Efficacy of Q-switch 1064 nm laser combined with microneedle technology for treatment of melasma

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Q-switch 1064 nm wavelength laser combining with microneedle technology for the treatment of melasma. Methods 70 melasma patients were selected in the Out- patient Department of Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command from July 2012 to Sept. 2013. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: the combining therapy group (patients in this group received Q-switch 1064 nm wavelength laser combining with microneedles technology, the treatment interval was 2 or 3 weeks, and the whole course was 2-6 months); the microneedle group and the Q-switch 1064 nm wavelength laser group. The effect and the adverse reaction were observed and recorded during the treatment, and the reduced area of the pigment patch was also measured to judge the total efficacy after the course. Results The total effective rate was 78.6% (22/28) in the combining therapy group and 40.0% (8/20) in the microneedle group, 45.5% (10/22) in the Q-switch 1064 nm wavelength laser group. There were statistically significant differences between the combining therapy group and the other groups (P1<0.05, P2<0.05), without obvious adverse reaction. Conclusions It is significantly better to use American Medlite C6 Q-switch 1064 nm wavelength laser combining with microneedles technology than that of the single use of Q-switch 1064 nm wavelength laser or microneedles in the treatment for the patients with melasma. The method is also simple to handle and suitable for clinical application. Key words: Melasma; Q-switch laser; Microneedle