High-Potency Depigmenting Mask Delivered via 1,927-nm Fractional Laser in Refractory Melasma: A Pilot Case Series
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Melasma is a chronic, relapsing hyperpigmentation disorder and may remain refractory despite multiple topical agents and procedural approaches. Case Presentation We report a case series of six women with Fitzpatrick skin types III–V and longstanding, treatment-resistant facial melasma managed with a multimodal protocol consisting of (1) a 16-week home regimen (twice-daily depigmenting cosmeceutical serum and daily high-protection sunscreen) and (2) two sessions of low-energy, low-density 1,927-nm fractional thulium laser at 4-week intervals, immediately followed by laser-assisted delivery of a compounded depigmenting mask (hydroquinone, retinoic acid, kojic acid, triamcinolone acetonide, vitamins C and E). Clinical response was assessed using the Melasma Severity Scale (MSS), standardized photography, and patient satisfaction. At week 16, all patients improved: 4 achieved >75% clinical improvement and 2 achieved 50–75% improvement, with high satisfaction and no significant adverse events beyond transient darkening and mild desquamation. Clinical benefits remained stable 12 weeks after the final laser session. Conclusion This case series suggests that 1,927-nm fractional thulium laser-assisted delivery of a high-potency depigmenting compound, supported by topical priming and strict photoprotection, may be a feasible option for selected patients with refractory melasma.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health. Reported size: 16 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Chaos and quantum thermalization
- The Dalton quantum chemistry program system
- Cord Blood Leptin and Adiponectin as Predictors of Adiposity in Children at 3 Years of Age: A Prospective Cohort Study
- Quantitative metabolomics by H-NMR and LC-MS/MS confirms altered metabolic pathways in diabetes
- Stable adiabatic quantum batteries
- A novel self-lipid antigen targets human T cells against CD1c(+) leukemias
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.