Study of efficacy of microneedling and mesoneedling in the treatment of epidermal melasma: A pilot trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Melasma is a difficult to treat pigmentation disorder. However, some successes have been attained by microneedling. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of microneedling using meso-depigmentation solution (mesoneedling) in comparison with standard microneedling, over a 4-month treatment period.

METHODS:

As a part of this pilot study, 20 patients received microneedling on one side and mesoneedling on another side of their face. Treatment was repeated on a monthly basis for 4 months. Treatment efficacy was defined through Dermacatch® colorimetry, modified Melasma Area and Severity (mMASI) score determination, Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), and patient questionnaires, whereby all assessments were conducted at the baseline, as well after 2 and 4 months of treatment.

RESULTS:

Before treatments, mean difference between pigmented and normal skin calculated by Dermacatch® was 43.7 ± 20.12 and 44.6 ± 20.72 in microneedling sides and mesoneedling sides, respectively. After two and four sessions, these values declined to 34.5 ± 16.26 and 28.05 ± 13.79 on the side subjected to microneedling, while 29.75 ± 15.07 and 20.45 ± 10.58 were measured on the mesoneedling side. Statistically significant differences have been observed between microneedling and mesoneedling treatments at both time points (P = .0001, P = .0001). The mMASI scores obtained upon treatment completion were significantly lower on both the microneedling and the mesoneedling side. The IGA and patients' self-assessment scores further confirmed that both treatments were effective in treating melasma, without producing any notable side-effects or complications.

CONCLUSION:

In sum, both microneedling and mesoneedling are effective in decreasing melanin content in the epidermal melasma lesions.

• Authors: Susan Farshi, Parvin Mansouri
• Journal: Journal of cosmetic dermatology (J Cosmet Dermatol) Vol. 19 Issue 5 Pg. 1093-1098 (May 2020) ISSN: 1473-2165 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 32196865 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Skin Lightening Preparations

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Combined Modality Therapy (adverse effects, instrumentation, methods)
• Cosmetic Techniques (adverse effects, instrumentation)
• Dry Needling (adverse effects, instrumentation, methods)
• Face
• Female
• Humans
• Injections, Intradermal (adverse effects, instrumentation, methods)
• Male
• Melanosis (diagnosis, therapy)
• Middle Aged
• Needles (adverse effects)
• Pilot Projects
• Severity of Illness Index
• Skin Lightening Preparations (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult