Clinical Study of a Q-Switched Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser with Different Parameters in the Treatment of Chloasma: A Randomized-Controlled Trial

To explore the clinical efficacy of a Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser with different parameters in the treatment of chloasma. In this study, 30 patients with chloasma, symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides of the face and who were treated with a Fayton Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, were recruited. The patients were randomly selected for the treatment of facial lesions on the left and right sides of the face using a spot diameter of 9 mm and an energy density of 0.8 J/cm² on one side, and, on the opposite side, a spot diameter of 6 mm with an energy density of 1.2 J/cm². The laser frequency was 5 Hz and treatment was conducted once every 7-10 days and repeated eight times as a course of treatment. At the end of the course of treatment, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment, front-facing images and 45° left- and right-side images were taken, respectively. The curative effect of the treatment was evaluated using the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) score. The results of this study showed that the total effective rate of a Fayton Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of chloasma was 60%. Using a Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser represents a safe and effective approach for the treatment of chloasma. The therapeutic effects of the parameter sets, that is, a spot diameter of 9 mm and an energy density of 0.8 J/cm², and a spot diameter of 6 mm with an energy density of 1.2 J/cm², were similar. The treatment time and average effective times of the latter were relatively shortened. Clinical Trial Registration number researchregistry6799.