title: A Retrospective Analysis of the Treatment of Melasma Using a Fractional Long-Pulsed Alexandrite Laser in Korean Patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Long-pulsed, 755-nm, alexandrite lasers have been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of pigmentary lesions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Clinical outcomes and side effects in the treatment of melasma using a fractional, long-pulsed, alexandrite laser were assessed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-eight patients with melasma received 2 to 4 treatment sessions of fractional, long-pulsed, alexandrite laser at 2 to 3 weeks intervals. The parameter of treatment was 60 to 80 J/cm without dynamic cooling device using 15-mm spot size of fractional hand piece, with a 0.5- to 1-millisecond pulse width.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean modified melasma area and severity index score decreased significantly 2 months after the final treatment compared with baseline (16.5 ± 8.2 vs 11.5 ± 7.0; p = .002). The patients with epidermal type melasma were more effective compared to dermal type (p < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Long-pulsed alexandrite lasers using a fractional hand piece are moderately effective in the treatment of melasma with low risk of adverse effects, and it is suggested that fractional, long-pulsed, alexandrite laser with combination of other modalities can be an additional therapeutic option in patients with melasma.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea; †Hayannara Min Dermatology Clinic, Cheongju, Korea.
authors.forename: Min Kyung
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Kyung Sik
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Min
authors.forename: Eun Joo
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Kwang Ho
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Kwang Joong
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020405:Dermis; D004817:Epidermis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008548:Melanosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index