Formation of new melasma lesions in the periorbital area following high-fluence, 1064-nm, Q-switched Nd/YAG laser.

Although ultraviolet (UV) light or exogenous hormones have been associated with the development or exacerbation of melasma, the use of laser as a treatment modality has not been cited as a factor linked to the development of melasma lesions. It is unclear whether epidermal trauma caused by laser or other treatment can lead to the formation of a new melasma lesion. We report on the formation of new melasma lesions in a patient who was treated for acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM) with a high-fluence 1064 nm Q-switched (QS) neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd/YAG) laser.