Study of Acid Peel and Laser for the Treatment of Melasma

A Randomized, Rater-blinded, Split-face Comparison of the Efficacy of 30 % Salicylic Acid Peel vs. Q-switched Nd:Yag Laser for the Treatment of Melasma.

The objective of this study is to evaluate laser treatment and acid peel for the treatment of melasma.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser treatment and acid peel for the treatment of melasma.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of melasma lesion measuring at least 4 square centimeters.
• Age 18-75 years.
• Good health.
• Willingness and ability to understand and provide informed consent for participation in the study.
• Ability to communicate with the investigator.
• Must be willing to forgo other treatment options for melasma during the course of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to understand the protocol or to give informed consent.
• Mental illness.
• Under 18 years of age and over 75 years of age.
• Laser treatment in the last 6 months before enrollment.
• Isotretinoin within the past year.
• Lidocaine allergy.
• History of herpes simplex viral infection.
• Concurrent active disease to facial area (i.e acne).
• Bleeding disorder.
• History of abnormal wound healing.
• History of abnormal scarring.