Treatment of melasma in Asian skin using a fractional 1,550-nm laser: an open clinical study.
BACKGROUND
Melasma is a common hyperpigmentation disorder that can cause refractory cosmetic disfigurement, especially in Asians. Fractional photothermolysis (FP) has been reported to be effective for the treatment of melasma, despite small study populations and short follow-up periods.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of FP for the treatment of melasma in Asians.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients with melasma received four monthly FP sessions and were followed up to 24 weeks after treatment completion. Efficacy was evaluated using objective and subjective ratings, Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), melanin index tracking, and skin elasticity measurements.


RESULTS
Investigators observed clinical improvements in 60% and patients in 44% at 4 weeks after treatment, but the figures decreased to 52% and 35%, respectively, at 24 weeks after treatment. Mean MASI scores decreased significantly from 7.6 to 6.2. Mean melanin index decreased significantly after the first two sessions, but it relapsed slightly in subsequent follow-ups. The treatment did not alter skin elasticity. Hyperpigmentation was observed in three of 23 subjects (13%).


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of melasma with FP led to some clinical improvements, but it was not as efficacious as previously reported at 6-month follow-up. We recommend judicious use of FP for the treatment of melasma in Asian skin because of its limited efficacy.
Lee
Hyoun Seung
HS
Gowoonsesang Dermatology Clinic, Seoul, Korea.
Won
Chong Hyun
CH
Lee
Dong Hun
DH
An
Jee Soo
JS
Chang
Hang Wook
HW
Lee
Jong Hee
JH
Kim
Kyu Han
KH
Cho
Soyun
S
Chung
Jin Ho
JH
D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008548:Melanosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged