Clearance of Melasma Using a Novel 650-microsecond Pulsed Nd:YAG 1064nm Laser

Yelena Kipervas, DO, Family Care, Bartonsville, PA

Seven female subjects with skin types II-V and an average age of 45.6 were enrolled for a single treatment of laser for Melasma. Treatment areas included cheeks and upper lip areas. All subjects confirmed that they were not using Accutane or other photosensitizing medications, and were not pregnant; subjects had all makeup and lotions removed immediately prior to treatment. No anesthetics, cooling, gel or lotions were used regardless of skin type, as the laser does not require any numbing or skin cooling at all.

Laser treatment was performed as follows: (a) two passes at fluences of 18-24 joules/cm2 on a 6mm spot size, in a painting motion across treatment areas; and on skin types II-IV only, one pass at fluences of 159-191 joules/cm2 on a 2mm spot size. All laser treatments were performed using a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser, Neo (Aerolase, Tarrytown, NY) with a novel 650 microsecond pulse duration.

The treated areas were kept moist post-op and the subjects were advised to keep these spots moist with lotion and to use sunblock after treatment; they were also advised to avoid picking at the treatment sites after the treatment session, and were informed to avoid direct sun exposure. All subjects were asked to rate their satisfaction with the procedure after the treatment, on a scale of Low, Moderate, High or Very High.