A new study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine evaluated the effects of a series of laser treatments with very short, nanosecond pulses in the treatment of melasma in Caucasian women.

The study enrolled 40 Polish females with Fitzpatrick skin phototype II-III and melasma. All patients were treated with 1064 nm Q-switched neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (QSNY) laser (pulse with 5 ns; spot size, 6-8 mm; fluence, 1.7-3.2 J/cm² ; 2-8 passes; nine treatments). Among these, 21 patients were subjected to a 1-year follow-up.

The results showed significant improvement in melasma pigmentation in the mean MI and mMASI score – both were significantly reduced. There was significant reduction in erythema. Overall, 70% of participants provided positive feedback for laser treatment. At the one-year follow up, the reduced melasma effect was still maintained. In addition, patients also reported improved skin conditions – radiance, smoothness, brightness, hydration and regeneration. No serious adverse effects were observed.

It was concluded that low-fluence 1064 nm QSNY laser is an effective, safe, and noninvasive method with long-term results in melasma treatment. QSNY (1064 nm) improves the condition of melasma patients with erythema.

Source: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2021 Sep 2. doi: 10.1002/lsm.23474.