Treatment of Melasma Using Q-switched Nd: YAG Laser and Fractional CO2 Laser Separately and in Combination

Reatment of Melasma Using Q-switched Nd: YAG Laser and Fractional CO2 Laser Separately and in Combination

• All participants will be divided into 2 groups : Group A & Group B.
• Group A will be subjected to 3 consecutive sessions of Q-switched 1,064 nm Nd: YAG laser to one side of the face & fractional co2 laser to the other side of the face with one month interval between sessions.
• Group B will be subjected also to 3 consecutive sessions of Q-switched 1,064 nm Nd: YAG laser to one side of the face & an additional fractional co2 laser to the other side of the face using the above mentioned parameters with one month interval between sessions.
• Response to treatment will be assessed using the Melanin Index (MI) score, Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, spectrophotometer ( Derma catch, colorix, Neuchatel, Switzerland ) and a subjective self-assessment method.

Inclusion Criteria:

• melasma patients above 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy.
• Usage of chemical peeling 1 month prior to the study.
• Isotretinoin intake 6 months prior to the study.
• Any laser procedure related to melasma lesions 1 month prior to the study.
• Active herpetic lesions.
• Any concurrent active skin disease within the treated area.
• Photosensitive skin conditions such as systemic lupus erythematous.
• History of delayed wound healing.
• Keloid formation.
• Bleeding diathesis.
• Medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus & autoimmune diseases.