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

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.