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.
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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)
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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
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