OBJECTIVE

The multifactorial pathogenesis and recurrent course of melasma significantly complicate its treatment. Laser and light treatment in melasma, including intensive pulsed light, is aimed at resolving excess pigment in the skin but does not affect the underlying pathogenesis of the disease. Therefore, relapses often occur, primarily if laser treatment is used as monotherapy. In addition, cosmetic dermatology practitioners constantly need an effective revitalizing agent that can be used for combined protocols with physical treatments. The presented study addresses this topic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included patients (n=31; 27 females and 4 males, aged 32 to 61 years) with pigment spots who were diagnosed with an epidermal, dermal, or mixed form of melasma (ICD-10 code L81.1). The patients were treated with an ultra-short pulse picosecond-range alexandrite laser. All patients met the eligibility criteria.

RESULTS

The combined treatment protocol based on picosecond laser and injectable polyrevitalizing agent was effective as a part of complex therapy in patients with epidermal, dermal, and mixed forms of melasma (ICD-10 code L81.1). This method was shown to be safe and effective.

CONCLUSION

The use of the combined protocol in the treatment of melasma (polyrevitalizing agent combined with alexandrite laser with an ultra-short picosecond-range pulse) for two months resulted in a reduction, fragmentation, and blanching of pigment spots, improvement of skin structure that improved the quality of life of patients.