BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVE: Melasma is a common disorder of hypermelanosis, and although numerous treatment modalities have been employed, many cases are refractory to treatment or the improvement after therapy is temporary. METHODS: The clinical files, treatment parameters, and photographs of a 59-year-old female with black skin with refractory malar dermal melasma treated using a fractionally ablative CO₂ laser (Affirm 10,600 nm) for seven sessions were carefully reviewed. RESULTS: After treatment, clinical improvement was achieved. CONCLUSION: The fractional ablative CO₂ laser is a potentially safe and effective modality for the treatment of dermal melasma in Fitzpatrick type V skin.
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVE: Melasma is a common disorder of hypermelanosis, and although numerous treatment modalities have been employed, many cases are refractory to treatment or the improvement after therapy is temporary. METHODS: The clinical files, treatment parameters, and photographs of a 59-year-old female with black skin with refractory malar dermal melasma treated using a fractionally ablative CO₂ laser (Affirm 10,600 nm) for seven sessions were carefully reviewed. RESULTS: After treatment, clinical improvement was achieved. CONCLUSION: The fractional ablative CO₂ laser is a potentially safe and effective modality for the treatment of dermal melasma in Fitzpatrick type V skin.
Authors: Orlando Oliveira de Morais; Érica Freitas Lima Lemos; Márcia Carolline dos Santos Sousa; Ciro Martins Gomes; Izelda Maria Carvalho Costa; Carmen Déa Ribeiro de Paula Journal: An Bras Dermatol Date: 2013 Mar-Apr Impact factor: 1.896