Dual wavelength 589/1,319 nm laser improves hyperpigmentation

Key takeaways:

• Hyperpigmentation, including melasma, is often difficult to treat involving multiple modalities.
• A small study found patients treated with a dual wavelength laser achieved improvements in pigmentation.

A small study found that the 589/1,319 nm dual wavelength laser improved facial hyperpigmentation, with patients reporting high levels of satisfaction.

“Among various forms of facial hyperpigmentation, melasma stands out as a distinct and challenging condition,” Suleima Arruda, MD, of Sadick Dermatology and Research, and colleagues wrote. “Effective management of facial hyperpigmentation, especially melasma, involves a comprehensive approach targeting various aspects of its pathogenesis.”

Sun protection, hydroquinone, retinoids and corticosteroids are often used to prevent and treat melasma, whereas chemical peels, laser therapy and intense pulsed light reduce pigment in hyperpigmented skin, the researchers continued.

This prospective, single-center study enrolled 17 women (mean age, 43.4 years) with hyperpigmentation, of whom 14 completed the study and follow-up periods.

Each patient received up to three treatments with a 589/1,318 nm double-pulse laser device spaced 3 to 5 weeks apart and were evaluated at baseline, treatment days and at two follow-up visits 4 and 12 weeks after treatment.

Investigator assessments, measured by the 10-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, were improved in all patients from baseline to follow up, with mean pigmentation scores increasing from 5.5 to 6.8, mean erythema scores from 7.4 to 8.1, mean smoothness from 7.1 to 8.1, mean radiance from 6.3 to 7.8 and mean pore size improving from 6.9 to 7.57.

Hyperpigmentation — rated from 1 to 6, with 6 being the worst hyperpigmentation and 1 being the best — were also significantly improved in all patients.

Sixty percent of patients reported being “very satisfied” with the results, whereas 20% were “satisfied” and 20% were “somewhat satisfied.”

Mild erythema that self-resolved within 48 hours was reported; however, no serious adverse events were recorded, according to the researchers.

“Given that melasma is typically chronic and long lasting, with exacerbations and remissions and resistance to treatment, treatment regimens for melasma must utilize a multifactor approach,” they wrote. “The use of the dual-wavelength 589/1,319 nm laser treatment protocol is designed as such to facilitate a two-prong approach to treating melasma.”