Ruby Laser (ruby + laser)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Condition Known as "Dark Rings Under the Eyes" in the Japanese Population is a Kind of Dermal Melanocytosis Which can be Successfully Treatedby Q-Switched Ruby Laser

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 6 2006
SHINICHI WATANABE MD
BACKGROUND In general, dark rings under the eyes are believed to be a phenomenon caused mainly by physiological change because of their daily fluctuation. Medically speaking, the precise cause or pathogenesis of dark rings is unknown, and this condition has not been clearly defined. In our experience, the dark rings associated with conventional nevus of Ota can be successfully treated with Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL). OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to clarify the nature of dark rings under the eyes and to determine the efficacy of QSRL. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-four patients who received a biopsy for pigment macules of the face were retrieved, and of that number 12 patients with bilateral homogeneous pigment macule on suborbital regions were selected for study of the dark rings. Of those patients, the histology and the efficacy of QSRL were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS Histologically, all 12 patients indicated dermal melanocytosis, which was confirmed by the Masson-Fontana silver stain and staining against S100. In five patients who received QSRL therapy two times or more, the clinical improvement of two patients was scored as good (40,69%), and two other patients as excellent (>70% clearance). CONCLUSIONS We speculate that so-called dark rings under the eyes in the Japanese population is a kind of dermal melanocytosis which can be successfully treated by QSRL. [source]


Combined Therapy Using Q-Switched Ruby Laser and Bleaching Treatment With Tretinoin and Hydroquinone for Acquired Dermal Melanocytosis

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 10 2003
Akira Momosawa MD
Background and objective. Acquired dermal melanocytosis (ADM; acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules) is known for its recalcitrance compared with Nevus of Ota, and we assume that one of the reasons is a higher rate and degree of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) seen after laser treatments. Methods. Topical bleaching treatment with 0.1% tretinoin aqueous gel and 5% hydroquinone ointment containing 7% lactic acid was initially performed (4 to 6 weeks) to discharge epidermal melanin. Subsequently, Q-switched ruby (QSR) laser was irradiated to eliminate dermal pigmentation. Both steps were repeated two to three times until patient satisfaction was obtained (usually at a 2-month interval for laser sessions). This treatment was performed in 19 patients with ADM. Skin biopsy was performed in six cases at baseline, after the bleaching pretreatment, and at the end of treatment. Results. All patients showed good to excellent clearing after two to three sessions of QSR laser treatments. The total treatment period ranged from 3 to 13 (mean of 8.3) months. PIH was observed in 10.5% of the cases. Histologically, epidermal hyperpigmentation was observed in all specimens and was dramatically improved by the topical bleaching pretreatment. Conclusion. QSR laser combined with the topical bleaching pretreatment appeared to treat ADM consistently with a low occurrence rate of PIH and lessen the number of laser sessions and total treatment period and may also be applied to any other lesions with both epidermal and dermal pigmentation. [source]


Minocycline-Induced Hyperpigmentation of the Tongue: Successful Treatment with the Q-Switched Ruby Laser

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2002
Ilyse S. Friedman MD
background. Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation (MIH) is a benign condition that may persist for years despite abrogation of therapy. The Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) has been successful in removing such lesions from the skin. To date there is no documentation of QSRL or any laser being used to treat lingual hyperpigmentation associated with minocycline therapy. objective. Long-term follow-up results are reported for the use of QSRL to treat lingual hyperpigmentation. The literature is reviewed comparing the use of different laser systems on MIH. methods. A 26-year-old woman with pigment changes of the tongue and buccal mucosa due to long-term minocycline therapy was treated with four consecutive sessions with QSRL (694 nm, 20-nsec pulse duration, and 6.5 mm spot size) at 3.6,4.0 J/cm2. results. A 90% resolution was achieved after three treatments. After the final treatment the lesions were completely gone. There were no side effects reported. No new pigment was detected at follow-up. conclusion. Treatment with the QSRL is a safe and effective strategy for treating hyperpigmentation of the tongue associated with minocycline therapy. [source]


Depigmentation Therapy with Q-Switched Ruby Laser After Tanning in Vitiligo Universalis

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2001
Young-Jo Kim MD
Background. In vitiligo universalis, repigmentation therapy is seldom effective. Besides, bleaching cream which is often used in depigmentation therapy may lead to several serious complications. Objective. Q-switched (QS) ruby laser can destroy melanosomes in melanocytes and keratinocytes by selective photothermolysis. Methods. We have attempted to destroy melanocytes by using the QS ruby laser after tanning in a patient with extensive vitiligo. Results. The patient had excellent results with no evidence of repigmentation after 1 year. Conclusion. Depigmentation therapy with QS ruby laser after tanning is an effective and safe way of removing remnants of normal pigmentation in patients with vitiligo universalis. [source]


Condition Known as "Dark Rings Under the Eyes" in the Japanese Population is a Kind of Dermal Melanocytosis Which can be Successfully Treatedby Q-Switched Ruby Laser

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 6 2006
SHINICHI WATANABE MD
BACKGROUND In general, dark rings under the eyes are believed to be a phenomenon caused mainly by physiological change because of their daily fluctuation. Medically speaking, the precise cause or pathogenesis of dark rings is unknown, and this condition has not been clearly defined. In our experience, the dark rings associated with conventional nevus of Ota can be successfully treated with Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL). OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to clarify the nature of dark rings under the eyes and to determine the efficacy of QSRL. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-four patients who received a biopsy for pigment macules of the face were retrieved, and of that number 12 patients with bilateral homogeneous pigment macule on suborbital regions were selected for study of the dark rings. Of those patients, the histology and the efficacy of QSRL were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS Histologically, all 12 patients indicated dermal melanocytosis, which was confirmed by the Masson-Fontana silver stain and staining against S100. In five patients who received QSRL therapy two times or more, the clinical improvement of two patients was scored as good (40,69%), and two other patients as excellent (>70% clearance). CONCLUSIONS We speculate that so-called dark rings under the eyes in the Japanese population is a kind of dermal melanocytosis which can be successfully treated by QSRL. [source]


Depigmentation Therapy with Q-Switched Ruby Laser After Tanning in Vitiligo Universalis

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2001
Young-Jo Kim MD
Background. In vitiligo universalis, repigmentation therapy is seldom effective. Besides, bleaching cream which is often used in depigmentation therapy may lead to several serious complications. Objective. Q-switched (QS) ruby laser can destroy melanosomes in melanocytes and keratinocytes by selective photothermolysis. Methods. We have attempted to destroy melanocytes by using the QS ruby laser after tanning in a patient with extensive vitiligo. Results. The patient had excellent results with no evidence of repigmentation after 1 year. Conclusion. Depigmentation therapy with QS ruby laser after tanning is an effective and safe way of removing remnants of normal pigmentation in patients with vitiligo universalis. [source]


Q-Switched Ruby Laser Treatment for Postsclerotherapy Hyperpigmentation

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2000
Alireza Tafazzoli
Background. One of the most common adverse sequelae of sclerotherapy is cutaneous hyperpigmentation. Objective. We used the Q-switched ruby laser to treat postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation. Methods. Eight patients developed pigmentation lasting more than 1 year (1,2 years on average) after sclerotherapy treatment for reticular and telangiectatic veins in the legs ranging in size from 0.2 to 4 mm in diameter. All patients were treated with a Q-switched ruby laser at 694 nm, 4 mm beam size, and fluence range of 5.6,10.5 J/cm2. Results. Ninety-two percent of lesions lightened after treatment. There was significant (75,100%) resolution of hyperpigmentation in 58% of treated areas, 25% improvement in 33% of treated areas, and no improvement in the remaining areas. Conclusion. Our impression is that given a choice of lasers, the Q-switched ruby laser provides the greatest efficacy for treating postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation. [source]


Photomechanical transdermal delivery of insulin in vivo

LASERS IN SURGERY AND MEDICINE, Issue 3 2001
Shun Lee PhD
Abstract Background and Objective Previous studies have shown that photomechanical waves transiently permeabilize the stratum corneum in vivo. The aim of the present work was to investigate the potential of photomechanical waves for systemic drug delivery. Study Design/Materials and Methods Photomechanical waves were generated by ablation of a polystyrene target by a Q-switched ruby laser. Systemic insulin delivery in a streptozotocin-diabetic rat model was monitored by measuring the blood glucose level. Results After photomechanical insulin delivery, the blood glucose decreased 80 ,±, 3% and remained below 200 mg/dl for more than 3 hours. Whereas in control experiments (for which insulin was applied without photomechanical waves), there was no dramatic change in the blood glucose (standard deviation of measurements over 4 hours was 7%). Conclusion The application of the photomechanical waves allowed ,6-kDa protein molecules (insulin) to pass through the stratum corneum and into the systemic circulation. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:282,285, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]