Effectiveness of Using the AOPT‐LTL Technique for the Treatment of Melasma: A Clinical Study

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common acquired pigmentation disorder, with a high incidence rate in women. Owing to the complex pathogenesis of melasma, there is currently no unified treatment. Advanced optimal pulse technology with low energy, three pulses, and long pulse width (AOPT-LTL) is a treatment technique based on the photomodulatory effect of optimal pulse technology (OPT), which has been used in the treatment of sensitive skin and rosacea. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of AOPT-LTL for the treatment of melasma. METHODS: Twenty-five Chinese females with melasma were enrolled. AOPT-LTL treatments were delivered at 2-week intervals. The melasma area and severity index (MASI) score, clinician erythema assessment (CEA) score, clinical efficacy, incidence of adverse reactions, and patient satisfaction were compared between baseline and post-treatment. RESULTS: All patients were treated and followed up. After 1 month of treatment, skin inflammation decreased, and pigmentation started to fade. With continued treatment, the inflammation progressively reduced, the affected area became smaller, and pigmentation lightened further. After the first course of treatment, 19 patients had a declined rate of MASI (MDR) >20%, and the effective rate was 76%. At the end of treatment, the MASI score and CEA score of all patients decreased significantly. Moreover, the MDR of all patients was >20%, and the effective rate of treatment was 100%. During treatment, all patients had no obvious adverse reactions, no recurrence after follow-up for 3 months, and patient satisfaction was high. CONCLUSIONS: AOPT-LTL is effective and safe for treating melasma.