Outcomes of 52 patients with congenital melanocytic naevi treated with UltraPulse Carbon Dioxide and Frequency Doubled Q-Switched Nd-Yag laser.

BACKGROUND: A variety of treatment options exist for the management of congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN). Surgical treatment has been the traditional approach. Recently, lasers have been introduced to treat CMN. This study assesses the effectiveness of UltraPulse Carbon Dioxide (UCO2) and Frequency Doubled Q-Switched (FDQS) Nd-Yag laser up to a 15 year period which is the longest follow-up period of any study, as far as we are aware.

MATERIALS & METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 52 patients with 314 CMN, treated with UCO2 laser and FDQS Nd-Yag laser. The reduction in visible pigmentation, signs of recurrence and any adverse skin changes were evaluated clinically by two clinicians independent to the laser operator.

RESULTS: There was minimal visible pigmentation after completion of treatment in 40 patients. Treatment failure occurred in 5 patients, recurrence in 5 and partial success in 2. 5 patients developed hypertrophic scarring, 1 developed hyperpigmentation and 1 patient developed an intracranial melanoma. 87% of patients were satisfied with their treatment and in hindsight would not have chosen surgery. Mean follow-up period was 8 years (interquartile range 3-11 years).

CONCLUSION: UCO2 and FDQS Nd-Yag lasers are clinically useful treatment options for patients with CMN and have minimal complications. This combined laser regime is particularly effective for the treatment of CMN in cosmetically sensitive and anatomically critical areas, especially when surgical excision may not be straight forward and/or leave unacceptable scars.