Combined treatment of melasma involving low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and fractional microneedling radiofrequency

AbstractBackground: While low fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNY) demonstrates moderate efficacy in the melasma treatment for darker skin types, this single regimen still remains challenges. Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) is known to enhance dermal microenvironment, possibly offsetting pathogenic factors of melasma aggravation.Objectives: To compare the effectiveness and safety of combination therapy using low-fluence QSNY and FRM with QSNY monotherapy in Asian melasma patientsMethods: A retrospective study was undertaken for melasma patients to compare clinical data between 56 patients receiving combination regimen and 58 patients with QSNY only. For the 10 sessions at 1-week intervals, combination group was consecutively treated with QSNY and FRM, while QS toning group with QSNY alone. Two blinded dermatologists evaluated the efficacy based on modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) and the physician’s global assessment (PGA) at baseline and 3 months after the final treatment....