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Carbon dioxide ablative laser treatment of acquired junctional melanocytic nevi
1Private Office, Ankara, Turkey.
Background:
Junctional melanocytic nevi are common. Furthermore, surgical treatment of these nevi can be challenging due to scar formation.
Aims:
The study aims to detect the efficacy and safety of the CO2 fractional laser for treating acquired junctional melanocytic nevi and usefulness of dermatoscopy for the monitoring of the nevus.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review of 618 patients with 1545 facial junctional melanocytic nevi. CO2 fractional laser was applied to 2-month intervals until complete clearance was reached. The effect of the therapy was monitored by clinical and dermatoscopy. The Global Assessment Scale (GAS) scores were used to assess the results.
Results:
1320 nevi (85%) were treated in just one session. In addition, 120 (8%) and 75 (5%) required second and third sessions, respectively. Only thirty nevi (2%) need more than three sessions. Consequently, at the end of one-year follow-up, patients' (97%) and physicians' (95%) GAS scores were rated as excellent and good, respectively. Moreover, hyper/hypopigmentation, fibrosis, dimples, erythema, and scars were observed as side effects at the 1-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
CO2 laser is effective in completely removing small acquired junctional melanocytic nevus. Furthermore, dermatoscopy appears to be helpful for monitorization of the nevi in the follow-up period.
Insights
Fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment effectively removes acquired junctional melanocytic nevi. Dermatoscopy aids in monitoring treatment progress and outcomes for these common skin lesions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Laser Therapy
- Aesthetic Medicine
Background:
- Junctional melanocytic nevi are common skin growths.
- Surgical removal of nevi can lead to challenging scar formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for treating acquired junctional melanocytic nevi.
- To assess the utility of dermatoscopy in monitoring nevus treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 618 patients with 1545 facial nevi.
- Fractional CO2 laser treatment applied at 2-month intervals.
- Monitoring via clinical evaluation, dermatoscopy, and Global Assessment Scale (GAS) scores.
Main Results:
- 85% of nevi cleared in one session; 15% required 2-3 sessions.
- Excellent/good outcomes reported by 97% of patients and 95% of physicians at 1-year follow-up.
- Observed side effects included hyper/hypopigmentation, erythema, and minor scarring.
Conclusions:
- Fractional CO2 laser is an effective treatment for complete removal of small acquired junctional melanocytic nevi.
- Dermatoscopy is a valuable tool for monitoring nevi during the follow-up period.
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