Facial melasma is a disfiguring pigmentation and occurs frequently with aging skin; topical treatment alone was often suboptimal. 

 

The objective of a new study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine was to investigate the efficacy and safety of 1064 nm picosecond laser in treatment of facial melasma and skin rejuvenation in Asian skin.

 

This prospective study recruited patients of Asian descent seeking treatment for facial melasma and skin rejuvenation. Each participant received up to nine laser treatments at 4-6 weeks intervals with a fractionated nonablative 1064 nm picosecond laser. Baseline and posttreatment modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (IGAS) were assessed by blinded investigators based on the clinical photographs.

 

Overall, 20  patients were recruited with a median age of 52.7 ± 8.2 years. Three subjects had Fitzpatrick skin type III and 17 had skin type IV. All subjects received nine laser sessions. It was found that more than 70% of patients were satisfied with the treatment outcomes. There was a statistically significant improvement in mMASI which reduced from 10.8 at baseline to 2.7 and 3.6 – at 6- and 12-week post-treatment, respectively. While for skin rejuvenation, 70% reported at least a moderate improvement at 6 weeks of post-treatment. No major side-effect was reported. Erythema was the most frequent transient response; some reported edema (1.1%). Both resolved spontaneously. None reported hypo- or hyperpigmentation after treatment. The overall mean pain score (VAS) was 1.92.

 

The results indicated that fractionated non-ablative 1064 nm picosecond laser was effective in treatment of melasma and skin rejuvenation. It was also safe and well tolerated., without any reports of hypo or hyperpigmentation. 

 

Source: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2021 Feb 5. doi: 10.1002/lsm.23382.