Fractional photothermolysis treatment for resistant melasma in Chinese females.

BACKGROUND

Melasma is a common disorder of pigmentation which is common in women of Asian and Latina descent. Melasma lesions are resistant to numerous laser therapies, but have responded well in clinical studies to fractional photothermolysis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether Chinese women with resistant melasma will respond to fractional photothermolysis.

METHODS

Six female patients (Fitzpatrick skin types III-IV) were treated with fractional photothermolysis at approximately 4 week intervals. Three to four treatments were performed for each patient. Before and after photos were taken of each patient in order to identify the degree of improvement of the pigmented lesions treated.

RESULTS

All patients who participated in the study experienced at least 20% improvement in the appearance of their melasma lesions. Three patients obtained 50% improvement, two obtained 30% improvement, and one obtained 20% improvement.

CONCLUSION

Fractional photothermolysis is a useful treatment modality for Chinese women who have resistant melasma.