Successful Treatment of Mucosal Melanosis of the Lip with Q-switched Alexandrite Laser

Hur, Jun; Lee, Ki Wook; Suh, Kee Suck; Kim, Sang Tae

Abstract

Mucosal melanosis such as labial and vulvar pigmented macules is common as well as cosmetically disfiguring benign pigmented lesions. Until the recent development of laser treatments, it was impossible to remove a mucosal melanosis without leaving a scar. The Q-switched Alexandrite laser, which has a wavelength of 755 nm and a short pulse duration of 100 nanoseconds, has been used for the treatment of dermal pigmentary disorders such as Nevus of Ota and tattoos. We treated two patients with labial melanosis by the Q-switched Alexandrite laser using a 2,4 mm spot size and energy fluences of 4.5 to 7 J/cm2. Their mucosal pigmentations were completely cleared without adverse sequelae or recurrence after one session of the treatment. We report that Q-switched Alexandrite laser might be a highly effective and safe modality for the treatment of mucosal melanosis and suggest it as the treatment of choice.