Carbon dioxide ablative laser treatment of acquired junctional melanocytic nevi

Background: Junctional melanocytic nevi are common. Furthermore, surgical treatment of these nevi can be challenging due to scar formation.

Aims: The study aims to detect the efficacy and safety of the CO₂ fractional laser for treating acquired junctional melanocytic nevi and usefulness of dermatoscopy for the monitoring of the nevus.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 618 patients with 1545 facial junctional melanocytic nevi. CO₂ fractional laser was applied to 2-month intervals until complete clearance was reached. The effect of the therapy was monitored by clinical and dermatoscopy. The Global Assessment Scale (GAS) scores were used to assess the results.

Results: 1320 nevi (85%) were treated in just one session. In addition, 120 (8%) and 75 (5%) required second and third sessions, respectively. Only thirty nevi (2%) need more than three sessions. Consequently, at the end of one-year follow-up, patients' (97%) and physicians' (95%) GAS scores were rated as excellent and good, respectively. Moreover, hyper/hypopigmentation, fibrosis, dimples, erythema, and scars were observed as side effects at the 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions: CO₂ laser is effective in completely removing small acquired junctional melanocytic nevus. Furthermore, dermatoscopy appears to be helpful for monitorization of the nevi in the follow-up period.