Is non‐ablative 1550‐nm fractional photothermolysis an effective modality to treat melasma? Results from a prospective controlled single‐blinded trial in 51 patients

Abstract

Our findings do not support the hypothesis of NFP providing a substantial benefit in treating melasma when compared with the lone application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Adverse events of non-ablative fractional laser photothermolysis: a retrospective study of 856 treatments in 362 patients

“…However, more recent reports have revealed the limitations of FP for melasma treatment, especially in patients with darker skin types, with only in modest treatment efficacy and high recurrence rates (25). Moreover, the efficacy of FP for melasma is not consistent (26)(27)(28)(29) suggesting that aggravation of melasma after fractional laser is associated with increased melanocyte migration due to disrupted basement membrane (30). A recent study conducted by Karsai et al (27) failed to prove the efficacy of NAFP in treating melasma when compared with the lone application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen.…”

Successful treatment of melasma using a combination of microdermabrasion and Q‐switched Nd:YAG lasers

“…Side effects include swelling, redness, and crusting for 3–5 days, and treatments must be performed monthly for 5–6 months 28–30. While early results with the non‐ablative fractionated lasers seemed promising 31, long‐term follow‐up demonstrated a high frequency of relapse 28, 32, 33.…”

Melasma, Novel Treatment Modalities

“…On the other hand, other studies showed that FP does not provide a substantial benefit in treating melasma when compared with the sole application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen [84] and that its effect was comparable to TCA 15% peel treatments when used to treat moderateto-severe melasma, but neither treatment was long-lasting [85].…”

“…Fractional Non-Ablative Laser: Controversy about the use of fractional erbium glass laser (1550 nm) in melasma has emerged from vast publications [80][81][82][83][84][85]. FP is a safe and effective treatment for refractory melasma, with long-term remission especially in fairskinned patients.…”