Skip to main content

Lasers and Lights for Treating Pigmented Lesions

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Lasers in Dermatology and Medicine

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Goldman L, Blaney DJ, Kindel DJ, Franke EK. Effect of the laser beam on the skin: preliminary report. J Invest Dermatol. 1963;40:121-122.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Goldman L, Wilson RG, Hornby P, Meyer RG. Radiation from a Q-switched ruby laser: effect of repeated impacts of power output of 10 megawatts on a tattoo of man. J Invest Dermatol. 1965;44:69-71.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Ohshiro T, Maruyama Y. The ruby and argon lasers in the treatment of naevi. Ann Acad Med. 1983;12:388-395.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Dover JS, Smoller BR, Stein RS, et al. Low-fluence carbon dioxide laser irradiation of lentigines. Arch Dermatol. 1988;124:1219-1224.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Anderson RR, Parrish JA. Selective photothermolysis: precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulsed radiation. Science. 1983;220:524-527.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Polla LL, Margolis RJ, Dover JS, et al. Melanosomes are a primary target of Q-switched ruby laser irradiation in guinea pig skin. J Invest Dermatol. 1987;89:281-286.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Levins PC, Anderson RR. Q-switched ruby laser for the treatment of pigmented lesions and tattoos. Clin Dermatol. 1995;13:75-79.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Taylor CR, Anderson RR, Gange RW, et al. Light and electron microscopic analysis of tattoos treated by Q-switched ruby laser. J Invest Dermatol. 1991;97:131-136.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Ara G, Anderson RR, Mandel KG, et al. Irradiation of pigmented melanoma cells with high intensity pulsed radiation generates acoustic waves and kills cells. Lasers Surg Med. 1990;10:52-59.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Dover JS, Margolis RJ, Polla LL, et al. Pigmented guinea pig skin irradiated with Q-switched ruby laser pulses. Arch Dermatol. 1989;125:43-49.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Ardnt KA, Dover JS, Olbricht SM. Lasers in Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven; 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Kossida T, Farinelli W, Flotte T, et al. Mechanism of immediate whitening during tattoo Removal. Lasers Surg Med. 2006;18:70.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Margolis RJ, Dover JS, Polla LL, et al. Visible action spectrum for melanin-specific selective photothermolysis. Lasers Surg Med. 1989;9:389-397.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Anderson RR, Margolis RJ, Watenabe S, et al. Selective photothermolysis of cutaneous pigmentation by Q-switched Nd:YAG laser pulses at 1064, 532, and 355 nm. J Invest Dermatol. 1989;93:28-32.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Hruza GJ, Dover JS, Flotte TJ, et al. Q-switched ruby laser irradiation of normal human skin. Arch Dermatol. 1991;127:1799-1805.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Murphy GF, Shepard RS, Paul BS, et al. Organelle-specific injury to melanin-containing cells in human skin by pulsed laser irradiation. Lab Invest. 1983;49:680-685.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Anderson RR, Parrish JA. The optics of human skin. J Invest Dermatol. 1981;77:13-19.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Sherwood KA, Murray S, Kurban AK, Tan OT. Effect of wavelength on cutaneous pigment using pulsed irradiation. J Invest Dermatol. 1989;92:717-720.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Nakamura Y, Hossain M, Hirayama K, Matsumoto K. A clinical study on the removal of gingival melanin pigmentation with the CO2 laser. Lasers Surg Med. 1999;25:140-147.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Vikramaditya P, Bedi MS, et al. The effects of pulse energy variations on the dimensions of microscopic thermal treatment zones in nonablative fractional resurfacing. Lasers Surg Med. 2007;39:145-155.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Ross EV, Ladin Z, Kreindel M, Dierickx C. Theoretical considerations in laser hair removal. Dermatol Clin. 1999;17:333-355.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Kono T, Manstein D, Chan HH. Q-switched ruby versus long-pulsed dye laser delivered with compression for treatment of facial lentigines in Asians. Lasers Surg Med. 2006;38(2):94-97.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Ueda S, Imayama S. Normal-mode ruby laser for treating congenital nevi. Arch Dermatol. 1997;133:355-359.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Taylor CR, Anderson RR. Treatment of benign pigmented epidermal lesions by Q-switched ruby laser. Int J Dermatol. 1993;32:908-912.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Tse Y, Levine VJ, McClain SA, Ashinoff R. The removal of cutaneous pigmented lesions with the Q-switched ruby laser and the Q-switched neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1994;20:795-800.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Kilmer SL, Wheeland RG, Goldberg DJ, Anderson RR. Treatment of epidermal pigmented lesions with the frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Arch Dermatol. 1994;130:1515-1519.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Fitzpatrick RE, Goldman MP, Ruiz-Esparza J. Laser treatment of benign pigmented epidermal lesions using a 300 nsecond pulse and 510 nm wavelength. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1993;18:341-347.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Ashinoff R, Geronemus RG. Q-switched ruby laser treatment of labial lentigos. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1992;27:809-811.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Gupta G, MacKay IR, MacKie RM. Q-switched ruby laser in the treatment of labial melanotic macules. Lasers Surg Med. 1999;25:219-222.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Yung-Tsai L, Kao-Chia Y. Comparison of the frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and 35% trichloroacetic acid for the treatment of face lentigines. Dermatol Surg. 1999;25:202-204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Todd M, Rallis T, Hata T. A comparison of three lasers and liquid nitrogen in the treatment of solar lentigines: a randomized, controlled, comparative trial. Arch Dermatol. 2000;50:536-540.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Alster TS, Tanzi EL, Welsh EC. Photorejuvenation of facial skin with topical 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid and intense pulsed light treatment: a split-face comparison study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2005;4:35-38.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Dover J et al. Adjunctive use of topical aminolevulinic acid with intense pulsed light in the treatment of photoaging. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;52:795-803.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Gold MH et al. Split-face comparison of photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid and intense pulsed light versus intense pulsed light alone for photodamage. Dermatol Surg. 2006;32(6):795-801.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Tekin M, Bodurtha JN, Riccardi VM. Café au lait spots: the pediatrician’s perspective. Pediatr Rev. 2001;22:82-90.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Grossman MC, Anderson RR, Farinelli W, et al. Treatment of cafe au lait macules with lasers: a clinicopathologic correlation. Arch Dermatol. 1995;131:1416-1420.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Alster TS. Complete elimination of large cafe-au-lait birthmarks by the 510-nm pulsed dye laser. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1995;96:1660.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Alora MB, Arndt KA. Successful treatment of a cafe-au-lait macule with the erbium:YAG laser. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;45(4):566-568.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Goldberg DJ. Benign pigmented lesions of the skin. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1993;19:376-379.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Rosio TJ. Techniques for tattoo removal. In: Wheeland RG, ed. Cutaneous Surgery. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1994:982-997.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Kobayashi T. Microsurgical treatment of nevus of Ota. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1991;17:936-941.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Clabaugh WA. Tattoo removal by superficial dermabrasion: five year experience. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1975;55:401-405.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Koerber WA, Price NM. Salabrasion of tattoos: a correlation of the clinical and histological results. Arch Dermatol. 1978;114:884-888.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Dvir E, Hirshowitz B. Tattoo removal by cryosurgery. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1980;66:373-378.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Cosman B, Apfelberg DB, Drucker D. An effective cosmetic treatment for Ota’s nevus. Ann Plast Surg. 1989;22:36-42.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Reid R, Muller S. Tattoo removal by CO2 laser dermabrasion. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1980;65:717-728.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. van Leeuwen RL, Dekker SW, Byers HR, et al. Modulation of α4β1 and α5β1 integrin expression: heterogenous effects of Q-switched ruby, Nd:YAG, and alexandrite lasers on melanoma cells in vitro. Lasers Surg Med. 1996;18:63-71.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Chan HH, Xiang K, Leung L, et al. In vitro study examining the effect of sub-lethal QS 755 nm lasers on the expression of p161nk4a on melanoma cell lines. Lasers Surg Med. 2003;32(2):88-93.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Dummer R, Kempf W, Burg G. Pseudo-melanoma after laser therapy. Dermatology. 1998;197:71-73.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Grevelink JM, van Leeuwen RL, Anderson RR, Byers R. Clinical and histological responses of congenital melanocytic nevi after single treatment with Q-switched lasers. Arch Dermatol. 1997;133:349-353.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Goldberg DJ, Zeichner JA, Hodulik SG, et al. Q-switched laser irradiation of pigmented nevi: analysis of markers for malignant transformation. Lasers Surg Med. 2006;18:18.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Vibhagool C, Byers R, Grevelink JM. Treatment of small nevomelanocytic nevi with a Q-switched ruby laser. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1997;36:738-741.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Rosenbach A, Williams CM, Alster TS. Comparison of the Q-switched alexandrite (755 nm) and Q-switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm) lasers in the treatment of benign melanocytic nevi. Dermatol Surg. 1997;23:239-245.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Duke D, Byers R, Sober AJ, et al. Treatment of benign and atypical nevi with the normal-mode ruby laser and the Q-switched ruby laser: clinical improvement but failure to completely eliminate nevomelanocytes. Arch Dermatol. 1999;135:290-296.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Baba M, Bal N. Efficacy and safety of the short-pulse erbium:YAG laser in the treatment of acquired melanocytic nevi. Dermatol Surg. 2006;32:256-260.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Milgraum SS, Cohen ME, Auletta MJ. Treatment of blue nevi with the Q-switched ruby laser. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1995;32:307-310.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Watanabe S, Takahashi H. Treatment of nevus of Ota with the Q-switched ruby laser. N Engl J Med. 1994;331:1745-1750.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Imayama S, Ueda S. Long- and short-term histological observations of congenital nevi treated with the normal-mode ruby laser. Arch Dermatol. 1999;135:1211-1218.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Helsing P, Mork G, Sveen B. Ruby laser treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi – a pessimistic view. Acta Derm Venereol. 2006;86(3):235-237.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Arndt KA. Argon laser treatment of lentigo maligna. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1984;10:953-957.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Kopera D. Treatment of lentigo maligna with the carbon dioxide laser. Arch Dermatol. 1995;131:735-736.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Thissen M, Westerhof W. Lentigo maligna treated with ruby laser. Acta Derm Venereol. 1997;77:163.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Arndt KA. New pigmented macule appearing 4 years after argon laser treatment of lentigo maligna. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1986;14:1092.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Lee PK, Rosenberg CN, Tsao H, Sober AJ. Failure of Q-switched ruby laser to eradicate atypical-appearing solar lentigo: report of two cases. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998;38:314-317.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Hidano A, Kajama H, Ikeda S, et al. Natural history of nevus of Ota. Arch Dermatol. 1967;95:187-195.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Jay B. Malignant melanoma of the orbit in a case of oculodermal melanocytosis (nevus of Ota). Br J Ophthalmol. 1965;49:359.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Geronemus RG. Q-switched ruby laser therapy of nevus of Ota. Arch Dermatol. 1992;128:1618-1622.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Lowe NJ, Wieder JM, Sawcer D, et al. Nevus of Ota: treatment with high energy fluences of the Q-switched ruby laser. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1993;29:997-1001.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Taylor CR, Flotte TJ, Gange W, Anderson RR. Treatment of nevus of Ota by Q-switched ruby laser. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1994;30:743-751.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Chang CJ, Nelson JS, Achauer BM. Q-switched ruby laser treatment of oculodermal melanosis (nevus of Ota). Plast Reconstr Surg. 1996;98:784-790.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Alster TS, Williams CM. Treatment of nevus of Ota by the Q-switched alexandrite laser. Dermatol Surg. 1995;21:592-596.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. Lam AY et al. A retrospective study on the efficacy and complications of Q-switched alexandretie laser in the treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules. Dermatol Surg. 2001;27(11):937-942.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Manuskiatti W et al. Treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (Hori’s nevus) using a combination of scanned carbon dioxide laser followed by Q-switched ruby laser. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003;48(4):584-591.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Polnikorn N et al. Treatment of Hori’s nevus with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Dermatol Surg. 2000;26(5):477-480.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Manuskiatte W, Sivayathorn A, Leelaudomlipi P, Fitzpatrick RE. Treatment of acquired bilateral nevua of Ota-like maculess (Hori’s nevus) using a combination of scanned carbon dioxide laser followed by Q-switched ruby laser. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003;48(4):584-591.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  76. Manuskiatti W et al. Effect of cold air cooling on the incidence of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules. Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(9):1139-1143.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Taylor CR, Anderson RR. Ineffective treatment of refractory melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation by Q-switched ruby laser. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1994;20:592-597.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Nouri K, Bowes L, Chartier T, et al. Combination treatment of melasma with pulsed CO2 laser followed by Q-switched alexandrite laser: a pilot study. Dermatol Surg. 1999;25:494-497.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Manaloto RMP, Alster T. Erbium:YAG laser resurfacing for refractory melasma. Dermatol Surg. 1999;25:121-123.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  80. Narurkar VA. Skin rejuvenation with microthermal fractional photothermolysis. Dermatol Ther. 2007;20:S10-S13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Tannous Z, Astner S. Utilizing fractional resurfacing in the treatment of therapy resistant melasma. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2005;7:39-43.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Rokhsar CK, Fitzpatrick RE. The treatment of melasma with fractional photothermolysis: a pilot study. Dermatol Surg. 2005;32:1645-1650.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  83. Lowe NJ, Wieder JM, Shorr N, et al. Infraorbital pigmented skin: preliminary observations of laser therapy. Dermatol Surg. 1995;21:767-770.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. West TB, Alster TS. Improvement of infraorbital hyperpigmentation following carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. Dermatol Surg. 1998;24:615-616.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Manuskiatti W, Fitzpatrick RE, Goldman MP. Red ink tattoo reactions: successful treatment with the Q-switched 532 nm Nd:YAG laser. Dermatol Surg. 2000;26(2):113-120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  86. Dwyer CM, Cuddihy AM, Kerr REI, et al. Skin pigmentation due to minocycline treatment of facial dermatoses. Br J Dermatol. 1993;129:158-162.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Argenyi ZB, Finelli L, Bergfeld WF, et al. Minocycline-related cutaneous hyperpigmentation as demonstrated by light microscopy, electron microscopy and X-ray energy spectroscopy. J Cutan Pathol. 1987;14:176-180.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  88. Collins P, Cotterill JA. Minocycline-induced pigmentation resolves after treatment with the Q-switched ruby laser. Br J Dermatol. 1996;135:317-319.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Knoell KA, Milgraum SS, Kutenplon M. Q-switched ruby laser treatment of minocycline-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation. Arch Dermatol. 1996;132:1251-1253.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. Tsao H, Dover JS. Treatment of minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation with the Q-switched ruby laser. Arch Dermatol. 1996;132:1250-1251.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Alster TS, Gupta SN. Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation treated with a 755-nm Q-switched alexandrite laser. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(9):1201-1204.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Alster TS, Gupta SN. Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation treated with a 755-nm Q-switched alexandrite laser. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(9):1201-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Wilde JL, English JC, Finley EM. Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation: treatment with the neodymium:YAG laser. Arch Dermatol. 1997;133:1344-1346.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  94. Greve B, Schonermark MP, Raulin C. Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation: treatment with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Lasers Surg Med. 1998;22:223-227.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  95. Karrer S, Hohenleutner U, Szeimies RM, Landthaler M. Amiodarone-induced pigmentation resolves after treatment with the Q-switched ruby laser. Arch Dermatol. 1999;135:251-253.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  96. Atkins DH, Fitzpatrick RE. Laser treatment of imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000;43(1):77-80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  97. Trotter MJ, Tron VA, Hollingdale J, Rivers JK. Localized chrysiasis induced by laser therapy. Arch Dermatol. 1995;131:1411-1414.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  98. Yun PK, Arndt KA, Anderson RR. Q-switched laser-induced chrysiasis treated with long-pulsed laser. Arch Dermatol. 2002;138:1012-1014.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  99. Baggish MS, Poiesz BJ, Joret D, et al. Presence of human immunodeficiency virus DNA in laser smoke. Lasers Surg Med. 1991;11:197-203.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  100. Hirsch RJ, Anderson RR. Principles of Laser-Skin Interactions. In chapter 136, page 2148 in: Dermatology (ed.) Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, and Rapini RP. 1st edition, 2003.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jeffrey S. Dover .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer-Verlag London Limited

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Graber, E.M., Dover, J.S. (2011). Lasers and Lights for Treating Pigmented Lesions. In: Nouri, K. (eds) Lasers in Dermatology and Medicine. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-281-0_6

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-281-0_6

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-85729-280-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-85729-281-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics