Comparison of the frequency-doubled Q-Switched Nd : YAG laser and 35% trichloroacetic acid for the treatment of face lentigines

BACKGROUND. Face lentigines are one of the manifestations of photodamaged s kin and often put people in socially embarrassing situations. Several laser s have been used to remove lentigines at vast expense. However, trichloroac etic acid (TCA) is an alternative for treating lentigines that costs much l ess. OBJECTIVE. To compare the efficacy of the frequency-doubled Q-Switched Nd:Y AG laser (532 nm) and 35% TCA for the treatment of face lentigines. METHODS. Twenty patients (Fitzpatrick skin Types III-IV) with a total of 37 lentigines on faces were randomly collected; each lentigo was divided into medial and lateral halves. Frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 nm) and 35% TCA were applied to the medial and lateral halves of each lenti go respectively. The efficacy after 1 treatment was compared after 6 months . RESULTS. The frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 nm) had a bette r result than that of 35% TCA for the treatment of facial lentigines. CONCLUSION. In order to get a better result after one treatment, the author s suggest the frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 nm) rather tha n 35% TCA for treating lentigines even though the cost of frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 nm) is greater than that of 35% TCA for both physician and patient.