Joel Cohen, MD

Dermatologist

Denver, Colorado

Treatment

Solar lentigo is primarily caused by chronic and cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which stimulates localized melanin production. Clinically, it is characterized by well-defined hyperpigmented macules, ranging from light to dark brown, and is more common in adults over 40 years of age, especially in individuals with fair skin and a history of frequent sun exposure.

It is a highly prevalent benign condition and is considered one of the main signs of photoaging. The primary treatments include laser technologies and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which promote selective pigment fragmentation. Chemical peels and topical depigmenting agents may also be used to help even out skin tone.

The 532 nm picosecond laser acts through selective photothermolysis with a predominance of the photoacoustic effect, being highly absorbed by the melanin present in the lentigo. The ultrashort pulses promote precise fragmentation of melanin granules into smaller particles, with minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissues. These fragments are progressively eliminated through physiological mechanisms, resulting in effective lesion clearance.

The handPICO® picosecond handpiece is compatible with the ETHEREA-MX® and ZYE® platforms. The 532 nm KTP picosecond laser enables precise and selective energy delivery, optimizing pigment fragmentation and promoting progressive and safe lentigo clearance. In the present case, only a single treatment session was required to achieve complete resolution.

Result