LAUSR

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Nevus of Ota has been successfully treated by lasers. Currently, 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG lasers have become available for the treatment of pigmented disorders. However, there are few studies concerning the application of 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser in nevus of Ota. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of nevus of Ota. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of Chinese patients with nevus of Ota who had been treated with a 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser. Those who had any other laser treatment during the period of picosecond laser treatment were excluded. Via a visual analog scale for percentage of pigmentary clearance in standard photographs, the treatment efficacy was assessed by three blinded physician evaluators. RESULTS A total of 16 subjects were included in this retrospective study. The average age at the beginning of treatment was 16.87 years old (range of 4 months to 59 years), and all patients were of Fitzpatrick skin type IV. Total treatment ranged from 1 to 5 sessions. A 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser with a mean fluence of 1.8-4.3 J/cm2 was used at 3 to 12 month intervals. The mean efficacy score for all 16 patients was 2.56 after one session, and the mean efficacy score of 13 patients who completed two sessions and 9 patients who completed three sessions were 3.15 and 3.51, respectively. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after treatment was only observed in 1 (1/16, 6.25%) patient. CONCLUSION The 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser is an effective and safe approach for treating nevus of Ota. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.