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Reduce stubborn Melasma safely and effectively
Melasma is a dyspigmentation (abnormal pigmentation) of the skin presenting usually as a symmetrical brownish pigmentation, most commonly on the face and more often in females and people with darker skin types. The exact cause of melasma is unknown, but it is considered to be a condition of photoaging with a variety of causative factors which lead to angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels) and activation of melanocytes (pigment cells of the skin). Some causative factors include UV light, genetics, medication side effects, heat and hormones such as in pregnancy. So there is a vascular as well as a pigmentation component that needs to be addressed for effective reduction.
There are a range of skin conditions that may appear similar. A diagnosis of melasma can be made from presentation and history, characteristic skin lesion pattern, age of onset and skin type.
We use the Fotona Starwalker to treat melasma. The 1064 NdYag laser is safe for darker skin types and patients prone to hyperpigmentation as it spares the epidermis (superficial skin layer) and targets the deeper dermal pigment. The goal of the laser treatment is to reduce the synthesis or production of the melanocyets (pigment cells), increase the removal of these cells and destroy the pigment that is already present. Where indicated long pulse laser is used to target the vascular component.
So put simply the treatment aims to reduce the number of pigment cells, increase their clearance, and slow their production.
Usually 4-6 treatments will be required, but sometimes it may be more depending on your response.
Melasma can be reduced and improved in most instances, however it is a condition that will need some ongoing maintenance including a multi-modal approach of skin care, sun protection and intermittent treatments.
Downtime depends on the invasiveness of the laser protocol.
We have two laser treatment protocols for melasma- a skin toning procedure and an advanced melasma protocol, depending on the nature and severity of your melasma. The downtime for the skin toning procedure is minimal, you will have a mild sunburn sensation and be a bit red for up to 24 hours. The downtime for the advanced melasma protocol is a bit longer with redness and inflammation on the day of treatment, which usually subsides by three days.
Most concerns have more than one course of treatment. Feel free to contact us so one of our team can discuss options for your unique concern.
