Treatment of small nevomelanocytic nevi with a Q-switched ruby laser.

BACKGROUND: Small nevomelanocytic nevi are common and some are of cosmetic concern. Conventional therapy may cause a scar or permanent hypopigmentation.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether selective photothermolysis of pigmented cells by Q-switched ruby laser treatment removes small nevomelanocytic nevi in a nonscarring fashion.

METHODS: Twelve patients with 18 small nevomelanocytic nevi were treated with a Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm, 28 nsec) at fluences of 8 J/cm2. Biopsy specimens were obtained after treatment at varying time intervals.

RESULTS: Twelve lesions (67%) showed a complete response and six lesions (33%) had a partial response. The only adverse sequela observed was mild fibrosis of the papillary dermis, without loss of papillary architecture.

CONCLUSION: The Q-switched ruby laser is effective in removing small melanocytic nevi. However, some might recur depending on the depth of the nevomelanocytic nests.