Study of efficacy of microneedling and mesoneedling in the treatment of epidermal melasma: A pilot trial

Abstract

Background: Melasma is a difficult to treat pigmentation disorder. However, some successes have been attained by microneedling. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of microneedling using meso-depigmentation solution (mesoneedling) in comparison with standard microneedling, over a 4-month treatment period.Methods: As a part of this pilot study, 20 patients received microneedling on one side and mesoneedling on another side of their face. Treatment was repeated on a monthly basis for 4 months. Treatment efficacy was defined through Dermacatch ® colorimetry, modified Melasma Area and Severity (mMASI) score determination, Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), and patient questionnaires, whereby all assessments were conducted at the baseline, as well after 2 and 4 months of treatment.Results: Before treatments, mean difference between pigmented and normal skin calculated by Dermacatch ® was 43.7 ± 20.12 and 44.6 ± 20.72 in microneedling sides and mesoneedling sides, respectively. After two and four sessions, these values declined to 34.5 ± 16.26 and 28.05 ± 13.79 on the side subjected to microneedling, while 29.75 ± 15.07 and 20.45 ± 10.58 were measured on the mesoneedling side. Statistically significant differences have been observed between microneedling and mesoneedling treatments at both time points (P = .0001, P = .0001). The mMASI scores obtained upon treatment completion were significantly lower on both the microneedling and the mesoneedling side. The IGA and patients' self-assessment scores further confirmed that both treatments were effective in treating melasma, without producing any notable side-effects or complications. Conclusion:In sum, both microneedling and mesoneedling are effective in decreasing melanin content in the epidermal melasma lesions.

The efficacy of energy‐based devices combination therapy for melasma

“…There were 11 articles evaluating efficacy of combination of microneedling with other topical treatments, including TA (6 articles), TCC, mesotherapy, 20% vitamin C solution, depigmenting serum (rucinol, and sophora‐alpha), and PRP 36‐46 . Combination therapy showed significantly superior efficacy in five studies 36‐39 .…”

“…[36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46] Combination therapy showed significantly superior efficacy in five studies. [36][37][38][39] Two studies demonstrated significantly more improvement with combination of microneedling and topical TA in comparison with microneedling alone or combined of sham device and topical TA. 36,37 In two other studies, there was no significant differences in efficacy of treatment between patients treated with combination of FCO 2 laser with 2% HQ or topical TA in comparison with 2% HQ alone, or microneedling with topical TA, respectively.…”

Efficacy of the combination of Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser and microneedling for melasma

“…26 They found both of the methods as efficient to treat it; however, they did not compare each other. 26 A case series showed after the use of topical vitamin C serum during the microneedling F I G U R E 3 A, Before, and B. 2 wk after the 5th session (B) (A) sessions induced granulomas.…”

“…There is only one report evaluating both microneedling and mesoneedling for epidermal melasma in the literature. 26 They found both of the methods as efficient to treat it; however, they did not compare each other. 26 A case series showed after the use of topical vitamin C serum during the microneedling F I G U R E 3 A, Before, and B.…”

Systematic review of clinical studies assessing the needling for treatment of melasma: Focusing on efficacy, safety, and recurrence rate

“…the breakdown time is reduced and the healing process is accelerated. 15 It also induces matrix metalloproteinases, thereby reducing hyperpigmentation (Menon). In general, the efficiency, safety, and ease of use make microneedling a suitable treatment option.…”