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

Lasers Surg Med. 2012 Feb;44(2):117-24. doi: 10.1002/lsm.21156. Epub 2012 Jan 3.

Abstract

Background and objective: A common, disfiguring problem in women, melasma is often refractory to treatment, and long-term remissions are difficult to achieve. This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of a procedure combining microdermabrasion, a topical regimen, and low fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment.

Materials and methods: In this observational study of 27 female subjects, phototypes II-V, referred for treatment of mixed-type melasma refractory to previous therapies, low-fluence QS Nd:YAG laser treatment of 1.6-2 J/cm(2) with 5 or 6 mm spot was administered immediately following microdermabrasion. Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen began immediately; subjects used a topical skin care regimen of hydroquinone with tretinoin or vitamin C. Treatments were repeated at 4-week intervals. Follow-up assessment was done 3-12 months after the last treatment. Adverse effects were recorded at each visit. Standardized digital photographs obtained before each treatment session and at follow-up visits were objectively assessed by blinded comparison using a quartile grading system.

Results: Treatment was successful in all skin types, deemed painless by all subjects, and required no anesthesia. Average number of treatments was 2.6. Twenty-two subjects (81%) had >75% clearance of melasma; 11 subjects (40%) achieved >95% clearance. Most subjects showed >50% clearance of their melasma 1 month after the first treatment. Side effects were limited to mild post-treatment erythema, which developed after the microdermabrasion and lasted approximately 30-60 minutes. Four subjects noted temporary exacerbation of melasma after inadvertent sun exposure, but this resolved within several weeks of resuming the topical skin care regime. Remission lasted at least 6 months.

Conclusion: Microdermabrasion plus low-fluence QS Nd:YAG laser treatment is a simple, non-invasive procedure with minimal risk, no recovery time, and long-lasting remission. Treatment works on all skin phototypes in just two to three treatment sessions. Subject compliance with skin care was excellent, probably due to the dramatic improvement observed within 4 weeks.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dermabrasion* / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hydroquinones / therapeutic use
  • Keratolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lasers
  • Lasers, Solid-State / adverse effects
  • Lasers, Solid-State / therapeutic use*
  • Melanosis / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Sunscreening Agents / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tretinoin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Hydroquinones
  • Keratolytic Agents
  • Sunscreening Agents
  • Tretinoin
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • hydroquinone