Clinical Experience With the Use of a 675 nm Laser System With a Faster Treatment Strategy for Melasma in Indian Patients
Ruta Joshi, Ojas Kulkarni, Irene Fusco, Tiziano Zingoni, Dipak Kulkarni, Swapnil ShahAbstract
Background
Melasma is a commonly acquired hyperpigmentation disorder.
Objectives
This is a retrospective, clinical study conducted to evaluate the use of 675-nm wavelength laser treatment in Indian patients affected by facial melasma.
Methods
A total of 52 patients with clinically diagnosed melasma were treated with a 675-nm laser system. All participants underwent four treatment sessions, each performed at 27 ± 7-day intervals. Patient’s pigment reduction and skin homogeneity were assessed with photographic documentation and with the use of the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) at baseline, and 3-month follow up after the last laser treatment. In addition, patients’ satisfaction scores were evaluated.
Results
mMASI score significantly decreased from 3.8 ± 2.3 at baseline to 2.8 ± 1.7 after treatment. The photographic assessment was consistent with a reduction in pigmentation following treatment. Concerning patient satisfaction scores, 13% of participants reported not being satisfied, 29% were slightly satisfied, 32% were moderately satisfied, and 26% were very satisfied with the overall treatment outcome. There were no major adverse effects reported during the treatment period.
Conclusions
The application of the 675-nm laser was associated with short-term improvement to reduce pigmentary symptoms associated with facial melasma in both Indian men and women. However, the retrospective design, absence of a control group, and relatively short follow-up period limit the strength of these findings. Further prospective controlled studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm efficacy and durability of results.