Efficacy of Alexandrite picosecond laser therapy with and without dermal polyrevitalisation (NCTF® 135 HA) in patients with melasma: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Objectives: This randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of Alexandrite picosecond laser therapy combined with dermal polyrevitalisation (NCTF® 135 HA) with laser therapy alone for reducing the severity of melasma. The outcomes were assessed using 3D imaging and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The secondary objectives were to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the combined treatment, and its impact on patients' quality of life.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted in a clinical dermatological setting in Moscow, Russia, in 2023. It was designed as a randomised controlled trial comparing two melasma treatment protocols: picosecond Alexandrite laser therapy alone versus the laser combined with the injectable polyrevitalising agent NCTF® 135 HA.

Results: A total of 31 patients participated in the study, including 27 women and four men aged between 32 and 61 years. The patients were divided into two groups: 12 patients in Group 1 received laser treatment only, while 19 patients in Group 2 received laser treatment and NCTF® 135 HA. 89.5% of patients in Group 2 reported an improvement in their skin condition compared to 66.7% in Group 1, and the mean reduction in pigmentation was 75% versus 40% respectively (p < 0.01). Erythema severity decreased by 70% in Group 2 and by 35% in Group 1 (p < 0.01). The recurrence rate was 5.3% in Group 2 and 25% in Group 1 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The application of the combined treatment protocol for melasma over a period of two months resulted in the reduction, fragmentation, and lightening of pigmented lesions. However, further long-term studies with more extensive and diverse populations are needed to confirm these findings due to the small sample size and short follow-up period.