ABSTRACT
References 293
1. Q-SWITCHED ALEXANDRITE LASERS
The Q-switched alexandrite laser has been used extensively in cutaneous surgery for the
treatment of a variety of cutaneous pigmented lesions (1-9). A stimulated or “excited”
alexandrite crystal produces photons of 755 nm wavelength light which is classified as
red or near-infrared electromagnetic radiation and utilizes pulse durations from 50 to
100 ns (5). Dermatologic and aesthetic surgeons often refer to this laser as a “pigment-
specific laser” due to its ability to treat both endogenous and exogenous skin pigments.
Lentigos, common and congenital nevi, melasma, ephilides, Becker’s nevi, Nevus of
Ota, nevus spilus, and infraorbital-hyperpigmentation all have been successfully treated
with the alexandrite laser (1-8). Exogenous pigments such as blue, black, and green
tattoos, as well as graphite, traumatic, and foreign-body tattoos also have been reported
to respond well to the alexandrite’s 755 nm pigment-specific wavelength (1-9).
