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

Pigment · Melasma (epidermal)

Picosecond laser pigment evidence for Melasma (epidermal)

A 69.5 / 100 Supported 23 RCT/meta · 7 clinical/observational · 7 case · 58 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 2022 Last 5 years 66% Positive results 78% Negative results 5 Korea/Asia 24

Known in Korea as

피코슈어피코웨이피코토닝피코플러스피코슈어 프로피코 색소레이저

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

Key papers

tier1 Efficacy of Alexandrite picosecond laser therapy with and without dermal polyrevitalisation (NCTF® 135 HA) in patients with melasma: A Randomised Controlled Trial. La Clinica terapeutica · 2026 · PMID 42047123

Abstract summary (English) OBJECTIVES: This randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of Alexandrite picosecond laser therapy combined with dermal polyrevitalisation (NCTF® 135 HA) with laser therapy alone for reducing the severity of melasma. The outcomes were assessed using 3D imaging and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The secondary objectives were to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the combined...

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of Picosecond Alexandrite Lasers in the Management of Melasma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Control Trials. The Australasian journal of dermatology · 2026 · PMID 41589005

Abstract summary (English) Melasma is a chronic hyperpigmentation disorder that disproportionately affects women and individuals with darker skin types, leading to a significant psychosocial burden. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the 755-nm picosecond alexandrite laser (PSAL) compared with conventional therapies in the management of melasma. PubMed, Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar...

Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, Review

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tier1 Efficacy and safety of low-fluence 1064 nm picosecond laser with/without micro-lens arrays for melasma treatment: a randomized, split-face controlled study. Lasers in medical science · 2025 · PMID 41003821

Abstract summary (English) Low-fluence picosecond (LFPS) neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) 1064 nm laser has emerged as a promising treatment for melasma; however, its optimal strategy remains unclear. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of LFPS combined with microlens arrays (MLA) compared with LFPS alone in treating melasma. Thirty patients with melasma received LFPS alone on one side of the face (control [C] side) and LFPS...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Assessment of clinical efficacy in melasma treatment with picosecond laser combined with Shumin Star. Archives of dermatological research · 2025 · PMID 39951164

Abstract summary (English) This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of picosecond laser therapy combined with the Shumin Star in treating melasma and to explore the role of skin barrier function indicators in the assessment of this treatment process. Ninety patients with melasma were randomly divided into a study group and a control group. The study group received picosecond laser therapy combined with the Shumin Star, while the...

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 Safety and efficacy of a picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser combined with topical tranexamic acid in the treatment of melasma. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2024 · PMID 39234928

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: The picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser and topical tranexamic acid (TA) have shown promise in treating melasma. AIM: This aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining to a picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser combined with topical TA for melasma treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients' facial halves with bilateral symmetrical melasma were randomized to receive...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 755-nm picosecond laser plus topical 20% azelaic acid compared to topical 20% azelaic acid alone for the treatment of melasma: a randomized, split-face and controlled trial. Lasers in medical science · 2024 · PMID 38656631

Abstract summary (English) PURPOSE: Melasma remains a refractory skin condition that needs to be actively explored. Azelaic acid has been used for decades as a topical agent to improve melasma through multiple mechanisms, however, there is a lack of research on its combination with laser therapy. This study evaluated the effectiveness of isolated treatment with topical 20% azelaic acid and its combination with 755-nm picosecond laser in...

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 and safety of picosecond laser for the treatment of melasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers in medical science · 2023 · PMID 36897459

Abstract summary (English) Multiple laser modalities have been used for melasma treatment. However, the effectiveness of picosecond laser in treating melasma remains unclear. This meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness and safety of picosecond laser for melasma treatment.

Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article

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