GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Pigment · Solar lentigo / sunspot

Picosecond laser pigment evidence for Solar lentigo / sunspot

B 63.1 / 100 Supported 6 RCT/meta · 3 clinical/observational · 9 case · 23 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2020 Last 5 years 44% Positive results 83% Korea/Asia 9

Known in Korea as

피코슈어피코웨이피코토닝피코플러스피코슈어 프로피코 색소레이저

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 730-nm, 532-nm and 694-nm laser in the treatment of freckles and solar lentigines (A randomized clinical trial). Lasers in medical science · 2025 · PMID 40616673

Abstract summary (English) OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of the 730-nm picosecond laser, the 532-nm picosecond laser, and the Q-switched 694-nm nanosecond laser in treating freckles and solar lentigines. METHODS: The randomized clinical trial included 42 participants who met the specific eligibility criteria for freckles and solar lentigines. On each participant's face, three distinct skin areas affected by...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Treatment of Solar Lentigines: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025 · PMID 40145274

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Solar lentigines, resulting from chronic UV exposure, are early signs of photoaging and can significantly affect individuals. AIMS: This systematic review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of treatments for solar lentigines in light of a lack of conclusive evidence regarding optimal therapy options. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and...

Systematic Review, Journal Article

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tier1 Exploring Fractional Pigment Toning: A Novel Approach for Treating Benign Pigmented Lesions in Asian Patients With Fitzpatrick Skin Types III-V. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2024 · PMID 39075754

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Laser therapy has emerged as a widely favored treatment option for solar lentigines (SL). However, a significant challenge associated with this treatment, particularly among individuals with darker skin tones, is the notable risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) induction. In response to these concerns, the authors conducted a prospective, self-controlled study to comprehensively...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Randomized, evaluator-blinded comparative study of a potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) 532-nm picosecond laser and an alexandrite 755-nm picosecond laser for the treatment of solar lentigines in Asians. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2022 · PMID 35129875

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Various pigment-specific lasers can be used to treat solar lentigines. However, the most effective treatment options remain to be explored to reduce complications, such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in dark-skinned patients. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety between the KTP 532-nm picosecond laser and the alexandrite 755-nm picosecond laser for the...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 A Prospective, Split-Face, Randomized Study Comparing Picosecond to Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser for Treatment of Epidermal and Dermal Pigmented Lesions in Asians. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2020 · PMID 32604235

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Whether picosecond lasers outperform Q-switched lasers in treating pigmented lesions has not been clearly evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of picosecond and Q-switched lasers in treating epidermal and dermal pigmented lesions in Asians. METHODS: Eight subjects with lentigines and 6 subjects with acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules were enrolled.

Clinical Trial, Phase IV, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Q-switched double frequency Nd:YAG 532-nm nanosecond laser vs. double frequency Nd:YAG 532-nm picosecond laser for the treatment of solar lentigines in Asians. Lasers in medical science · 2018 · PMID 29948457

Abstract summary (English) Solar lentigines are common pigmentary lesions. Q-switched lasers are effective treatment options but postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is common in darker skin. The objective of the study is to compare the efficacy and safety in solar lentigines of Asian skin treated by Q-switched potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) 532-nm nanosecond laser vs.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier2 Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the dual wavelength picosecond laser for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions in Asians. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2018 · PMID 30357871

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cutaneous pigmentary disorders are both more common and more difficult to treat in patients with skin color given the higher melanin content in the epidermis. Although Q-switched lasers are widely considered to be the standard treatment for both epidermal and dermal pigmentary conditions, a very high risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) of up to 25% is seen in patients with...

Clinical Study, Journal Article

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tier2 Prospective study of removing solar lentigines in Asians using a novel dual-wavelength and dual-pulse width picosecond laser. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2018 · PMID 29608215

Abstract summary (English) OBJECTIVES: Quality-switched (QS) lasers are known to be an effective treatment for removing solar lentigines, however, high incidence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a concern in darker skin types. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a dual-wavelength and dual-pulse width picosecond Nd:YAG laser for removing solar lentigines in Asians. METHODS: This was a...

Clinical Trial, Journal Article

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tier2 Treatment of pigmentary disorders in patients with skin of color with a novel 755 nm picosecond, Q-switched ruby, and Q-switched Nd:YAG nanosecond lasers: A retrospective photographic review. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2016 · PMID 26922302

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laser procedures in skin of color (SOC) patients are challenging due to the increased risk of dyspigmentation and scarring. A novel 755 nm alexandrite picosecond laser has demonstrated effectiveness for tattoo removal and treatment of acne scars. No studies to date have evaluated its applications in pigmentary disorders.

Comparative Study, Journal Article

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tier3 Laser-Based Management of Occupational Photodamage in a Young Adult: A Case Report. Cureus · 2026 · PMID 41869255

Abstract summary (English) Cutaneous photodamage results from chronic ultraviolet exposure and represents a frequent concern in dermatologic practice. Laser-based therapies play a central role in its management, particularly when combined in a multimodal, individualized approach. We report the case of a 32-year-old woman with occupational sun exposure treated with a staged laser protocol incorporating a picosecond 1064 nm laser for global...

Case Reports, Journal Article

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