Using reflectance confocal microscopy to observe in vivo melanolysis after treatment with the picosecond alexandrite laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in melasma

Autor: Min Jae Gwak, Ji Hwoon Baek, Sang Jun Lee, Da Jung Jo, Min Kyung Shin, In-Hye Kang
Rok vydání: 2018
Předmět:
Zdroj: Lasers in surgery and medicine.
ISSN: 1096-9101
Popis: Objectives Melasma is an acquired type of hyperpigmentation that is characterized by the appearance of scattered light- to dark-brown macules and patches on the face. Recently, several lasers have been proposed as treatment options for melasma. In particular, the picosecond alexandrite laser is an ideal laser for selective photothermal melanolysis. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness in melanolysis of a single treatment of the picosecond alexandrite laser with that of the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser using reflectance confocal microscopy imaging of the melasma lesions. Materials and methods We performed a spilt-face study using the picosecond alexandrite laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in eight patients with melasma. Both melasma lesions and surrounding normal skin were examined under reflectance confocal microscopy 1 and 24 hours after treatment. The melanin intensity of each skin layer was investigated. Results At baseline, melasma has irregular melanin distribution and a higher melanin density than surrounding normal skin under reflectance confocal microscopy. After a single treatment with either the picosecond alexandrite laser or the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, both melanin-induced reflectance and melanin index decreased. Conclusion Our findings suggest that it is feasible to assess the distribution of melanin by reflectance confocal microscopy and observe the melanolysis in melasma lesion after laser treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 9999:1-7, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
Externí odkaz: