Two weeks following the sixth treatment visit, subjects were asked to rate their satisfaction with the overall treatment series, using the 1–5 satisfaction scale above. On average, subjects reported being satisfied to very satisfied with the treatment series, with a mean satisfaction score of 1.7 ± 0.7. Eighty-six percent of subjects reported being satisfied to very satisfied with the overall treatment series (Table 3). No subjects reported being dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the overall treatment series. Seventy-four percent of subjects reported that other people have noticed improvements in their skin since beginning the treatments, and 89% would definitely or probably recommend the treatment to their family and friends.

Figure 6 (A) This 37-year old Caucasian patient had moderate melasma and photodamage on the forehead and bilateral cheeks. (B) Improvement is noted after three laser treatments

Figure 6 (A) This 37-year old Caucasian patient had moderate melasma and photodamage on the forehead and bilateral cheeks. (B) Improvement is noted after three laser treatments

Limitations of the study include a small number of enrolled patients at each trial site, and lack of clarification among photodamage diagnoses addressed. Large scale studies are warranted, preferably with subdivisions into multiple dyschromia aetiologies (lentigines, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Future studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of this device, with or without hydroquinone 4% cream, in the treatment of melasma.

Conclusions

Table 2

Results of this multi-centre study indicate high patient satisfaction, with 86% of patients rating their overall experience with the treatment series as satisfied to very satisfied. Seventy-eight percent of patients reported an improvement in tone or texture of the skin as early as 2 weeks after one laser treatment. Although 81% of patients were treated at a high setting (level 3), the Clear + Brilliant Perméa treatment was well-tolerated, with a mean pain score of 3.6 ± 1.7 (VAS 1–10). Commonly reported side-effects included erythema and mild oedema, which lasted no longer than 24 hours. Patients who had previously not been on a regular skincare routine established a regimen, including cleansing the skin, applying daily SPF, and using the antioxidant serum at home.

Overall, the combination of Clear + Brilliant Perméa laser treatments with a SkinCeuticals skincare regimen resulted in high patient satisfaction throughout the laser series, while improving texture, tone, and dyschromia (Figures 4–6). Further, larger-scale studies are warranted to determine efficacy of the device for indications such as photodamage, melasma, and rhytides.