Successful treatment of mucosal melanosis of the lip with normal pulsed ruby laser

Melanosis of the lip is not rare in Orientals. Although it causes cosmetic problems, treatment of this pigmentary disorder is often neglected because a satisfactory tool for complete removal of mucosal melanosis has not yet been developed. The pulsed ruby laser, which has a wavelength of 694 nm and a short pulse duration of 1-2 msec, selectively damages pigmented cells in the skin. In this study, six Japanese patients with labial melanosis, manifested as labial lentigo and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, were successfully treated with the pulsed ruby laser. The therapy achieved rapid results without producing changes in mucosal texture or recurrence after operation.