The combination of low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser (LFQS) and intense pulsed light (IPL) results in faster clearance of melasma and is more effective than LFQS alone for melasma treatment. However, recurrence is still inevitable, according to a study published in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
LFQS can target deeper pigment, while IPL can target a wide range of cutaneous structures. However, there is limited information on efficacy and side effects of the combined treatment.
To compare the efficacy and safety of combined LFQS and IPL therapy with LFQS monotherapy in the treatment of melisma, 20 female patients with mixed-type melasma on both cheeks were treated with LFQS on full face for 5 sessions at 1-week intervals. One side of the face was randomly assigned to receive additional 3 sessions of IPL treatments at 2-week intervals. Patients were evaluated 12 weeks after the last treatment. Outcome measures included the assessment by colorimeter and calculated as relative lightness index (R*LI), modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI), patient satisfaction and adverse effects.
Eighteen patients completed the study. Both sides of the face showed significant improvement of R*LI and mMASI. A more rapid improvement of R*LI and mMASI was observed on the combined side. At the end of treatment, 55% improvement and 37% improvement of R*LI was observed on the combined side and monotherapy side, respectively. Overall patients’ satisfaction was in favor of the combined side. Recurrence occurred on both sides but there was still a significant decrease compared to baseline. No serious side effect was noted. n
Vachiramon V, Sirithanabadeekul P, Sahawatwong S. Low-fluence Q-switched Nd: YAG 1064-nm laser and intense pulsed light for the treatment of melasma. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Published online ahead of print November 20, 2014.
The combination of low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser (LFQS) and intense pulsed light (IPL) results in faster clearance of melasma and is more effective than LFQS alone for melasma treatment. However, recurrence is still inevitable, according to a study published in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
LFQS can target deeper pigment, while IPL can target a wide range of cutaneous structures. However, there is limited information on efficacy and side effects of the combined treatment.
To compare the efficacy and safety of combined LFQS and IPL therapy with LFQS monotherapy in the treatment of melisma, 20 female patients with mixed-type melasma on both cheeks were treated with LFQS on full face for 5 sessions at 1-week intervals. One side of the face was randomly assigned to receive additional 3 sessions of IPL treatments at 2-week intervals. Patients were evaluated 12 weeks after the last treatment. Outcome measures included the assessment by colorimeter and calculated as relative lightness index (R*LI), modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI), patient satisfaction and adverse effects.
Eighteen patients completed the study. Both sides of the face showed significant improvement of R*LI and mMASI. A more rapid improvement of R*LI and mMASI was observed on the combined side. At the end of treatment, 55% improvement and 37% improvement of R*LI was observed on the combined side and monotherapy side, respectively. Overall patients’ satisfaction was in favor of the combined side. Recurrence occurred on both sides but there was still a significant decrease compared to baseline. No serious side effect was noted. n
Vachiramon V, Sirithanabadeekul P, Sahawatwong S. Low-fluence Q-switched Nd: YAG 1064-nm laser and intense pulsed light for the treatment of melasma. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Published online ahead of print November 20, 2014.
The combination of low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser (LFQS) and intense pulsed light (IPL) results in faster clearance of melasma and is more effective than LFQS alone for melasma treatment. However, recurrence is still inevitable, according to a study published in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
LFQS can target deeper pigment, while IPL can target a wide range of cutaneous structures. However, there is limited information on efficacy and side effects of the combined treatment.
To compare the efficacy and safety of combined LFQS and IPL therapy with LFQS monotherapy in the treatment of melisma, 20 female patients with mixed-type melasma on both cheeks were treated with LFQS on full face for 5 sessions at 1-week intervals. One side of the face was randomly assigned to receive additional 3 sessions of IPL treatments at 2-week intervals. Patients were evaluated 12 weeks after the last treatment. Outcome measures included the assessment by colorimeter and calculated as relative lightness index (R*LI), modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI), patient satisfaction and adverse effects.
Eighteen patients completed the study. Both sides of the face showed significant improvement of R*LI and mMASI. A more rapid improvement of R*LI and mMASI was observed on the combined side. At the end of treatment, 55% improvement and 37% improvement of R*LI was observed on the combined side and monotherapy side, respectively. Overall patients’ satisfaction was in favor of the combined side. Recurrence occurred on both sides but there was still a significant decrease compared to baseline. No serious side effect was noted. n
Vachiramon V, Sirithanabadeekul P, Sahawatwong S. Low-fluence Q-switched Nd: YAG 1064-nm laser and intense pulsed light for the treatment of melasma. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Published online ahead of print November 20, 2014.
