Long-pulse pulsed dye laser delivered with compression for treatment of facial lentigines

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The 595-nm long-pulsed dye laser (LPDL) has been used for the treatment of vascular lesions, and although it is well absorbed by blood, it is also well absorbed by melanin. To utilize this device for the treatment of facial lentigines, we attached a glass window to the tip of the laser's handpiece, allowing compression of the skin during treatment. This prospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy and complications of using a LPDL delivered with compression for the treatment of facial lentigines in Asian persons. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-four Asian patients with facial lentigines were enrolled in this study. The laser settings included fluences between 9 and 13 J/cm(2) and a constant pulse duration of 1.5 ms. Cryogen spray cooling was not used. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients showed excellent results, 14 patients showed good results, and 2 patients showed fair results. Hyperpigmentation was seen in 1 patient. CONCLUSION LPDL delivered with the compression method is effective in the treatment of facial lentigines in Asian patients, and the side effect profile is minimal. The compression technique allows the traditional "vascular" LPDL to be used for treating a variety of pigmented lesions.