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Observational Study
. 2021 Jan 1;47(1):e10-e14.
doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002405.

Photoaging Reversibility in Asian Patients With Melasma Treated Using Picosecond Lasers With a Diffractive Lens Array: A 1-Year Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Erh-Ti Lin  1 , Hsiu-Mei Chiang  2 , Bor-Shyh Lin  3 , Yung-Hsueh Huang  4 , Chang-Cheng Chang  2   3   5
Affiliations
Observational Study

Photoaging Reversibility in Asian Patients With Melasma Treated Using Picosecond Lasers With a Diffractive Lens Array: A 1-Year Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Erh-Ti Lin et al. Dermatol Surg. .

Abstract

Background: Picosecond lasers appear to be effective and safe in treating pigmentation and photoaging disorders through laser-induced optical breakdown.

Objective: To analyze the feasibility of photorejuvenation using picosecond lasers with diffractive lens array (DLA) in patients with melasma.

Methods: Ten Asian (N = 10) women with melasma and Fitzpatrick skin Type IV were enrolled and treated using 755-nm picosecond alexandrite lasers with DLA. All individuals were assessed before treatment, and at 12, 20 weeks, and 1 year by post-hoc test on melasma area and severity index (MASI) and with VISIA Complexion Analysis System using percentile rank for measurement.

Results: The median participant age was 46.5 years. The average MASI continually and significantly (p < .05) decreased until the 1-year follow-up, with the photoaging characteristics, such as wrinkles and red areas improving simultaneously (p < .05). Spots, texture, pores, ultraviolet (UV) spots, brown spots, and porphyrins exhibited alleviation, but this improvement relapsed by the 1-year follow-up. No postinflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation occurred.

Conclusion: In patients with melasma, picosecond laser treatment with DLA may alleviate pigmentation disorder and the related photoaging characteristics (e.g., wrinkled skin and increased vascularity), and the effects may be maintained for a long time. Nevertheless, post-treatment clinical visits every 3 to 6 months are recommended.

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