Improved clinical efficacy of melasma with combination therapy of intense pulsed light and tranexamic acid: A retrospective analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy as a standalone treatment versus IPL therapy combined with tranexamic acid (TA) microneedling for the management of melasma. Clinical data of 29 patients with melasma were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on their treatment regimens: the IPL group, which received 3 sessions of IPL therapy, and the IPL + TA group, which underwent IPL therapy immediately followed by TA microneedling. Patients were comprehensively analyzed before treatment, as well as one month and 3 months after the final treatment, utilizing the VISIA skin imaging system, Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scoring, patient satisfaction surveys, recurrence evaluations, and assessments of tolerability and adverse reactions. Both groups exhibited notable improvements in VISIA results and MASI scores post-treatment, with no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. However, the IPL + TA group reported higher patient satisfaction rates and a lower recurrence rate compared to the IPL group. Both treatments were well-tolerated, with no severe adverse reactions reported. Both IPL therapy alone and IPL therapy combined with TA microneedling have demonstrated efficacy and safety in the treatment for melasma. However, the combination therapy may offer greater patient satisfaction and a reduced risk of recurrence.