Micro‐needling versus fractional carbon dioxide laser for delivery of tranexamic acid in the treatment of melasma: A split‐face study. (20th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mekawy, Khaled M. M.; Sadek, Ahmed; Seddeik Abdel‐Hameed, Ahmad K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cosmetic dermatology. Volume 20:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 460
• Page End: 465
• Publication Date: 2020-06-20
• Subjects: fractional CO2 laser -- melasma -- micro‐needling -- tranexamic acid; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Lasers in surgery -- Periodicals; Skin -- Pathophysiology -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13537
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-2130

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) in oral, topical, and intra‐dermal injection routes showed efficacy in melasma treatment. Micro‐needling and fractional carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser were reported to enhance the drug delivery of TXA. Aims: This study aimed at comparing the use of micro‐needling and fractional CO2 laser for drug delivery of TXA in the treatment of facial melasma. Patients/Methods: Thirty female patients with bilateral symmetrical facial melasma were subjected to micro‐needling, for one side of the face, and fractional CO2 laser, for the other, followed by an immediate topical application of TXA solution 4 mg/mL. Patients received six biweekly sessions. Results: Two weeks after the last session, a significant reduction in baseline modified melasma area and severity index (mMASI) score was observed on both sides. The mean ± SD baseline mMASI dropped from 3.43 ± 1.84 to 1.59 ± 1.51 (mean reduction 57.73%, P < .001) and from 3.51 ± 1.84 to 1.78 ± 1.51 (mean reduction 55.82%, P < .001) in the micro‐needling–treated side and in the fractional CO2 laser–treated side, respectively. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two sides ( P = .81). Conclusions: Micro‐needling and fractional CO2 laser are equally safe and effective for the delivery of TXA in the treatment of facial melasma.