Split-face comparative study of 1550 nm fractional photothermolysis and trichloroacetic acid 15% chemical peeling for facial melasma in Asian skin.

Abstract

Fractional photothermolysis (FP) therapy and chemical peels have been reported to be effective in patients with recalcitrant melasma. However, there is little information to compare the efficacy of single treatment session in Asian women. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy, long-lasting outcomes and safety of a single session of 1550-nm erbium-doped FP in Asian patients, compared with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel with a medium depth. Eighteen Korean women (Fitzpatrick skin type III or IV) with moderate-to-severe bilateral melasma were randomly treated with a single session of 1550-nm FP on one cheek, and with a 15% TCA peel on the other cheek. Outcome measures included an objective melasma area severity index and subjective patient-rated overall improvement at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Melasma lesions were significantly improved 4 weeks after either treatment, but melasma recurred at 12 weeks. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation developed in 28% of patients at 4 weeks but resolved in all but one patient by 12 weeks. There was no difference between FP treatment and TCA peeling with respect to any outcome measure. FP laser and TCA peel treatments were equally effective and safe when used to treat moderate-to-severe melasma, but neither treatment was long-lasting. We suggest that multiple or periodic maintenance treatments and/or supplemental procedures may be required for the successful treatment of melasma in Asian women.

• Authors: Seung-Phil Hong, Seung-Seog Han, Seok-Joo Choi, Myoung-Shin Kim, Chong-Hyun Won, Mi-Woo Lee, Jee-Ho Choi, Kee-Chan Moon, Youn Jin Kim, Sung-Eun Chang
• Journal: Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology (J Cosmet Laser Ther) Vol. 14 Issue 2 Pg. 81-6 (Apr 2012) ISSN: 1476-4180 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22372386 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Caustics
• Trichloroacetic Acid

Topics

• Adult
• Asian People
• Caustics (therapeutic use)
• Chemexfoliation (adverse effects)
• Erythema (ethnology, etiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Hyperpigmentation (ethnology, etiology)
• Lasers, Solid-State (therapeutic use)
• Low-Level Light Therapy (adverse effects)
• Melanosis (ethnology, therapy)
• Middle Aged
• Pain (etiology)
• Patient Satisfaction
• Recurrence
• Severity of Illness Index
• Trichloroacetic Acid (therapeutic use)
• Young Adult