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

Objective: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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%. Conclusions: 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.