Melasma is a commonly acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation that affects women at a higher percentage compared to men. It is a multifactorial skin condition triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, systemic illnesses, medications and genetic susceptibility. Treatment of melasma has been traditionally centered on the use of daily sunscreen and topical bleaching creams or chemical peels.

More recently, a newer class of lasers called picosecond lasers with even shorter pulse duration have been developed. With a shorter pulse duration, there is more of subthermolytic photoacoustic damage that can selectively target pigment without destroying or excessively heating the surrounding tissue.