edema and rare cases of transient hyperpigmentation and atrophy. No purpura and long-lasting side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONThe compression technique with a modified 595-nm pulsed dye laser system is effective and safe for the treatment of epidermal pigmented lesions.