New Combined Laser Therapy for Small Mass of Melanocytic Nevi on the Face

Abstract

Background and Aims: A small mass of melanocytic nevi on the face is commonly treated by surgical resection. This method is associated with cosmetic complications, such as scarring and scar contracture. The use of CO₂ Laser treatment to avoid these complications is increasing. However, scarring or recurrence may still occur after CO₂ Laser treatment. To resolve these problems, we developed a new Combined Laser Therapy (CLT) protocol using three laser instruments.
Subjects and Methods: We used CO₂ Laser, Nd:YAG Laser and Q-Switched Ruby Laser. The first treatment was a minimal mass reduction using CO₂ Laser. The surface is covered with carbonized tissue. The second treatment with Nd:YAG Laser which removes the carbonized tissue, because the laser specifically absorbs black chromatophores. Finally, any surviving nevus cells containing melanin are destroyed with Q-Switched Ruby Laser.
Results: This method was used for 12 cases presenting with small masses of melanocytic nevi on the face. The maximum size of the mass was 20 mm. All cases resulted in a cosmetic improvement and there was no scarring or recurrence. Either satisfactory or greatly improved cosmetic results were obtained in all cases.
Conclusions: We think that the wound healing without scarring observed in all of our cases is related to the administration of both CLT and auto-simultaneous Low reactive Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in these cases. Therefore, this method may provide the better treatment than surgical resection in the future.