AT A GLANCE

A randomized trial compared three laser types for freckles and solar lentigines. Patients received treatment with 730-nm and 532-nm picosecond lasers and a 694-nm Q-switched nanosecond laser across different facial areas. While all modalities improved pigmentation, the 730-nm laser resulted in the least pain, fastest recovery, and minimal tissue damage, making it a strong candidate for clinical use.

In a randomized clinical trial, researchers evaluated the effectiveness and safety of three laser modalities—the 730-nm picosecond laser, 532-nm picosecond laser, and Q-switched 694-nm nanosecond laser—in treating freckles and solar lentigines. Using a split-face study design involving 42 patients, each participant received all three treatments on distinct facial zones, with evaluations extending up to six months.

While all modalities achieved significant lesion clearance and improved pigmentation metrics, differences emerged in side effect profiles and recovery. The 730-nm picosecond laser consistently caused less pain, shorter downtime, and milder histological damage compared to its counterparts. Notably, the 694-nm laser induced the most extensive basal cell degeneration. 

"All three lasers were effective, but the 730-nm picosecond laser demonstrated the most favorable safety profile, making it a potentially preferable option for pigmentary skin conditions," concluded the authors.

Reference: Liu L, Che Q, Zhou Z, et al. 730-nm, 532-nm and 694-nm laser in the treatment of freckles and solar lentigines (A randomized clinical trial). Lasers Med Sci. 2025;40(1):309. Published 2025 Jul 5. doi:10.1007/s10103-025-04562-0