Medical Lasers

Korean Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (대한의학레이저학회)
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Efficacy of 694-nm Fractional Toning Ruby Laser in the Treatment of Malar Melasma

  • Kim, Jun Hyun (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital) ;
  • Park, Eun Soo (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital) ;
  • Nam, Seung Min (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital) ;
  • Cha, Han Gyu (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital)
  • Received : 2020.12.08
  • Accepted : 2021.02.08
  • Published : 2021.03.31
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Abstract

Background and Objectives Among the numerous available therapies, the usefulness of laser treatment has been proven in melasma, especially for refractory to topical agents or chemical peels. This study evaluated the effectiveness of 694-nm wavelength fractional toning ruby laser in melasma presenting on the malar area. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study of 40 melasma patients treated with 694-nm wavelength ruby fractional toning laser for a total of 8 cycles at intervals of 2 to 3 weeks. Two independent investigators assessed the photographic findings and evaluated the severity of melasma by applying the Melasma Severity Scale (MSS). Subject satisfaction score was also surveyed at every visit. Results After the 4th treatment, subjects were continuously satisfied with their results. At the 8th visit and 1-month after the last treatment, MSS was determined to be significantly improved as compared to the first visit. One case of minor hypopigmentation was reported, but was resolved after one month. Conclusion Application of 694-nm wavelength fractional toning ruby laser for treating melasma on the malar area showed significant improvement in the MSS. Moreover, the treatment could be repeatedly applied, with low complication rate and significant patient satisfaction.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the Soonchunhyang University Research Fund.

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