Abstract

Pigment lasers have been used in melasma with unsatisfactory results. To determine the effectiveness and safety of 1,064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (QS-Nd:YAG) laser treatment of melasma in Asians. Split-face randomized study comparing combination QS-Nd:YAG laser and 2% hydroquinone with topical treatment in dermal or mixed-type melasma. Twenty-two patients were treated with 1,064-nm QS-Nd:YAG laser, 6-mm spot size, 3.0- to 3.8-J/cm(2) fluence for five sessions at 1-week intervals. Pigmentation was objectively recorded using a colorimeter (lightness index score), and subjective assessments were evaluated using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score. After five laser treatments, statistically significant improvement of melasma from baseline was observed in colorimeter (p<.001) and mMASI score (p<.001) on the laser side. The laser side achieved an average 92.5% improvement in relative lightness index and 75.9% improvement in mMASI, compared with 19.7% and 24%, respectively, on the control side (p<.001). Mottled hypopigmentation developed in three patients. During follow-up, four of 22 patients developed rebound hyperpigmentation, and all patients had recurrence of melasma. QS-Nd:YAG laser treatment for melasma in Asians produced only temporary improvement and had side effects. Common complications were hypopigmentation, melasma recurrence, and rebound hyperpigmentation.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.