510-NM PIGMENTED LESION DYE-LASER - ITS CHARACTERISTICS AND CLINICAL USES

BACKGROUND. Benign pigmented lesions are of a cosmetic concern to many individuals. Numerous treatments exist, including several types of lasers. The Candela 510 nm pigmented lesion dye laser has recently been added to this armamentarium. It is designed specifically for the treatment of superficial pigmented lesions while significantly decreasing the risk of scarring and prolonged hypopigmentation. OBJECTIVE. To describe the characteristics of the Candela pigmented lesion dye laser and report on the therapeutic outcome of patients treated for actinic lentigines, cafe-au-lait macules, melasma and red tattoos by one of the authors (RCG). METHODS. The Candela 510 nm pigmented lesion dye laser was used to treat solar lentigines, cafe-au-lait macules, melasma and red tattoo. RESULTS. Excellent outcomes resulted on facial and hand lentigines (89% and 88% of patients had greater than 75% clearing, respectively), but often required more than one treatment. Lentigines located on the upper extremities and trunk improved less dramatically. Immediate greying occurred universally. Bruising was often noted. Treatment failures have been observed especially in treating lentigines located on the lower extremities. Cafe-au-lait macules responded inconsistently, with facial lesions giving the best results. Melasma responded poorly, often with hyperpigmentation. Three red tattoos cleared. Treatment failure may be related to inaccurate clinical assessment of pigment depth or regrowth of the lesion. Several cases are presented to demonstrate clinical and histologic effects of the laser. CONCLUSION. The Candela 510-nm pigmented lesion dye laser is an effective treatment for superficial pigmented lesions. Its associated morbidity is minimal.