Melasma is a chronic pigmentary condition that can recur. No current treatment can guarantee permanent clearance.
A study from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital evaluated a 675 nm laser in 28 Thai women with Fitzpatrick skin types III–V.
Participants received 3 treatment sessions, approximately once a month, with follow-up for up to 6 months.
The modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) showed a 41% improvement at 3 months and remained 34% improved from baseline at 6 months.
More than 70% of participants reported at least 50% improvement.
Reported adverse effects were mild and transient, including erythema and small scabs. No post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was observed in this study.
One of the most common questions from patients with melasma is: “Will my melasma disappear permanently after treatment?”
Melasma is a chronic pigmentary condition with a tendency to recur. Even when pigmentation improves after treatment, factors such as sun exposure, heat, hormones, and individual susceptibility may contribute to recurrence.
Therefore, the goal of melasma treatment is generally not to promise that melasma will “disappear permanently.” Instead, treatment aims to reduce pigmentation, control recurrence, and establish an appropriate long-term maintenance plan.
One technology with growing clinical evidence is the 675 nm laser, the wavelength used in Program RedTouch Pro.
Program RedTouch Pro uses a 675 nm laser, a wavelength that interacts with melanin and can therefore be used to address pigmentation concerns.
The published study also discusses potential mechanisms involving photobiomodulation, including possible effects on melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity. As a non-ablative laser, 675 nm treatment may also influence dermal remodeling—an interesting consideration because melasma involves more than pigmentation alone.
You can learn more about Program RedTouch Pro at Reva Clinic.
The study, “Efficacy and Safety of 675-nm Laser Monotherapy for Melasma in Fitzpatrick Skin Types III–V: A Prospective Pre–Post Intervention Study,” was conducted by researchers from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.
It included 28 Thai women with Fitzpatrick skin types III–V.
Participants underwent:
3 treatment sessions → approximately once a month → follow-up for up to 6 months
The researchers used a 675 nm laser with Moveo and Standard modes, without topical anesthesia.
The researchers assessed melasma using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI).
Compared with baseline, mMASI showed approximately:
41% improvement at 3 months
and
34% improvement at 6 months
Antera 3D imaging also demonstrated reductions in melanin, while more than 70% of participants reported at least 50% improvement.
An important point is that the study did not evaluate only immediate Before–After results. Participants were followed for up to 6 months, providing useful information about how the improvement changed over time.
Not exactly.
The study should not be interpreted as meaning that “the results of Program RedTouch Pro last exactly 6 months for everyone.”
What the research demonstrates is that after three 675 nm laser sessions, melasma severity in the study group was still improved compared with baseline at the 6-month follow-up, with mMASI remaining approximately 34% better than before treatment.
However, melasma is a chronic and recurrent condition. Individual results can vary, and some patients may require maintenance treatment or additional therapies.
In simple terms:
The study found that improvement remained evident compared with baseline at 6 months, but this does not mean every patient will experience the same duration or degree of improvement.
In this particular study, participants received 3 sessions at approximately one-month intervals.
However, this does not mean that every patient with melasma should follow exactly the same protocol.
The appropriate number of sessions can depend on several factors, including the type and severity of melasma, skin type, previous treatments, triggers, and individual response.
At Reva Clinic, treatment should therefore begin with an assessment of the patient's skin and pigmentation before determining the appropriate treatment parameters and number of sessions.
This is an important concern, particularly in Asian skin, because energy-based treatments can potentially trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
In this study of 28 Thai women, reported adverse effects were mild and transient, including mild erythema and small scabs. Importantly, no PIH was observed in the study population.
However, this should not be interpreted as meaning that Program RedTouch Pro has “no side effects.”
The study involved a relatively small number of participants, and individual risks may vary depending on skin condition, treatment parameters, and other factors.
The 675 nm laser is an emerging option with growing clinical evidence for melasma management.
What makes this particular study especially relevant is that it evaluated Thai women with Fitzpatrick skin types III–V, a population more representative of Thai and Asian skin than many studies conducted predominantly in lighter skin types.
After three sessions, melasma severity improved, and improvement compared with baseline was still observed at the 6-month follow-up. No serious adverse events were reported in the study.
However, melasma should not be viewed as a condition that can simply be treated with one laser and then forgotten.
Long-term management may involve appropriate energy-based treatment, sun protection, trigger management, skincare or medication when indicated, and ongoing follow-up.
If you are unsure whether your melasma is suitable for Program RedTouch Pro or whether combination treatment may be more appropriate, you can consult the medical team at Reva Clinic for an individualized skin assessment and treatment plan.
Thongjaroensirikul P, Tantrapornpong P, Bhorntarakcharoen W, et al. Efficacy and Safety of 675-nm Laser Monotherapy for Melasma in Fitzpatrick Skin Types III–V: A Prospective Pre–Post Intervention Study. Dermatology and Therapy. 2026;16(1):617–627.
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