Efficacy and Safety of Low-Fluence 730-nm Picosecond Laser in the Treatment of Melasma in Chinese Patients

BACKGROUND The 730-nm picosecond laser has shown promise in treating various benign pigmentary conditions, and it is yet to be determined whether it is effective and safe for melasma. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the potential benefits and risks of using the 730-nm picosecond laser to remove melasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective review of all patients who presented to the clinic between April 2021 and April 2022 for the treatment of melasma with 730-nm picosecond laser alone. The efficacy of the laser was assessed based on the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score using high-resolution photographs evaluated by blinded dermatologists. RESULTS A total of 25 Chinese with Fitzpatrick skin Type II to IV were included. Patients were treated for an average of 3.56 ± 0.77 treatment sessions. The mean MASI scores decreased by 33.7% from 11.38 ± 6.60 to 7.55 ± 6.08 at an average of 8.48 ± 2.16 weeks of follow-up ( p < .001). Among the patients, 1 experienced a 79% decrease, 6 had a decrease ranging from 51% to 75%, 10 had a decrease ranging from 26% to 50%, 5 had a decrease of less than 25%, and 3 experienced no changes in MASI scores. No hyper/hypopigmentation was observed. CONCLUSION Low-fluence 730-nm picosecond laser is an effective and safe modality for the treatment of melasma in Chinese patients.