By Andrea Hargraves 
A study published in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery reports that the Picosecond technology is able to break up the pigment that causes spots, demonstrating a high degree of efficacy in treating melasma, especially when combined with the use of tranexamic acid.
Melasma is characterized by the presence of brown and dark spots, especially on the cheeks and forehead, and it represents a great challenge in dermatology clinics, as it is a chronic disease, that is, without treatment, it is difficult to control and has a high rate of recurrence. but now, A study recently published in the Journal of Dermatological Surgery indicated that the picosecond laser is the most effective technique in treating the condition, especially when combined with the use of oral tranexamic acid. “The picosecond laser causes a micro-fragmentation of melanin, the pigment responsible for spots, and breaks it into small pieces for the body to eliminate more easily,” informs dermatologist Dr. Renato Soriani, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and expert in dermatological techniques.
To reach a conclusion about the most effective and safest treatment method against melasma, the researchers analyzed a total of 20 studies involving 1,182 patients. Based on the collected data, it was possible to compare the efficacy, based on the melasma area and intensity index after treatment, and the incidence of side effects for each of the therapeutic approaches offered, including intense pulsed light, carbon dioxide lasertwo, peels, topical and oral materials, micro-needling and picosecond lasers, as well as the correlation between these different procedures. With this, the researchers noted, the treatment that provided the most efficacy was the combination of the picosecond laser and tranexamic acid. “Tranexamic acid is already an established substance in the treatment of melasma, because it prevents an enzyme called plasmin from being released in the skin, which occurs after aggression, such as those caused by exposure to sunlight, which leads to the stimulation of factors related to the formation of dark spots “, explains the expert. The second and third most effective treatments also involve the picosecond laser, but in these cases it is associated with different types of peels.
According to the specialist, the picosecond laser represents a major advance in lasers because it is ultra-fast, with pulses in picoseconds, that is, one second divided by trillions, trillionths of a second. “The laser pulse is so fast that it reaches the target without damaging the surrounding healthy skin, thus ensuring high safety, minimal discomfort, quick recovery and a reduced number of sessions,” the dermatologist highlights.
In Brazil, picosecond lasers can already be found in dermatology clinics, with names such as PicoLo ™ or Pico Ultra 300. “The procedure is fast, does not cause discomfort and allows the patient to immediately return to routine activities. In addition to combating melasma, this technology can also be used to treat other types of blemishes, rejuvenate and improve skin texture, reduce acne scars and even remove tattoos, ”explains the doctor, who emphasizes that in the treatment of melasma, successive sessions of the procedure may be necessary according to the severity of each case. Dr. concludes. Renato Soriani.
source: doctor. Renato Soriani – The dermatologist is a full member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) and an active member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery (SBCD). Master in Dermatology from USP, the physician is CEO of Renascence Dermatologia (Ribeirão Preto/SP) and head of national and global opinion for brands such as INMODE, Entera, DEKA, and LMG, in addition to serving as moderator and speaker at national and international conferences. CRM 121106 | Instagram @renatosoriani.dermato
(Holding Telecom)