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Bas S. Wind and Marije W. Kroon contributed equally to this work.
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Clinical Report
Non-ablative 1,550 nm fractional laser therapy versus triple topical therapy for the treatment of melasma: A randomized controlled split-face study†‡
Article first published online: 25 AUG 2010
DOI: 10.1002/lsm.20937
Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Wind, B. S., Kroon, M. W., Meesters, A. A., Beek, J. F., van der Veen, J.P. W., Nieuweboer-Krobotová, L., Bos, J. D. and Wolkerstorfer, A. (2010), Non-ablative 1,550 nm fractional laser therapy versus triple topical therapy for the treatment of melasma: A randomized controlled split-face study. Lasers Surg. Med., 42: 607–612. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20937
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The authors certify that they have no affiliation with or financial involvement in any organization or entity with a direct financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript (e.g., employment, consultancies, stock ownership, honoraria).
Publication History
- Issue published online: 25 AUG 2010
- Article first published online: 25 AUG 2010
- Manuscript Accepted: 23 APR 2010
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Fraxel laser;
- topical bleaching;
- pigment disorder
Abstract
Background
Melasma is a uichronic, often relapsing skin disorder, with poor long-term results from all current therapies.
Objective
To assess efficacy and safety of non-ablative 1,550 nm fractional laser therapy (FLT) as compared to the gold standard, triple topical therapy (TTT).
Study design
Twenty-nine patients with melasma were included in a randomized controlled observer-blinded study with split-face design. Each side of the face was randomly allocated to either 4–5 non-ablative FLT sessions (15 mJ/microbeam, 14–20% coverage) or TTT (hydroquinone 5%, tretinoin 0.05%, triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% cream). TTT was applied once daily for 15 weeks until the last FLT session. After this last treatment, patients were asked to apply TTT twice weekly on both sides of the face during follow-up. Improvement of melasma was assessed by patient's global assessment (PGA), patient's satisfaction, physician's global assessment (PhGA), melanin index, and lightness (L-value) at 3 weeks, and at 3 and 6 months after the last treatment.
Results
Mean PGA and satisfaction were significantly lower at the FLT side (P<0.001). PhGA, melanin index, and L-value showed a significant worsening of hyperpigmentation at the FLT side. At the TTT side, no significant change was observed. At 6 months follow-up, most patients preferred TTT. Side effects of FLT were erythema, burning sensation, edema, and pain. Nine patients (31%) developed PIH after two or more laser sessions. Side effects of TTT were erythema, burning sensation, and scaling.
Conclusions
Given the high rate of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, non-ablative 1,550 nm fractional laser at 15 mJ/microbeam is not recommendable in the treatment of melasma. TTT remains the gold standard treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:607–612, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.