In each patient, one side of the face was treated with non-ablative fractional laser in four-five sessions.

Note: this study had a split-face design. In each patient, each side of the face was randomized to receive either non-ablative fractional laser therapy or triple topical therapy.

In each patient, one side of the face was treated with triple topical therapy (Hydroquinone 5%, tretinoin 0.05%, triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%) during 15 weeks.

Note: this study had a split-face design. In each patient, each side of the face was randomized to receive either non-ablative fractional laser therapy or triple topical therapy.

1,550 nm non-ablative fractional laser Irradiance: 15 mJ/microbeam. Coverage: 14-20%. Number of treatment sessions: 4-5

Improvement of hyperpigmentation was assessed by an independent blinded dermatologist. The results were scored on a scale from zero to six (0: total clearance (100% improvement), 1: almost total clearance (90-99% improvement), 2: distinct clearance (75-89% improvement) 3: moderate clearance (50-74% improvement) 4: mild clearance (25-49% improvement) 5: no change, 6: worsening of hyperpigmentation).

Improvement of hyperpigmentation was assessed by color measurement through reflectance spectroscopy (Microflash 200 d, Datacolor International, Lawrenceville, GA). This instrument, with an aperture of 4 mm, determines color by measuring the intensity of reflected light of particular wavelengths. In this study, the obtained L value, indicating the lightness of the measured area of skin, was used.