Introduction: The photodynamic therapy (PDT), using 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) associated to IPL has become an issue of great interest to treat photodamaged skin with AKs. Objective: To determine the long term efficacy of 5-ALA+IPL in the treatment of the photodamaged skin with AKs, comparing to IPL alone. Material and methods: Nine patients with photodamaged facial skin were enrolled in this study. Two sessions of ALA-IPL were done on a split face and IPL alone on the other side, with a month interval. Results: AK lesions clearance was observed only on the area treated with ALAIPL (62.9%) after 3 months supervision. Recurrence of the improved lesions (70.6%) was observed in 12 month follow up. Improvement of melanoses, telangiectasia and wrinkles were observed on both sides, but more evident on the side treated with ALA-IPL. Conclusion: ALA-IPL brings improvement in photodamaged skin, including in AK lesions, what was not observed with IPL alone. Nevertheless, a long time of supervision is necessary to confirm the efficacy of the therapy.

Keywords: PHOTOCYNAMIC THERAPY, AMINOLEVULINIC ACID, REJUVENATION

Introduction: Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder. Notwithstanding, its treatment is frustrating, and slow to take effect. Although depigmenters still are the main treatment modality, lasers have recently emerged as an innovative option. Objective: To preliminarily determine the effects of non-ablative photothermolysis on persistent melasma.
Methods: Ten patients with resistant melasma underwent three 1540 nm fractional nonablative erbium laser sessions (with one month intervals), with a 15 mm spot size handpiece. No additional treatment was carried out 3 months before or after. The energy level used ranged from 8 to 15 mJ/MB, and the pulse duration was 15 ms. Responses were evaluated by both the researcher physician and the patients.
Results: Seven patients completed the study; three patients left due to side effects. The researching physician reported that the patients who completed the study obtained 50-75% improvement one month after the last session. The patient''''''''s analysis resulted 50-75% improvement for 5 patients, and 75-100% for the remaining two. The physician and the patients reported that the improvement was maintained at the 3-month follow-up visit.
Conclusions: Although the preliminary results were satisfactory, further, longer-term studies are necessary to establish more efficient protocols and to observe possible recurrences.

Keywords: MELANOSIS, LASERS, TREATMENT OUTCOME