Treatment of melasma with the 1, 927‐nm fractional thulium fiber laser: A retrospective analysis of 20 cases with long‐term follow‐up12. Issue 2 (19th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Niwa Massaki, Ane Beatriz M.; Eimpunth, Sasima; Fabi, Sabrina G.; Guiha, Isabella; Groff, William; Fitzpatrick, Richard; Weiss, Robert A.; Geronemus, Roy G.
• Is Part Of: Lasers in surgery and medicine. Volume 45:Issue 2(2013)
• Page Start: 95
• Page End: 101
• Publication Date: 2012-12-19
• Subjects: Lasers in medicine -- Periodicals; Lasers in surgery -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22100
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-8092

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="abs1-1" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Melasma is a common acquired symmetrical hyperpigmentation that is often recurrent and refractory.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs1-2" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>To investigate the efficacy and safety of a single administration of high‐density fractional thulium fiber laser (1, 927 nm) for the treatment of refractory melasma in 20 patients.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs1-3" sec-type="section"> <title>Materials and Methods</title> <p>A retrospective chart and photographs review of 20 women (Fitzpatrick skin type II–IV) with clinical diagnosis of melasma treated with the 1, 927‐nm fractionated thulium laser at 10 or 20 mJ/cm<sup>2</sup>, with 60–70% surface area coverage. Four investigators independently evaluated Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) scores before, 4 weeks, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months after treatment.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs1-4" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Mean MASI scores decreased dramatically from 13.2 ± 5.4 before treatment to 8.5 ± 3.5 at 4 weeks after laser treatment (<italic>P</italic> = 0.004). Patient assessment revealed that 12 of the 20 subjects had more than 50% clearance of their melasma. Recurrence was reported by 7 out of 15 patients who were successfully followed‐up (mean 10.2 months). Two patients developed postinflammatory hyperpigmentation that subsided with topical bleaching after 3 months.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs1-5" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>High‐density coverage fractional 1, 927‐nm thulium laser proved to be safe and effective for melasma with long‐term remission. Lasers Surg. Med. 45: 95–101, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </sec> </abstract>