Pyogenic Granuloma: Treatment with the 1,064-nm Long-Pulsed Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser in 20 Patients

BACKGROUND: There are various therapeutic options for the treatment of pyogenic granuloma (PyG), but the results are frequently unsatisfactory, especially at difficult sites and with extensive lesions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success of treatment of PyG using the 1,064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and to compare it with state-of-the-art treatment methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with PyG were treated using the long-pulsed 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser with fluences of 60 to 180 J/cm(2) , a spot size of 7 mm, and a pulse duration of 40 ms. One to four treatment sessions were necessary for complete removal. RESULTS: Recurrence-free healing occurred in 19 of 20 patients (follow-up ≥ 6 months, maximum 22 months). Because of heavy bleeding, one nonresponder was successfully treated using a carbon dioxide laser. The cosmetic results were good; textural changes of the skin were slight, if present at all. CONCLUSION: When used with the right strategy and patient cohort, the long-pulse 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser is an effective, low-risk, minimally invasive method of treating PyG. This type of laser is a good therapeutic option that achieves good cosmetic results, particularly in PyG with a large diameter that are not suitable for treatment using the pulsed dye laser.