GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Pigment · Melasma (epidermal)

Laser toning qswitched or picosecond evidence for Melasma (epidermal)

A 65.2 / 100 Supported 39 RCT/meta · 20 clinical/observational · 13 case · 125 total
Strong evidence · positive conclusion

This procedure group has the highest level of PubMed evidence for this indication, and the papers broadly support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2018 Last 5 years 36% Positive results 62% Negative results 5 Korea/Asia 33

Known in Korea as

토닝밀크토닝수소토닝스펙트라레이저 토닝바디착색토닝레블라이트 SI셀룰라이트 토닝지우개 멀티토닝헬리오스 785

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 Efficacy and safety of Q-switched laser combined with intense pulsed light in treating melasma: a meta-analysis. Frontiers in medicine · 2026 · PMID 41767513

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common dermatological disorder characterized by hyperpigmented facial patches, which significantly impacting patients' quality of life and imposing substantial economic burdens. Given the multifaceted impact of melasma, there is a pressing need for effective therapeutic strategies. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of combining Q-switched (QS) laser with intense pulsed...

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Lasers and Energy-Based Devices for Treatment of Pigmented Lesions With Histologic and Ultrastructural Imaging Correlation: A Systematic Review. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2025 · PMID 40767860

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Understanding histologic and ultrastructural changes in pigmented lesions after laser/energy-based device (EBD) treatment is essential for elucidating treatment mechanisms, optimizing outcomes, and preventing complications. OBJECTIVE: To summarize histologic and imaging findings after laser/EBD for pigmented lesions. METHODS: A systematic review using PubMed identified 39 studies examining laser/EBD...

Systematic Review, Journal Article, Review

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tier1 The Efficacy of Laser Therapy in Melasma Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025 · PMID 41378674

Abstract summary (English) INTRODUCTION: Laser treatment is one of the most common methods currently used to treat melasma. Here in, we reviewed RCTs with at least one laser therapy arm used in net form for treatment, so as to assess the use of laser therapy for melasma treatment with a degree of certainty. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed on the effectiveness of laser therapy for melasma treatment in the period from 2010...

Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review

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tier1 A pilot randomized split-face trial comparing fractional Q-Switched ruby laser and 1064-nm Q-Switched nd: YAG laser in Chinese women with melasma running titile: fQSRL vs. QSNY in melasma. Lasers in medical science · 2025 · PMID 41044286

Abstract summary (English) Laser therapy plays an essential role in the management of melasma. However, direct comparisons between the fractional Q-switched ruby laser (fQSRL) and the Q-switched 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser (QSNY) are limited, particularly in Asian populations. Therefore, we conducted this study to compare the clinical efficacy, safety, and patient-reported outcomes of fQSRL versus QSNY in the treatment of melasma.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier1 Multimodality Management of Skin Hyperpigmentation. Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2025 · PMID 40301200

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Skin hyperpigmentation, caused by excessive melanin production, presents both aesthetic and psychological concerns. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is a key treatment modality, with effectiveness influenced by factors such as skin type, laser fluence, and treatment frequency. A multimodal approach combining laser therapy and medical treatment may enhance outcomes.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Comparative efficacy and safety of the novel Picosecond Alexandrite Laser and the traditional combined Q-switched and long-pulse Nd: YAG lasers in melasma treatment: a randomized evaluator-blinded trial. Lasers in medical science · 2025 · PMID 39843829

Abstract summary (English) Melasma significantly impacts life quality, and while various laser therapies show promise, rigorous comparative studies, especially between the novel Picosecond Alexandrite Laser (PSAL) and the traditional combined modality of Q-switched and Long-pulse Nd: YAG Lasers (QLNYL), are notably lacking. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the efficacy and safety of these modalities, providing insights into...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier1 Novel 532-nm Q-switched Nd: YAG laser for the treatment of melasma and rejuvenation: a prospective, randomized controlled comparison with 1,064-nm Q-switched Nd: YAG laser. International journal of dermatology · 2024 · PMID 38411341

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common pigmentary and photoaging disorder. Although various treatments, including 1,064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (QS-Nd: YAG) laser toning, are available for melasma, results are often unsatisfactory. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of 532-nm QS-Nd: YAG laser (shortwave toning) in patients with melasma and facial rejuvenation.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier1 Comparison of 755-nm picosecond alexandrite laser versus 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for melasma: A randomized, split-face controlled, 2-year follow-up study. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2024 · PMID 38282099

Abstract summary (English) OBJECTIVES: Pulsed laser treatment of melasma has shown some promising results. To compare the effectiveness and safety of 755-nm picosecond alexandrite laser (PSAL) fitted with diffractive lens array (DLA) versus 1064-nm Q-switched neodynimum:yttrium aluminum garnet laser (QSNYL) for the treatment of melasma. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, split face controlled, 2-year follow-up study.

Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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tier1 Efficacy and safety of laser-related therapy for melasma: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2023 · PMID 37737021

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is a prevalent, persistent hyperpigmentation disorder that negatively affects the psychological health of patients. However, the treatment outcome remains unsatisfactory due to the complexity of pathogenesis, recurrence characteristics, and relatively high morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To compare the performance of laser-related therapies in improving the melasma area severity index (MASI) score of...

Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, Comparative Study, Review

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tier1 Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2023 · PMID 37128827

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Vitamin C is a micronutrient present in high concentrations in normal skin and a highly prescribed cosmeceutical, well known for protecting against ultraviolet-induced pigmentation and regulating collagen production. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the efficacy of topical vitamin C in photoaging and melasma, with this systematic review being the first to assess the existing evidence. AIM:...

Systematic Review, Journal Article

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