Retrospective photographic review of nontattoo indications treated by picosecond laser

Analysis of efficacy of picosecond laser treatment for nevus of Ota

To analyze the efficacy, safety, and influencing factors of 1064 nm picosecond Nd: YAG laser(PSAL)treatment for Nevus of Ota. From January 2018 to March 2024, 212 patients with Nevus of Ota were treated with 1064 nm picosecond Nd: YAG laser at the Guangzhou Dermatology Hospital. The study analyzed the impact of patient gender, age, Tanino classification of skin lesions, color of skin lesions, Fitzpatrick classification of skin, and number of treatments on efficacy, while also documenting any adverse reactions to the treatment. Overall, out of the 212 patients who underwent 1 to 11 treatment sessions, 80 cases (37.73%) achieved complete clearance, 42 cases (19.81%) showed excellent outcomes, 45 cases (21.22%) had good outcomes, 37 cases (17.45%) saw fair outcomes, and 8 cases (3.77%) had minimal effect, resulting in an overall effective rate of 78.77%. The study revealed a correlation between treatment efficacy, age, and the number of laser treatments (P < 0.05). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis demonstrated a positive association with treatment effectiveness (odds ratio 3.324; 95% confidence interval 2.110-5.238). Other variables such as gender, Tanino classification of skin lesions, color of skin lesions, and Fitzpatrick skin type showed no significant correlation with efficacy (P > 0.05). Among the patients, two experienced temporary post-inflammatory effects, while three exhibited folliculitis. Notably, there were no reported cases of persistent erythema, scarring, or hypopigmentation. The treatment of Nevus of Ota using 1064 nm picosecond Nd: YAG laser has been demonstrated to be both safe and effective, with treatment efficacy impacted by patient age and the number of treatment sessions. Early intervention and higher frequency of treatment sessions are associated with improved treatment outcomes.

Picosecond lasers in cosmetic dermatology: where are we now? An overview of types and indications

Q-switched lasers have undeniably revolutionized the field of laser dermatology since four decades ago. Just as the first-generation laser emits its photonic signal in a few nanoseconds, the picosecond laser delivers pulse widths of at least ten times shorter. These devices offer a powerful tool for treating a wide range of skin conditions with a minimal downtime for visible improvement. For the current study, a literature research was performed on the dermatological applications of picosecond laser. The literature searched on this topic between 1999 and 2023 accessible through various platforms produce a result of 62 articles. The included studies have discussed the application of picosecond laser technology in tattoo removal, treatment of epidermal and dermal pigmentation, and collagen remodeling. After sifting the data from the articles into tables, the results were discussed in detail. The study shows a lot of evidence towards the efficacy of picosecond laser, yet it draws attention to its downsides.

Efficacy and safety of picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser for treatment of nevus of Ota in Taiwanese children: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing medical charts and photographs of 86 Taiwanese children with various types of nevus of Ota between January 2017 and September 2020. Picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser therapy was used to treat pigmentary lesions. Percent clearance of lesions during treatment and the treatment time required to achieve 95%-100% clearance were determined.

RESULTS

According to Tanino's classification or Peking University Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) classification of nevus of Ota, most patients belonged to Tanino's Type II (32%) and Type III (38%) or PUMCH Type IIb (33%) and Type IIIb (26%), which indicated that the nevus was mainly distributed in the forehead, upper and lower eyelid, zygomatic, cheek, and temple regions. After treatment with picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser, 96.5% of the patients achieved 95%-100% clearance with an average of 4.3 treatment sessions. The earlier onset of lesions (before 5 months of age) and the darker Fitzpatrick skin types (type IV vs. type III) significantly increased the number of treatments required to achieve clear response, while sex, age at first treatment, Tanino's classification of nevus, and color of nevus had no significant effect. Posttreatment hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation was transient and resolved within 6 months. No serious response of the skin was evident.

CONCLUSION

Picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser treatment of nevus of Ota in children was safe and effective. The treatment was well-tolerated, and only a few transient, minor side effects occurred.