Low‐fluence Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of melasma in Asian patients. (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Choi, Jae Eun; Lee, Dong Won; Seo, Soo Hong; Ahn, Hyo Hyun; Kye, Young Chul
• Is Part Of: Journal of cosmetic dermatology. Volume 17:Number 6(2018:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1053
• Page End: 1058
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Lasers in surgery -- Periodicals; Skin -- Pathophysiology -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12760
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-2130

Abstract

Summary: Background: Melasma is a common acquired facial pigmentary disorder that is resistant to various modalities of treatment. Recently, the low‐fluence 1064‐nm Q‐switched neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (QSNY) has emerged as the new gold standard of melasma treatment in Asia. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low‐fluence 1064‐nm QSNY in Asian patients with melasma. Methods: Data of patients with melasma treated with low‐fluence QSNY in the department of dermatology at the Korea University Anam Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. A 1064‐nm QSNY with 8 mm spot size and fluence of 1.2‐2.0 J/cm 2 at 10 Hz was used. The results were evaluated using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score and the physician's global assessment (PGA). Results: A total of 40 Korean patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III to IV were included. Patients were treated for a median of 10 sessions at a median of 1‐week intervals. The mean mMASI score decreased by 54.23% from a baseline of 3.19 ± 2.64 to 1.46 ± 1.06 after treatment. On PGA, 1 out of 40 patients (2.5%) showed excellent improvement, 14 (35%) good, 15 (37.5%) fair, 6 (15%) poor, and 4 (10%) no improvement. However, two patients showed mottled hypopigmentation and rebound hyperpigmentation. Conclusion: Low‐fluence 1064‐nm QSNY appears to be a safe and effective treatment for Asian patients with melasma.