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Treatment of Melasma Targeting Dermal-Epidermal Interactions Utilizing High-Intensity, High-Frequency Parallel
1Hills Grace Clinic, Yokohama, Japan.
Background:
Melasma is a multifactorial disorder, and while treatments aimed at suppressing melanin production and removing excess melanin have demonstrated some efficacy, no definitive therapy has yet been established. Dermal aging is widely recognized as a contributing factor in melasma, and previous studies have demonstrated that the presence of senescent fibroblasts reduces the efficacy of melasma treatments. Therefore, treatment strategies focused on reactivating fibroblast activity are anticipated to be effective against melasma.
Objective:
The objective of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of the Thermal-Thread Technique, which utilizes high-intensity, high-frequency parallel ultrasound beams for the treatment of melasma among Asian subjects.
Study Design/Methods:
Patients diagnosed with melasma, regardless of disease type, duration, or Fitzpatrick skin type, underwent a single treatment session covering the entire face utilizing a high-intensity, high-frequency parallel ultrasound beam with Thermal-Thread Technique. High-resolution skin images were captured using a skin analyzer before treatment and six months after the treatment. Two independent evaluators assessed these images using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) scoring system to objectively evaluate treatment efficacy. Statistical analyses of the mMASI scores were performed using paired t-tests. All potential side effects were carefully monitored both during and after the procedure.
Results:
All patients (n = 20, female, mean age: 50.5 ± 5.7) completed the study. The distribution of Fitzpatrick skin types among participants was as follows: type II (n = 7), type III (n = 11), and type IV (n = 2). The mean mMASI score significantly decreased from 4.63 ± 1.66 at baseline to 1.69 ± 0.90 six months post-treatment (p = 1.53e-9; p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed among FST groups (F(2,17) = 1.68, p = 0.216). No side effects were observed or reported during or after the treatment period.
Conclusion:
The improvement in mMASI scores observed with the Thermal-Thread Technique, utilizing a high-intensity, high-frequency parallel ultrasound beam, demonstrates its potential as an effective treatment for melasma. Further research is necessary to evaluate its efficacy in more severe cases, extend the observational period, and investigate the potential benefits associated with multiple treatment sessions.
Insights
The Thermal-Thread Technique effectively reduced melasma severity in Asian subjects, showing significant improvement in mMASI scores with no reported side effects. Further studies are recommended for severe cases and longer observation periods.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Aesthetic Medicine
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Melasma is a common skin condition influenced by factors including dermal aging and fibroblast senescence.
- Current melasma treatments targeting melanin production have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Reactivating fibroblast activity is a promising approach for melasma treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Thermal-Thread Technique for treating melasma in Asian individuals.
- To assess the impact of high-intensity, high-frequency parallel ultrasound beams on melasma.
- To investigate a novel treatment approach for melasma.
Main Methods:
- Twenty Asian subjects with melasma received a single full-face treatment using the Thermal-Thread Technique.
- High-resolution skin images were analyzed using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) before and six months after treatment.
- Safety was monitored throughout the study, and statistical analysis was performed on mMASI scores.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in mean mMASI scores was observed, decreasing from 4.63 at baseline to 1.69 six months post-treatment (p < 0.001).
- The treatment demonstrated consistent efficacy across different Fitzpatrick skin types (II, III, and IV).
- No adverse side effects were reported during or after the treatment period, indicating a favorable safety profile.
Conclusions:
- The Thermal-Thread Technique shows significant potential as an effective treatment for melasma.
- Further research is warranted to explore its efficacy in more severe melasma cases and over extended periods.
- Investigating the benefits of multiple treatment sessions could further optimize outcomes.
