Low-Fluence Q-Switched Nd:YAG 1064-nm Laser and Intense Pulsed Light for the Treatment of Melasma
TLDR Combining LFQS and IPL is more effective and faster for treating melasma than LFQS alone.
The study compared the efficacy and safety of combined low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (LFQS) and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy with LFQS monotherapy in treating melasma in 20 female subjects. The combined therapy showed greater improvements in relative lightness index (55%) and modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) (60%) compared to monotherapy (37% and 40%, respectively). Patient satisfaction was higher with combined therapy (78% rated improvement as excellent or good) versus monotherapy (56%). However, recurrence rates were higher for combined therapy (33%) compared to monotherapy (11%). Both treatments significantly reduced melasma severity without worsening the condition, but the study noted the need for long-term maintenance therapy and had limitations such as a small sample size and lack of patient blinding.
