The Efficacy of a Q-Switched 694-nm Ruby Fractional Laser for Treating Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-Like Macules

Background Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM) are a common form of hyperpigmentation in Asian populations, characterized by brownish-blue or slate-gray pigmentation in the bilateral malar regions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of a Q-switched (QS) fractional ruby laser in the treatment of ABNOM. Methods Forty-four patients with ABNOM treated with a QS fractional ruby laser from January 2014 to February 2016 were enrolled in this study. Patients received up to 10 treatment sessions, at intervals ranging from 3 to 4 weeks. An automatic skin diagnosis system was used before and after laser treatment to evaluate the efficacy of the laser treatment. To evaluate the complications of the laser treatment, a retrospective chart review was conducted. Results Forty-one patients were female, and 3 were male. The mean age of the patients was 47.2 years, and the mean follow-up period was 14 months. The median skin pigmentation score was 5 (interquartile range [IQR], 5-6) before laser treatment and 3 (IQR, 3-4) after laser treatment. A statistically significant difference (P<0.01) was found in the skin pigmentation score before and after laser treatment. Conclusions This study suggests that, although multiple sessions are required, QS ruby fractional lasers can be considered an effective and less invasive form of treatment of ABNOM.