Use of Non-Ablative Laser in the Treatment of Melasma

The aim of the present study was to perform a literature review on the use non-ablative laser therapy for Melasma. Searches were performed in the MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, SCOPUS, LILACS, Cochrane Library and PEDro databases for studies involving subjects with melasma submitted to treatment with the use of non-ablative laser therapy. No restrictions were imposed regarding the date of publication or language. Six hundred and ninety-nine articles were retrieved, four of which met the eligibility criteria, demonstrated methodological quality as assessed by the PEDro quality scale and were selected for the present systematic review. The results suggest that the use of non-ablative laser therapy is beneficial in improving whitening, in the area of melasma and overall patient satisfaction. Future studies should prioritize a standardization on the most appropriate parameters and the ideal dosage to be used in clinical practice.