Fractional 1064 nm Picosecond Laser in Treatment of Melasma and Skin Rejuvenation in Asians, A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives Facial melasma is a disfiguring pigmentation and occurs frequently with aging skin. Topical treatment alone was often suboptimal. A recent study showed that fractional picosecond laser has promising result in benign pigmentary lesions. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of 1064 nm picosecond laser in treatment of facial melasma and skin rejuvenation in Asian skin. Study Design/Materials and Methods Patients of Asian descent seeking treatment for facial melasma and skin rejuvenation were screened and recruited. Each patient 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. Subject overall satisfaction was assessed by the questionnaires after treatment. All adverse events were documented. Results Twenty 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. Over 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 weeks post‐treatment, respectively (both P < 0.01). 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, while some reported edema (1.1%). Both resolved spontaneously. None reported hypo‐ or hyperpigmentation after treatment. The overall mean pain scare (VAS) was 1.92. Conclusion Fractionated non‐ablative 1064 nm picosecond laser was effective in treatment of melasma and skin rejuvenation. It was also safe and well tolerated. Importantly, there was no hypo or hyperpigmentation reported. Lasers Surg. Med. 00:00–00, 2021. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Silymarin Versus Low Fluence 1064‐nm Q Switched Nd:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Melasma: A Comparative Randomized Trial

“…Melasma is a common and well‐described dermatological condition that primarily affects females, especially those with darker‐skinned phototypes. The condition is otherwise asymptomatic and there are no clear associations with any systemic illnesses [1]. Melasma affects the ultraviolet (UV) exposed areas, particularly the forehead, cheeks, temples, and upper lip.…”

Treatment of melasma with a low‐fluence 1064 nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser: Laser toning in Caucasian women

“…The use of diffractive lens array does not provide additional benefit over the flat optics in clearing pigmentation in their study. 55 As reported by Wong et al, 56 fractional 1064 nm picosecond laser therapy is effective not only for pigmentary disorders but also for skin rejuvenation.…”

Combining Low Power Fractional CO2 With QS‐NdYAG Toning in the Treatment of Melasma Reduces the Incidence of Punctate Leukoderma

“…In conjunction with many studies, the efficacy of QS‐Nd:YAG toning, whether alone or in combination with other modalities, has been proved [18–24]. Fractionated non‐ablative 1064 nm picosecond laser has been reported to be safe and effective for the treatment of melasma [25,26].…”