A prospective, split-face study comparing 1,064-nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser toning with 1,064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser toning in the treatment of melasma.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a low-fluence picosecond (ps) laser is an emerging option for removing pigmented lesions.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 1,064-nm ps Nd:YAG laser as compared to a 1,064-nm Qs Nd:YAG laser for melasma treatment in an Asian.

METHODS: Twenty Korean patients with facial melasma were enrolled and randomly treated with a 1,064-nm ps Nd:YAG laser on one side of the face and 1,064-nm Qs Nd:YAG on the other side at 2-week intervals for five sessions. At each visit, the modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI), patient satisfaction scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and adverse events were assessed.

RESULTS: Both groups showed significant clinical improvement and decreased mMASI scores compared to the baseline. No statistically significant difference was observed in the mMASI score between the two treatment techniques at any time point. The melanin index showed no statistically significant improvement in both groups, and no significant differences were observed in patient satisfaction scores and VAS scores between both modalities.

CONCLUSIONS: A 1,064 nm ps Nd:YAG laser is as effective and safe as a conventional 1,064 nm Qs Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of melasma in Asian skin, but no superior outcome was observed.