Efficacy of 532-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Lip Melanosis

INTRODUCTION: Lip pigmentation is frequently encountered in the Dermatology outpatient department. No effective treatment is available so far. Topical treatment requires longer time and is often unsatisfactory. AIM: The aim of this work was to study the efficacy of 532-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of lip melanosis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a prospective interventional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients in the age group 27–53 years were included in the study. Eight patients had diffuse pigmentation and twelve patients had focal pigmentation. Test spot was done. After topical anesthesia, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was used. Treatment interval was 4 weeks. Follow-up was done at 1 week and then monthly. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Wilcoxon signed ranks test and P value. RESULTS: Seven patients (35%) showed an excellent response with more than 75% of pigment clearance. Seven patients (35%) showed a good response, two patients (10%) moderate response, and two patients (10%) had a mild response. Two patients had recurrence after 3 months follow-up. The average number of sessions required for clearance of pigmentation was 2.5. No scarring was seen. CONCLUSION: 532-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective in the management of lip pigmentation and gives rapid results.