Efficacy of the 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in melasma

• Published in: The Journal of dermatological treatment Vol. 22; no. 4; pp. 233 - 238
• Main Authors: Suh, Kee Suck, Sung, Jae Young, Roh, Hyo Jin, Jeon, Young Seung, Kim, Yang Che, Kim, Sang Tae
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oslo Informa Healthcare USA on behalf of Informa UK Ltd 01.08.2011; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser; Adult; asian; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Diseases of the skin. Cosmetics; Female; Humans; Lasers, Solid-State - therapeutic use; Medical sciences; Melanosis - surgery; melasma; Middle Aged; Patient Satisfaction; Pigmentary diseases of the skin; Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects); Severity of Illness Index; Human; Skin disease; Chloasma; Pigmentation disorder; Asiatic; Neodymium; YAG laser; asian; Treatment; Efficiency; 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser; melasma; Q switched laser
• ISSN: 0954-6634; 1471-1753
• DOI: 10.3109/09546631003686051

Abstract Background: Melasma is difficult to treat and often recalcitrant to various treatments such as topical preparations and lasers. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in Asian patients with melasma. Methods: Twenty-three Korean patients (skin types III-V) with melasma were treated with the 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1-week intervals for 10 weeks. The melasma area and severity index (MASI) score, lightness of melasma, patient satisfaction score and side effects were assessed at baseline, 4, 7, and 10 weeks and 1, 2, and 3 months after the last treatment. Results: A decreased MASI score and increased lightness of melasma were statistically significant at 7 and 10 weeks. Follow-up data was statistically significant at 1, 2, and 3 months after the last treatment (p-value < 0.05). The patient satisfaction score was statistically significant at 4, 7, and 10 weeks. Follow-up data were statistically significant at 1, 2, and 3 months after the last treatment (p-value < 0.05). No significant side effects were noted. Conclusion: The 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective modality for treating melasma in Asian patients.