The purpose of a new study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology was to demonstrate the implementation of a multifactorial approach that not only treats symptoms but addresses the primary underlying cause of melasma

This was a descriptive cohort study that evaluated 20 female patients with dermal and mixed melasma, admitted to Medical Art from 2017-2018, who underwent the four-step laser protocol treatment at 2-week intervals—Fotona laser protocol. Clinical evaluation of a clearance percentage of melasma was performed 1 month after the last session. Follow-up evaluation was performed at 6 and 12 months following the completion of the laser treatment – 6 sessions.

The results showed that the clearance percentage score was 70% with excellent reduction and 25% with good reduction in appearance of melasma, while none of the patients had a fair reduction. However, 5% of the patients exhibited poor reduction. The mean score of patient satisfaction was 4,65.

It was concluded that the four-step Fotona laser protocol is a safe and effective treatment option for melasma. 

Source: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2021 Feb 1;20(2):150-154. doi: 10.36849/JDD.2021.1221.