Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser in the treatment of solar lentigines. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients treated with the only Er:YAG laser. In this study, 14 patients with multiple solar lentigines before treatment were included. Treatment parameters and all side effects were recorded. One independent, blinded dermatologist evaluated the clinical improvement and the patients also scored their satisfaction degree with the treatment. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 41.07±7.16 years. The number of mean treatment session for each patient was 1.79±1.05. At the final visit, excellent improvement (76-100% clearance) was reached in eight (57.1%) patients, while good improvement (51-75% clearance) was achieved in five (35.7%) patients. Ten patients (71.4%) were very satisfied and four (28.5%) patients were satisfied with the results of the treatment. No side effects occurred. CONCLUSION: Er:YAG laser treatment may be an effective and safe optional modality for solar lentigines.