Efficacy of 694-nm Q-switched ruby fractional laser treatment of melasma in female Korean patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Melasma is a common acquired symmetrical hypermelanosis of sun-exposed areas of the skin. Although the classical Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) has been used successfully for the removal of tattoos and for the treatment of cutaneous pigmented lesions, its efficacy for melasma remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE:

We used repeat low-dose fractional QSRL treatment for melasma and analyzed the clinical results.

METHODS:

Fifteen Korean women with melasma were enrolled. Each patient received six low-dose fractional QSRL treatments to the face at 2-week intervals. Two investigators independently evaluated Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores before each session and 4 and 16 weeks after the final session. The intensities of pigmentation and erythema were assessed by measuring skin reflectance using a tristimulus color analyzer.

RESULTS:

Mean MASI score decreased from 15.1 ± 3.3 before treatment to 10.6 ± 3.9 16 weeks after the final treatment. The lightness of pigmentation (L-value) increased from 56.6 ± 3.5 before treatment to 59.9 ± 2.8 16 weeks after the final treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Multiple treatment sessions of low-dose fractional QSRL may be an effective strategy for the treatment of dermal or mixed-type melasma.

• Authors: Woo Sun Jang, Chang Kyun Lee, Beom Joon Kim, Myeung Nam Kim
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 37 Issue 8 Pg. 1133-40 (Aug 2011) ISSN: 1524-4725 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21585597 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2011 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.

Topics

• Adult
• Dose Fractionation, Radiation
• Female
• Humans
• Lasers, Solid-State (therapeutic use)
• Low-Level Light Therapy
• Melanosis (pathology, radiotherapy)
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Severity of Illness Index
• Treatment Outcome