Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of a single administration of high-density fractional thulium fiber laser (1,927 nm) for the treatment of refractory melasma in 20 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart and photographs review of 20 women (Fitzpatrick skin type II-IV) with clinical diagnosis of melasma treated with the 1,927-nm fractionated thulium laser at 10 or 20 mJ/cm(2) , with 60-70% surface area coverage. Four investigators independently evaluated Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) scores before, 4 weeks, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months after treatment. RESULTS: Mean MASI scores decreased dramatically from 13.2 ± 5.4 before treatment to 8.5 ± 3.5 at 4 weeks after laser treatment (P = 0.004). Patient assessment revealed that 12 of the 20 subjects had more than 50% clearance of their melasma. Recurrence was reported by 7 out of 15 patients who were successfully followed-up (mean 10.2 months). Two patients developed postinflammatory hyperpigmentation that subsided with topical bleaching after 3 months. CONCLUSION: High-density coverage fractional 1,927-nm thulium laser proved to be safe and effective for melasma with long-term remission.
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Authors | Ane Beatriz M Niwa Massaki, Sasima Eimpunth, Sabrina G Fabi, Isabella Guiha, William Groff, Richard Fitzpatrick |
Journal | Lasers in surgery and medicine
(Lasers Surg Med)
Vol. 45
Issue 2
Pg. 95-101
(Feb 2013)
ISSN: 1096-9101 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 23255085
(Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. |
Topics |
- Adult
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Lasers, Solid-State
(therapeutic use)
- Melanosis
(surgery)
- Middle Aged
- Patient Satisfaction
- Retrospective Studies
- Severity of Illness Index
- Treatment Outcome
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