Pigment · Melasma (mixed / dermal)
Laser toning qswitched or picosecond evidence for Melasma (mixed / dermal)
There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers 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 2017 Last 5 years 32% Positive results 65% Korea/Asia 8
Known in Korea as
Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.
Key papers
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.
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
View on PubMedtier1 Comparison of Picosecond and Nanosecond Nd:YAG 1064-nm Lasers in the Treatment of Melasma: A Split-Face Randomized Clinical Trial.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is a refractory pigmentary disorder. The picosecond Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser (PSNY) has promise as a better treatment for melasma with few side effects and favorable therapeutic efficacy. The authors evaluated the efficacy and safety of PSNY and the nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser (QSNY) in patients with melasma.
Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article
View on PubMedtier1 Single and combined 1064 nm Q-switched Nd: YAG laser therapy in melasma: A meta-analysis.
Abstract summary (English) PURPOSE: This article attempted to describe the efficacy and safety of 1064QNYL in combination with other treatments for refractory melasma. METHODS: Two researchers independently retrieved randomized controlled trials (RCTs) according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Primary outcome was evaluated with MASI and mMASI scores in control group and experiment group.
Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
View on PubMedtier1 Oral tranexamic acid, hydroquinone 4% and low-fluence 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for mixed melasma: Clinical and dermoscopic evaluation.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TA) can prevent melanocyte activation by various stimuli. Combining TA with either hydroquinone 4% or Q-switched Nd:YAG laser may be associated with greater improvement of melasma. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral TA alone and combined with either topical hydroquinone 4% or low-fluence 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in treatment of mixed melasma.
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedtier1 Comparison of the Efficacy of Melasma Treatments: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Abstract summary (English) Background: Melasma is an acquired pigmentation disorder with challenges in treatment because of its refractory nature and high risk of recurrence. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and side effects of 14 common therapies for melasma using a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched till...
Systematic Review, Journal Article
View on PubMedtier1 A prospective randomized comparative study on 60 Indian patients of melasma, comparing pixel Q-switched NdYAG (1064 nm), super skin rejuvenation (540 nm) and ablative pixel erbium YAG (2940 nm) lasers, with a review of the literature.
Abstract summary (English) Background: Treating melasma is a challenge due to suboptimal efficacy and recurrence encountered with most modalities. There is inadequate literature regarding the use of lasers for melasma in Indian skin. We compared three modalities SSR (Super Skin Rejuvenation 540 nm), PQSNDY (pixel Q-switched Nd: YAG 1064 nm), and ablative pixel-Er: YAG (2940 nm) laser in melasma, amongst Indian patients.
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedtier1 A split-face, investigator-blinded comparative study on the efficacy and safety of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser plus microneedling with vitamin C versus Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of recalcitrant melasma.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: High recurrence has previously been reported in the treatment of melasma with low-fluence 1,064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (QS-Nd:YAG) laser. On the other hand, the efficacy and safety of the QS-Nd:YAG laser plus microneedling with vitamin C have not been evaluated in patients with mixed-type melasma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with recalcitrant dermal- or...
Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedtier1 Low-fluence Q-switched Nd: YAG 1064-nm laser and intense pulsed light for the treatment of melasma.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser (LFQS) and intense pulsed light (IPL) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of melasma. LFQS can target deeper pigment, while IPL can target a wide range of cutaneous structures. However, there is limited information on efficacy and side-effects of the combined treatment.
Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedtier1 A randomized, split-face clinical trial of low-fluence Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (1,064 nm) laser versus low-fluence Q-switched alexandrite laser (755 nm) for the treatment of facial melasma.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is distressing for patients and challenging for physicians to treat. Clinical data from controlled comparative studies is lacking to support the efficacy, longevity, and safety of laser treatments for melasma. OBJECTIVE: Compare the efficacy and safety of low fluence Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (1,064 nm) laser (Nd:YAG) versus low-fluence Q-switched alexandrite laser (755...
Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
View on PubMedtier1 Q-switched Nd: YAG laser versus trichloroacetic acid peeling in the treatment of melasma among Egyptian patients.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common disorder of facial hyperpigmentation that is often resistant to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling in comparison with double frequency Q-switched neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum garnet (QS-Nd:YAG) laser in the treatment of melasma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-five adult Egyptian female patients with melasma were enrolled in this study.
Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedPersonalized evidence report
Tell us more about your concern
and the Glass Lab bot will build a personalized report for you.
Based on the Laser toning qswitched or picosecond · Melasma (mixed / dermal) information on this page, we'll email you an evidence summary tailored to your skin condition and treatment stage.