Review of the literature: Treatment of dyspigmentation with fractionated resurfacing

Abstract

Background: Traditional ablative laser resurfacing is associated with adverse side effects, including prolonged erythema, edema, burning, milia, acne, crusting, and hypo- and hyperpigmentation. Fractional photothermolysis (FP) has been introduced to overcome the disadvantages of traditional ablative and nonablative resurfacing. With FP, the microscopic, pixilated pattern of wounding in the dermis results in significant skin pigmentary and textural improvements without the adverse effects of prolonged wound healing and risks of dyspigmentation associated with traditional ablative resurfacing. FP has been reported to improve hypo- and hyperpigmentation in a variety of cutaneous conditions.

Objective: To review the dermatologic literature on the use of FP for treatment of dyspigmentation.

Results: Review of the Medline literature identified 35 studies on treatment of cutaneous conditions associated with dyspigmentation with ablative FP (AFP) and nonablative FP (NAFP). Specifically, we found treatment of melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, nevus of Ota, hypo- and hyperpigmented scars, poikiloderma of Civatte, laser-induced hypo- and hyperpigmentation, and dyschromia associated with photoaging.

Conclusions: AFP and NAFP are potentially effective modalities for the treatment of dyspigmentation of the face and neck. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.