✦ LIBER ✦

Combined use of intense pulsed light and Q-switched ruby laser for complex dyspigmentation among asian patients

✍ Scribed by Jong Min Park; Hensin Tsao; Sandy Tsao

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
Year: 2008
Tongue: English
Weight: 181 KB
Volume: 40
Category: Article
ISSN: 0196-8092
DOI: 10.1002/lsm.20603

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✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background

Dyspigmentation is a common cosmetic concern among Asians. Many individuals exhibit mixed pigmentary entities including melasma, flat/small seborrheic keratoses, ephelides, solar lentigines and acquired bilateral nevus‐of‐Ota‐like macules (ABNOM). We term this phenomenon complex dyspigmentation (CD) and suggest that a combination strategy may be more efficacious than any singular modality.

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of combined intense‐pulsed light (IPL) for global photorejuvenation along with Q‐switched ruby laser (QSRL) for targeted pigment dissolution.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Twenty‐five Korean women with CD (defined as >2 types of facial pigmentary disorders) were initially treated with IPL followed by repeat treatments every 3–4 weeks as needed. The QSRL treatments, set at low fluence, were added either during the same session or within 1 week of the IPL treatment. Improvement was assessed by the patient, the treating physician and a blinded evaluation of pre‐ and post‐treatment photographs.

Results

Using a 4‐point scale (1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = excellent), 19/25 patients (76%) reporting good‐to‐excellent response (score “3” or “4”). Two independent physician assessment revealed that 15/25 patients (60%) showed 76–100% improvement while 19/25 patients (76%) showed at least 50% improvement. Side‐effects were minimal: 3 patients had transient post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (12%) and 1 patient (4%) had linear hypopigmentation.