Intense pulsed light for the treatment of facial freckles in Asian skin

Successful Treatment of Freckles by Alex Trivantage Laser Wavelight 755 nm in Vietnamese Patients

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Alex Trivantage laser wavelength 755 nm (ATL) in the treatment of freckles at Hanoi Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, Vietnam.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A group of 30 patients with freckles were treated by ATL (Alex Trivantage-Candela Co America) with spots size 3 mm, wavelength 755 mm, and energy 5-6 j/cm2. All the patients were treated 2 times with 4-weeks interval. The results were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. The colour of the lesions was evaluated by using Von-Luchan's chromatic scale and Visia® complex analysis system. Brown spot index (BSI) was calculated by the VISA complexion analysis system devices. The data was analysed by SPSS 16.0.

RESULTS

After 2 times of treatment, the lesion colour of all of the patients had been improved. The good and very good levels of improvement were noted in 63.3% of patients; there was 26.7% of them had partial improvement. Brown spots index was significantly improved (39.13 ± 20.66 before and 54.23 ± 16.78 after treatment; p < 0.001). Hyperpigmentation was noted in 6.7% of patients.

CONCLUSION

freckles have been improved by treatment with Alex trivantage laser wavelength 755 nm with safety.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pigmentary Disorders in Asian Skin

Individuals of Asian heritage are predisposed to congenital and acquired pigmentary disorders. Cosmetic enhancement is frequently the primary treatment goal for these benign lesions. Accurate diagnosis of the nature of the pigmentary disorder is fundamental for administering safe and effective therapy. Before the advent of modern laser technology, such reported treatments as cryotherapy, dermabrasion, chemical peeling, and surgical excision resulted in unpredictable results. This article focuses on the diagnosis of disorders of pigmentation in Asian patients and reviews laser and light treatment modalities.

A comparison of Q-switched alexandrite laser and intense pulsed light for the treatment of freckles and lentigines in Asian persons: A randomized, physician-blinded, split-face comparative trial

BACKGROUND

Q-switched (QS) pigmented lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) successfully treat pigment disorders.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare efficacy and side effects of QS alexandrite laser (QSAL) and IPL for freckle and lentigo treatment in Asians.

METHODS

In all, 15 patients with freckles and 17 patients with lentigines were treated randomly with one session QSAL in one cheek and two sessions IPL in the other cheek at 4-week intervals. Efficacy was determined using a new pigmentation area and severity index score.

RESULTS

All patients experienced improvement (P < .0001). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation developed in one patient with freckles and 8 patients with lentigines after QSAL. No postinflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred after IPL. Freckles achieved greater improvement after QSAL than IPL (P = .04). In lentigines, the results after IPL were better than QSAL among those with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after QSAL.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include a small case number and short follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

QSAL was superior to IPL for freckle treatment. IPL should be used for lentigines in Asian persons.

Intense Pulsed Light for the Treatment of Refractory Melasma in Asian Persons

BACKGROUND

Patients with dermal or mixed-type melasmas are often refractory to various treatments. Intense pulsed light has been used to treat melanocytic lesions with promising results.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of intense pulsed light for refractory melasma in Asian persons.

METHODS

Seventeen patients were treated with intense pulsed light, during four sessions at 4-week intervals. The patients were also given 4% hydroquinone cream and broad-spectrum sunscreens to prevent and treat postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sixteen patients in the control group were treated with hydroquinone cream and sunscreens. The treatment efficacy was evaluated using reflectance spectrophotometer and patient satisfaction questionnaire.

RESULTS

Patients in the intense pulsed light group achieved an average of 39.8% improvement in relative melanin index, compared to 11.6% improvement in the control group (p<0.05) at Week 16. Six (35%) patients in the intense pulsed light group had more than 50% improvement, compared to two (14%) patients in the control group. Two patients in the intense pulsed light group, however, experienced transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and partial repigmentation was noted 24 weeks after the last treatment session.

CONCLUSION

Intense pulsed light is a safe and effective treatment for refractory melasma in Asian persons, with minimal side effects. Further treatment sessions are required for maintenance therapy.