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

Pigment · Melasma (mixed / dermal)

Laser toning qswitched or picosecond evidence for Melasma (mixed / dermal)

B 59.9 / 100 Supported 11 RCT/meta · 9 clinical/observational · 5 case · 40 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers 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 2017 Last 5 years 32% Positive results 65% Korea/Asia 8

Known in Korea as

토닝밀크토닝수소토닝스펙트라레이저 토닝바디착색토닝레블라이트 SI셀룰라이트 토닝지우개 멀티토닝헬리오스 785

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

Key papers

tier1 Novel 532-nm Q-switched Nd: YAG laser for the treatment of melasma and rejuvenation: a prospective, randomized controlled comparison with 1,064-nm Q-switched Nd: YAG laser. International journal of dermatology · 2024 · PMID 38411341

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common pigmentary and photoaging disorder. Although various treatments, including 1,064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (QS-Nd: YAG) laser toning, are available for melasma, results are often unsatisfactory. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of 532-nm QS-Nd: YAG laser (shortwave toning) in patients with melasma and facial rejuvenation.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier1 Comparison of Picosecond and Nanosecond Nd:YAG 1064-nm Lasers in the Treatment of Melasma: A Split-Face Randomized Clinical Trial. Plastic and reconstructive surgery · 2022 · PMID 36729879

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is a refractory pigmentary disorder. The picosecond Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser (PSNY) has promise as a better treatment for melasma with few side effects and favorable therapeutic efficacy. The authors evaluated the efficacy and safety of PSNY and the nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser (QSNY) in patients with melasma.

Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article

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tier1 Single and combined 1064 nm Q-switched Nd: YAG laser therapy in melasma: A meta-analysis. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2022 · PMID 35876484

Abstract summary (English) PURPOSE: This article attempted to describe the efficacy and safety of 1064QNYL in combination with other treatments for refractory melasma. METHODS: Two researchers independently retrieved randomized controlled trials (RCTs) according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Primary outcome was evaluated with MASI and mMASI scores in control group and experiment group.

Journal Article, Meta-Analysis

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tier1 Oral tranexamic acid, hydroquinone 4% and low-fluence 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for mixed melasma: Clinical and dermoscopic evaluation. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2021 · PMID 33826785

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TA) can prevent melanocyte activation by various stimuli. Combining TA with either hydroquinone 4% or Q-switched Nd:YAG laser may be associated with greater improvement of melasma. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral TA alone and combined with either topical hydroquinone 4% or low-fluence 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in treatment of mixed melasma.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Comparison of the Efficacy of Melasma Treatments: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in medicine · 2021 · PMID 34660626

Abstract summary (English) Background: Melasma is an acquired pigmentation disorder with challenges in treatment because of its refractory nature and high risk of recurrence. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and side effects of 14 common therapies for melasma using a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched till...

Systematic Review, Journal Article

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tier1 A prospective randomized comparative study on 60 Indian patients of melasma, comparing pixel Q-switched NdYAG (1064 nm), super skin rejuvenation (540 nm) and ablative pixel erbium YAG (2940 nm) lasers, with a review of the literature. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology · 2019 · PMID 31010346

Abstract summary (English) Background: Treating melasma is a challenge due to suboptimal efficacy and recurrence encountered with most modalities. There is inadequate literature regarding the use of lasers for melasma in Indian skin. We compared three modalities SSR (Super Skin Rejuvenation 540 nm), PQSNDY (pixel Q-switched Nd: YAG 1064 nm), and ablative pixel-Er: YAG (2940 nm) laser in melasma, amongst Indian patients.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 A split-face, investigator-blinded comparative study on the efficacy and safety of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser plus microneedling with vitamin C versus Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of recalcitrant melasma. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology · 2017 · PMID 28657378

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: High recurrence has previously been reported in the treatment of melasma with low-fluence 1,064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (QS-Nd:YAG) laser. On the other hand, the efficacy and safety of the QS-Nd:YAG laser plus microneedling with vitamin C have not been evaluated in patients with mixed-type melasma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with recalcitrant dermal- or...

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Low-fluence Q-switched Nd: YAG 1064-nm laser and intense pulsed light for the treatment of melasma. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · 2014 · PMID 25413592

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser (LFQS) and intense pulsed light (IPL) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of melasma. LFQS can target deeper pigment, while IPL can target a wide range of cutaneous structures. However, there is limited information on efficacy and side-effects of the combined treatment.

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 A randomized, split-face clinical trial of low-fluence Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (1,064 nm) laser versus low-fluence Q-switched alexandrite laser (755 nm) for the treatment of facial melasma. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2014 · PMID 24895301

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is distressing for patients and challenging for physicians to treat. Clinical data from controlled comparative studies is lacking to support the efficacy, longevity, and safety of laser treatments for melasma. OBJECTIVE: Compare the efficacy and safety of low fluence Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (1,064 nm) laser (Nd:YAG) versus low-fluence Q-switched alexandrite laser (755...

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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tier1 Q-switched Nd: YAG laser versus trichloroacetic acid peeling in the treatment of melasma among Egyptian patients. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2014 · PMID 25068546

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common disorder of facial hyperpigmentation that is often resistant to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling in comparison with double frequency Q-switched neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum garnet (QS-Nd:YAG) laser in the treatment of melasma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-five adult Egyptian female patients with melasma were enrolled in this study.

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

View on PubMed

Suggested interpretation

Strong evidence base

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