NYMC Faculty Publications
Fractional CO2 Laser and Adjunctive Therapies in Skin of Color Melasma Patients
Author Type(s)
Faculty
Journal Title
JAAD International
First Page
118
Last Page
123
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2022
Department
Dermatology
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ablative lasers have long been considered an unfavorable option for melasma in patients with skin of color and continue to be underutilized. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and outcomes of ablative fractional CO lasers on refractory melasma in patients with skin of color. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 12 patients from a single-center dermatology clinic. The study included refractory melasma patients receiving ablative fractional CO₂ laser therapy alone or with laser toning and/or tranexamic acid (TXA). A validated modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) scoring scale was used to assess disease severity at baseline and approximately 1 month after each treatment session. RESULTS: Among the 12 patients, 41.7% patients showed >50% reduction in mMASI scores with 33.3% of patients showing statistical significance ( < .05). The CO₂ laser therapy with the TXA cohort showed the largest decrease in the mean mMASI scores and the CO₂ laser with laser toning showed the lowest decrease in scores. Patients who started on oral TXA earlier, after their initial ablative laser session, showed better clinical improvement. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study design with short follow-up period and a small sample size. CONCLUSION: Ablative CO laser treatment may be a reasonable option for refractory melasma in patients with skin of color, though future research is needed.
Recommended Citation
Kim, C., Gao, J. C., Moy, J., & Lee, H. S. (2022). Fractional CO2 Laser and Adjunctive Therapies in Skin of Color Melasma Patients. JAAD International, 8, 118-123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdin.2022.02.010
