Efficacy of 577 nm pro-yellow laser in the treatment of melasma: a prospective split-face study.

We aimed to study the effectiveness of 577 nm pro-yellow laser in the treatment of melasma. A total of 82 patients with melasma were included in this comparative study. A detailed medical history, examination, and calculation of Melasma Area and Severity Index were done for all patients. All participants were treated with topical sunscreen and hydroquinone 4% cream on both sides of the face. In addition, the left side of the face was subjected to a single pass of 577-nm pro-yellow laser at a monthly interval for three sessions. Follow up was done by comparing the Melasma area and severity index at 0, 3 and 6 months. At baseline, there is no significant difference in the Melasma area and severity index score between both sides of the face. At 3 months, MASI score was statistically significantly decreased on both sides of the face compared to pretreatment (P < .05). At 6 months, the mean MASI score at the laser-treated side was statistically significantly decreased compared to the non-laser-treated side (P < .05). we concluded that the addition of 577 nm pro-yellow laser in the treatment of melasma leads to maintain the improvement and reduction of the recurrence rate.