Split-face comparison of the combined Er-YAG laser and hydroquinone ۴% with hydroquinone ۴% alone in the treatment of melasma in Iranian patients: Prospective, interventional case study

Abstract Introduction: Melasma is one of the most common skin pigmentation disorders, which mostly affects the facial skin and has a considerable psychological impact on the patients. Melasma management has been one of the controversial issues in dermatology. We aimed to compare the combined treatment of the Er: YAG (erbium: yttrium–aluminum–garnet) laser plus hydroquinone (HQ) ۴% with HQ ۴% alone in the treatment of melasma.Methods: Twenty-nine patients were treated with the combined Er: YAG laser and HQ ۴% on one side of the face with HQ ۴% alone on the other side. Three sessions of the laser rat ۴-week intervals. The outcome was calculated using the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI).Results: The side that received the combined treatment (laser + HQ ۴%) showed a statistically significant reduction in MASI compared to the side treated with HQ ۴% alone.Conclusion: Our study suggests the superiority of the combination of the Er: YAG laser and HQ ۴% in the treatment of melasma compared to HQ ۴% alone. Keywords: Melasma Hydroquinone Er YAG laser