title: Successful treatment of malar dermal melasma with a fractional ablative CO₂ laser in a patient with type V skin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Melasma is a common disorder of hypermelanosis, and although numerous treatment modalities have been employed, many cases are refractory to treatment or the improvement after therapy is temporary.
  
  
  METHODS
  The clinical files, treatment parameters, and photographs of a 59-year-old female with black skin with refractory malar dermal melasma treated using a fractionally ablative CO₂ laser (Affirm 10,600 nm) for seven sessions were carefully reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After treatment, clinical improvement was achieved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The fractional ablative CO₂ laser is a potentially safe and effective modality for the treatment of dermal melasma in Fitzpatrick type V skin.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA.
authors.forename: Monica R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Neeley
authors.forename: Frank B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Pearce
authors.forename: Sherry S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Collawn
mesh_terms: D044383:Black People; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008548:Melanosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged