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Pulse in pulse intense pulsed light for melasma treatment: a pilot study
Jong Yoon Chung1, Mira Choi, Jae Hyung Lee
1Department of Dermatology, Samsung Medical Center, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea.
Summary
Pulse-in-pulse intense pulsed light (PIP IPL) offers a safe and effective treatment for melasma, showing significant improvement in skin pigmentation and patient satisfaction with reduced discomfort.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Aesthetic Medicine
- Phototherapy
Background:
- A novel intense pulsed light (IPL) device featuring pulse-in-pulse (PIP) mode has been developed.
- PIP mode delivers multiple fractionated subpulses within a single pulse width.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of PIP IPL for treating melasma.
- Comparison of PIP IPL with conventional IPL combined with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.
Main Methods:
- A split-face study design was employed, treating one side with PIP IPL and the other with IPL/T.
- Six treatment sessions were administered bi-weekly.
- Clinical outcomes were evaluated using photography, modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores, melanin/erythema indices, and patient satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Both PIP IPL and IPL/T significantly reduced the melanin index.
- The modified MASI score decreased by 54.4% with PIP IPL and 50.0% with IPL/T.
- Patients reported less discomfort with PIP IPL and favored this treatment modality.
Conclusions:
- PIP IPL demonstrates potential as a safe and effective therapeutic option for melasma.
- The treatment shows promising results in improving melasma severity and patient experience.
