INTRODUCTION: Melasma is an acquired pathology secondary to hypermelanosis, recurrent, and often refractory to therapy, despite several treatment options. Microneedling is mainly indicated for refractory cases since it is an invasive method with the mechanism of action not yet fully understood for this indication.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the response to melasma treatment between a group that received only microneedling and another treated with microneedling combined with drug delivery.
METHODS: Twenty patients participated in the study: seven received only microneedling and 13 received microneedling followed by drug delivery of lightening serum in three sessions, with monthly intervals. The results between the groups were compared regarding improvement of the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), texture and reduction of skin pore diameter; presence of erythema, crusting and peeling; improvement of melasma extension and tone.
RESULTS: The group that received microneedling combined with drug delivery had the most favorable results in improving texture, decreasing skin pore diameter, and improving melasma extension and tone. MASI improvement occurred in both groups, in similar percentages.
CONCLUSIONS: According to the present study, both therapies are promising for melasma treatment.

Keywords: Comparative study; Therapeutic approachs; Treatment outcome; Evaluation of results of therapeutic interventions

Congenital vascular lesions can be subdivided into tumors and malformations. Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors resulting from the abnormal proliferation of endothelial cells, whereas port-wine stains are vascular malformations of a possible autosomal dominant inheritance. To date, there are no studies associating the use of intense pulsed light and CO2 laser as a therapeutic form for these pathologies. We present a series of 10 cases of vascular injuries treated with the combination of these forms of irradiation. This combined therapy can be effective in reducing the thickness of the lesions or in attenuating the color.

Keywords: Hemangioma; Lasers, gas; Laser therapy; Intense pulsed light therapy; Vascular malformations