Ruben Del Rio Gil: Laser Treatment Of Pigmentations Using StarWalker
Cutaneous and mucosal Pigmented lesions require a correct diagnosis before deciding on the best treatment. We recommend dermatoscopy (melanocytic patterns) and a biopsy if necessary. Laser should only be employed for benign pigmented lesions.
Melanosomes (melanin particles) are the target chromophores. They are located in the melanocytes, keratinocytes and melanophages. Melanocytic hyperplasia represents the increase of melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanocytic neoplasia (nevus) shows the presence of melanocytic cells in the epidermal nest, within the dermis or in other tissues.
The absorption spectrum of melanin is broad, between 200 and 1200 nm. Short wavelengths (532 nm) are more selective, but they are superficial such that they are useful for superficial lesions. Long wavelengths (1064 nm) penetrate more deeply but are less selective. Therefore, they require more fluence and larger spots.
We present our results with the Fotona StarWalker Q-switched laser in the treatment of pigmented lesions. We emphasize the new protocols we have designed for some indications in this field and the possibilities of the StarWalker. We also describe treatments with the new fractional Q-Sw handpiece.
