Background: The 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.
Objective: The 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.
Methods: Twelve 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(2), 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.
Results: Clearance 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.
Conclusion: The compression technique with a modified 595-nm pulsed dye laser system is effective and safe for the treatment of epidermal pigmented lesions.