Low-dose 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of melasma.
BACKGROUND
Melasma is a common acquired pigmentary disorder which is sometimes hard to treat with conventional methods. Various kinds of modalities have been applied for the treatment of melasma but none shows constantly good results.


OBJECTIVE
In this study, we would like to know the effect of low-dose 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNYL) on melasma and want to evaluate the changes of skin after laser treatment.


METHODS
Twenty melasma patients were enrolled. Two regions were evaluated from each patient; a total of 40 sites. The 1064-nm QSNYL at fluences of 2.0-3.5 J/cm(2) was used to treat the whole face, including the melasma lesions. The fluence was adjusted individually and increased until erythema was developed on the laser-treated area. The treatment was performed five times with a 1-week interval. Non-invasive measuring methods, including a chromatometer, mexameter, cutometer, visioscan and a corneometer, were used before and after treatment.


RESULTS
The L-value from the chromatometer, which reflects the lightness of skin, was increased (0.86 +/- 1.67, p < 0.05). The melanin index from the mexameter was significantly decreased (-28.23 +/- 28.21, p < 0.001). The SEw value from the visioscan, which reflects the degree of wrinkling, decreased (-5.80 +/- 0.59, p = 0.040). None of the other measurement parameters showed significant changes.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-dose 1064-nm QSNYL appears to be an effective treatment modality for melasma.
Choi
Mira
M
Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
Choi
Jee-Woong
JW
Lee
Sun-Young
SY
Choi
Sun-Young
SY
Park
Hye-Jin
HJ
Park
Kyoung-Chan
KC
Youn
Sang-Woong
SW
Huh
Chang-Hun
CH
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004954:Esthetics; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008548:Melanosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011336:Probability; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult