Melasma treatment in Korean women using a 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with low pulse energy.

The efficacy of a 1064-nm Q-switched neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (QS Nd:YAG) laser with low pulse energy in the treatment of melasma in 25 women was assessed by retrospective analysis of clinical photographs and patient satisfaction rates. Follow-up results 2 months after the last treatment revealed that, as defined by our grading scale, 11 of the 25 patients (44%) had marked clinical improvement: 7 of these (28%) had near-total clinical improvement, 5 had moderate clinical improvement and 2 had minimal to no improvement. Our data suggest that the use of a QS Nd:YAG laser with low pulse energy is an effective, easily performed treatment for melasma in selected East Asian patients.