Could 675-nm Laser Treatment Be Effective for Facial Melasma Even in Darker Phototype?

Objective: The study assesses the safety and efficacy of a 675-nm laser source on melasma. Background: Melasma is a frequent acquired skin disease defined by the presence of hyperpigmented macules on the face. Methods: Study protocol included up to three sessions of the 675-nm laser. Objective evaluation was assessed by using a 5-point visual analogue pain scale (VAS) (range, 0-4). Treatment tolerance was assessed using the 5-point VAS. Results: A mean 3.1 ± 0.7 improvement was reached according to photographic evaluation by VAS. Patients treated one time showed mean clearance of 3.3 ± 0.76, patients treated two times showed mean clearance of 3.0 ± 0.71, and patients treated three times showed mean clearance of 3.0 ± 1. Pain score mean was 1.2 ± 0.4. Conclusions: The 675-nm laser system seems to be safe and effective even in the treatment of facial melasma in patients with Fitzpatrick phototypes IV to V.