What is the best laser treatment for melasma?
A 2012 research review showed that there are several types of lasers that may be used to treat melasma. PicoSure is a laser that turns energy into pressure as opposed to heat. It works quickly to treat melasma below your skin at its source. The procedure itself is quick and only slightly uncomfortable.
How long does melasma laser treatment take to work?
People whose melasma is resistant to other treatments and people looking for quicker results are also good candidates for laser treatment. You should see some improvement after the first session, but three to four sessions spaced about 30 days apart will yield the greatest results. You should see full results in 3 to 6 months.
Is Pico Laser treatment the answer to my melasma?
Why Pico laser treatment IS NOT the answer to your melasma. Although pico-second lasers have started to make inroads into the clinics, I feel that the technology is not at its most refined yet. Theoretically, the pico-second laser technology sounds great, however:
Is Q-switched laser treatment effective for melasma?
There is some evidence that suggests that other laser treatments are preferable for the specific treatment of melasma. Several studies have concluded that Q-switched lasers are not optimal because melasma patients have seen rebound hyperpigmentation after treatment (Trivedi).
What is the best treatment for melasma 2020?
Triple combination cream (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroid) remains the most effective treatment for melasma, as well as hydroquinone alone. Chemical peels and laser- and light-based devices have mixed results. Oral tranexamic acid is a promising new treatment for moderate and severe recurrent melasma.
Which laser treatment is best for melasma?
Low-fluence Q-switched (LFQS) Nd-YAG laser seems to be the best option for refractory cases of melasma, especially in individuals with darker skin tones.
Can a laser worsen melasma?
The key to clearing melasma, Dr. Kauvar maintains, is avoiding high-energy laser treatment such as non-ablative or ablative fractional lasers, IPL or high-energy, Q-switched laser treatment. “Those can actually exacerbate melasma and cause hypopigmentation in darker phototype skin,” Dr. Kauvar cautions.
How many laser treatments does it take to remove melasma?
You should see some improvement after the first session, but three to four sessions spaced about 30 days apart will yield the greatest results. You should see full results in 3 to 6 months. You may need follow-up treatments because sometimes melasma clears days after laser therapy, but returns in about 3 months.
What is the best laser treatment for melasma 2021?
The low-fluence Q-switched laser remains one of the best laser and light options for treating melasma, especially in darker types. And overall studies suggest that chemical peels do not have better melasma treatment outcomes than topical therapy.
Does melasma come back after laser?
There is a very small risk of worsening melasma or increased darkening after laser treatments and even cases where the melasma fades beautifully after laser, it is very much prone to coming back.
What is the fastest way to cure melasma?
Doctors often use hydroquinone as the first line of treatment for melasma. Hydroquinone is available as a lotion, cream, or gel. It works by lightening the color of the skin patches. A person can apply the hydroquinone product directly to the patches of skin that are discolored or uneven.
How can I permanently remove melasma from my face?
Most cases of melasma will fade away with time and especially with good protection from sunlight and other sources of light. Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment that will automatically make melasma disappear. At this time there is no way to remove dermal pigment.
How long does pigmentation take to fade after laser?
1-3 weeksWhat Happens After the Treatment? Laser treatments are the fastest way to remove hyperpigmentation, but it still takes time to see results. Pigment will darken for 1-3 weeks following the treatment, then will begin to fade.
Can laser remove pigmentation permanently?
Usually, pigmented lesions or spots that have been removed will not return after your laser treatments. However, there are various factors that can stimulate new hyperpigmentation e.g. exposure to UV, ageing, hormonal factors. Laser pigmentation removal treatments do not prevent new hyperpigmentation from occurring.
Which laser is best for hyperpigmentation?
A laser peel (resurfacing) treatment uses targeted beams of light to reduce hyperpigmentation. There are two types of lasers: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers are the most intense, and they involve removing layers of your skin.
Is Fraxel laser good for melasma?
Fraxel lasers can effectively treat a wide range of skin conditions, including melasma.
Q. How would I know if the brown patches on my face were melasma or sun spots? What is the difference?
A. Melasma is usually caused by hormonal shifts and is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”. The starting of birth control pills can also...
Q. Can this laser treat the red pigmentation marks on my face that were caused by acne?
A. The red marks are actually inflammation left over from the acne not pigmentation. They are caused by vascularization that was left over from...
Q. I have melasma on both sides of my neck. I also have it on my left arm from my elbow to my wrist. It seems to be spreading. I’ve tried Tri Luma and chemical peels but neither has worked. Can this treatment help me?
A. Our laser melasma treatment protocols can more than likely help. First, we need to establish the likely cause of you melasma with a thorough ev...
Q. I’ve been told that the brown patches on my face are an unstable melasma. Will this treatment get rid of it? Can the melasma come back?
A. We are confident that we can provide you with treatments that will achieve successful results for your skin. However, before I respond specific...
Q. I’ve always heard that melasma has no cure. Is this true?
A. In some cases, this is correct. Let me explain. There are two basic types that melasma can be differentiated into, stable and unstable. In...
Q. Does this treatment work for fitzpatrick skin type 4?
A. Yes! We treat skin type 4 with pigmentation issues every day of the week. In fact, melasma is most common in that skin type… and patients wi...
Q. How much does this treatment cost?
A. We charge by time in our medical practice. So the larger and more complex you melasma is, the more time will be required to treat it and the mo...
Q. Is it possible for melasma to move around on your face?
A. It is not unusual for a melasma to travel around your face. It can suddenly disappear in one area and appear in another. No one knows exactly w...
Q. Is the PICO laser the best for treating melasma?
A. The PICO laser is the latest laser technology for treating pigmentation. The frequency of energy being emitted from the laser is also an import...
How long does it take for melasma to clear after laser treatment?
You may need follow-up treatments because sometimes melasma clears days after laser therapy, but returns in about 3 months.
What is the best treatment for melasma?
Laser treatments can be a good option for treating melasma that’s resistant to other treatment options, like skin-lightening agents or chemical peels. Lasers permeate your outer layer of skin, resulting in cell renewal for brighter, more even skin.
What is a picosure laser?
PicoSure is a laser that turns energy into pressure as opposed to heat. It works quickly to treat melasma below your skin at its source. The procedure itself is quick and only slightly uncomfortable. You may experience a stinging sensation similar to a rubber band snapping on skin.
What is fractional laser?
Fractional laser resurfacing, sometimes known by the brand name, Fraxel, makes microscopic holes in your skin that stimulate the growth of new and healthy skin cells. There is a prickling sensation involved and usually topical anesthetic is applied before the procedure.
What is a melasma?
When to talk with a pro. Takeaway. Melasma is a skin condition that causes gray or brown spots of discoloration on your skin. It can happen to anyone, and is not dangerous to your health, but it can be an annoying cosmetic issue. Melasma most commonly involves sun-exposed areas of your skin including: cheeks. upper lip.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure performed by a licensed esthetician, who uses a tool with an abrasive tip or vacuum suction to slough off your outer layer of skin.
Do chemical peels remove melasma?
showed that chemical peels come in varying strengths, and they use acids and other ingredients like tretinoin to gently remove your outer layer of skin. Side effects look and feel similar to a sunburn, but once your skin recovers, melasma may be less prominent.
How to treat melasma?
Generally conventional doctors choose to treat the melasma with a laser that will target and vaporize the melanin. However, this delivers enough energy to the skin that also irritates the hypersensitive melanocytes, which is likely to make the melasma worse.
Why does melasma have extra pigmentation?
In a stable melasma, the extra pigmentation is usually associated with some kind of event that instigated the hyper-pigmentation. The event could be the hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy, or it could also be some kind of skin irritation or trauma that produced the hyper-pigmentation.
Does laser melanin vaporize?
We use specific lasers modulated in precise ways, to deliver energy that will change the molecular structure of the melanin but not vaporize or remove it. As a matter of fact, all the melanin that was there before the melasma treatment is still there after the treatment.
Can melasma be wacked out?
Its only in a few melasma spots on your face that are “wacked” out. Thus, rather than interfering with or circumventing your physiology we want to engage it, and remind it to do to the skin of your melasma what it is doing successfully everywhere else on your body.
Can you remove melanin from your face?
The answer shocks most people: By not trying to remove the melanin…. Rather, by getting your body to remove the melanin. Let me explain: Everywhere on your body, the physiology of your skin is maintaining the proper balance of melanin in your skin. Its only in a few melasma spots on your face that are “wacked” out.
Does melasma go away?
For some, the melasma will simply fade away once their hormones return to their normal state. For instance, after giving birth or stopping the use of birth control pills. For others, treatment of the melasma may be the only solution to make it go away. Melasma is also made worse with excessive exposure to the sun.
Can you get sun spots with laser?
As we age, we are more likely to get sun spots if we spend a lot of time in the sun. Laser treatment for melasma is more difficult than for sun spots, however, both can be successfully treated and removed. Q.
What type of laser is used for melasma?
If this is the case, there are several different lasers for melasma. These include intense pulsed light (IPL), Q-switched lasers, picosecond or pico lasers, and fractionated resurfacing lasers. Broadly speaking, they are differentiated according to the laser’s medium. Beyond these four categories, there are several different popular proprietary ...
What is the best treatment for melasma?
Fractional laser technology , known by such brand names as Fraxel or Clear and Brilliant, is another treatment option for melasma. The technology seeks to expel cells responsible for over-pigmentation and also causes a reaction that stimulates collagen production, resulting in healthier and younger-looking skin.
What are the side effects of laser treatments?
Side Effects Of Laser Treatments 1 IPL, fractionated, and picosecond lasers are relatively well-tolerated and carry few risks of side effects. Some of these include burning, redness, and symptoms similar to that of a sunburn. 2 Q-switched lasers produce thermal energy associated with occasional inflammation and burns.
Can IPL be used for melasma?
IPL lasers for melasma are able to target the melanin in your skin and remove excess pigment. Your dermatologist might opt for IPL over other forms of therapy if your melasma is deep in the skin. Some people are lucky in that their melasma is superficial, while others need to deal with melasma that lies in the dermis.
Can Q switch lasers be used for melasma?
Several studies have concluded that Q-switched lasers are not optimal because melasma patients have seen rebound hyperpigmentation after treatment (Trivedi).
Is laser therapy a tertiary treatment?
Laser therapy is a sought-after treatment for the removal of melasma. However, it is tertiary treatment behind more traditional topical treatments because it does not affect the underlying causes of melasma (Trivedi). Hydroquinone, for example, disrupts melasma genesis through the inhibition of its constituent cells.
Does laser treatment cause skin discoloration?
Side effects will vary based on the specific treatment. All laser treatment carries the risk of damaging melanocytes in a way that leaves them discolored; darker skin types are more at risk for this specific side effect.
What is the best treatment for melasma?
Hydroquinone: This medicine is a common first treatment for melasma. It is applied to the skin and works by lightening the skin. You will find hydroquinone in medicine that comes as a cream, lotion, gel, or liquid. You can get some of these without a prescription.
How to prevent melasma from returning?
Maintenance therapy can prevent melasma from returning. You can help prevent your melasma from returning by wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat every day.
What is the best medicine for skin lightening?
These products contain less hydroquinone than a product that your dermatologist can prescribe. Tretinoin and corticosteroids: To enhance skin lightening, your dermatologist may prescribe a second medicine. This medicine may be tretinoin or a corticosteroid.
How to diagnose melasma?
Dermatologists can diagnose most patients by looking at their skin. To see how deeply the melasma penetrates the skin, your dermatologist may look at your skin under a device called a Wood’s light. Sometimes melasma can look like another skin condition.
What is the procedure for melasma?
Procedures for melasma include a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, laser treatment, or a light-based procedure. Only a dermatologist should perform these procedures. New skin problems can occur when the person who gives the treatment does not tailor it to the patient’s skin type.
What is the procedure called when you remove a small bit of skin?
To rule out another skin condition, your dermatologist may need to remove a small bit of skin. This procedure is called a skin biopsy. A dermatologist can safely and quickly perform a skin biopsy during an office visit.
Can melasma fade?
Melasma can fade on its own. This usually happens when a trigger, such as a pregnancy or birth control pills, causes the melasma . When a woman delivers her baby or stops taking the birth control pills, melasma can fade. However, some people have melasma for years, or even a lifetime.
What is the best laser for melasma?
Greetings, please see options below. Melasma is a condition which requires multiple steps and treatments to effectively improve the condition consistently over time. In our office, here are steps which are effective: -Pico lasers- The best type of laser for improving the condition. Please not it takes multiple steps to improve melasma safely -Nd:YAG Nano lasers with toning- Here a laser is used for deeply resistant melasma to break up particles without generating excessive heatWhile melasma is common, patients must understand a multi pronged approach is often the best strategy and controlling this condition. Best, Anil Shah MD
Is melasma a skin condition?
Melasma is a difficult skin condition to treat. Constant sun avoidance is necessary to prevent recurrence. There are many lasers that have been used and I have used the Fraxel, Clear and Brilliant, among others with success. I also love Cosmelan which is a topical peel originally from Brazil. There is a medical grade Cosmelan treatment which is combined with hydroquinones with great results. Please find an experienced dermatologist for the best cosmetic results.
What is the best treatment for melasma?
Retinol. Retinoids are a must for melasma. They speed up your cell's turnover rate, meaning they help push those damaged, hyper-pigmented skin cells to the surface (and then slough them off) to make room for fresh, new, and undamaged skin cells.
What serum can I use to fade melasma?
Brightening serum. It's going to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to fading your melasma. Look for one with vitamin C (ideally in the 10 to 20 percent range), tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and/or hydroquinone (which, FYI, is the most intense and potentially irritating of the brighteners, so skip if you have anything but "tough" skin).
Why is melasma hard to treat?
The overactivity can happen for any number of reasons (which is one of the reasons melasma is so hard to treat), but the two biggest causes are sun exposure and hormones, hence why you sometimes hear melasma referred to as a "sunstache" (sun!) or "pregnancy mask" (hormones!).
Does melasma go away?
Not only is melasma be caused by a zillion different things, but it's also STUBBORN. So once you get it, it doesn't just magically go away, even if you throw a ton of products at it.
Can a woman get melasma?
It primarily affects women (fact: 90 percent of people with melasma are female, says Dr. Okereke) in their 20s, 30s, and 40s—so really, any adult woman can get it. That said, people with darker skin tones have more active melanin-producing cells in their body (melanin, FYI, is the thing that gives color to your skin, eyes, hair, etc.), ...
Can melasma be cured?
Melasma can't really be "cured.". It can fade on its own or in some cases it can linger for years, says Dr. Okereke. "If you're lucky enough to have your melasma clear up, it's still important to continue with maintenance therapy to prevent it from coming back .".
Why do laser beams fail on melasma?
The melanocytes, which produces the melanin, are continuously stimulated or irritated to produce large amounts of melanin (picture shown above). That is why blindly applying laser beams on melasma lesions almost always lead to failure of treatment.
How to treat melasma?
Now if we want to successfully treat melasma and prevent complications, the best way is to use combination laser therapy to target the various pathways that cause melasma to develop. Combination laser treatment is a cornerstone approach that I take for all my melasma patients undergoing laser treatments, every time.
What is the name of the hyperpigmentation on the face?
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that is very common among Asians. They appear as symmetrical, blotchy, brownish patches on the face, and sometimes the neck, chest and even forearms. Women are at a higher chance to have melasma , the ratio of women to men having melasma is 9:1 in some studies.
Why does melasma flare up?
Hormonal factors are a leading cause of melasma development, It is very common for the condition to flare up when a woman is pregnant or on oral contraceptive pills. For melasma arising from pregnancy, very frequently, the pigment patches will lighten and improve after childbirth.
What is the most popular treatment method for Q switch lasers?
One of the most popular treatment method involving Q-switch laser is: LASER TONING. In this no-downtime protocol, the laser is applied in such a way as to break down melanosomes, which contain the melanin pigment, within the epidermis of the skin.
When did laser treatment for facial pigmentation become popular?
I believe most of you are familiar with Q-switched lasers. These dermatological lasers became commercially available since the 1990s, and has grown wildly popular ever since.
Is melasma a multifactorial condition?
This is true. Melasma is one of the most difficult cosmetic pigmentation in the world to treat as it is multifactorial. Just look at the diagram below showing the risk factors that can trigger or contribute to melasma. THERE ARE MANY. The factors that cause melasma to occur in the first place will continue to stimulate the skin to develop melasma pigment as long as the individual is exposed to them.
What is the best treatment for melasma?
“ There are prescriptions such as Triluma, which contains a combination of hydroquinone, a retinoid, and steroid for the treatment of melasma,” Garshick shares.
How to reduce melasma?
Another great way to reduce the appearance of melasma is by stimulating cell turnover, which will help to gradually replace pigmented cells: “Our EGF Activating Serum contains natural epidermal growth factors that stimulate the skin’s ability to regenerate and heal, gradually brightening and lifting hyperpigmentation over time,” Benjamin says.
Can birth control cause melasma?
Because melasma has been linked to hormonal changes and imbalances, it's possible that birth control can play a role in exacerbating your melasma. 1 If you use hormonal birth control, consult your physician or a dermatologist about how your prescription might be making your melasma worse, and if there is a different contraceptive that might be better suited for you.
Does melasma come and go?
Although there are various treatments that help improve melasma and many people do find success with them, Garshick tells us that melasma is a skin condition that can come and go with the seasons and varying levels of estrogen. What’s more, while it’s largely not something to worry about in the grander scheme of health, Green says that the appearance of melasma can be an indication of underlying health conditions such as thyroid disease or other endocrine problems. Because of this, if the treatments above don’t seem to do you any good, you should most definitely seek out a derm’s professional opinion on what’s going on with your skin and health as a whole.
Is melasma a health risk?
While there are no known health risks associated with melasma, Green acknowledges that the uneven color has been known to lead to feelings of self-consciousness. Since we believe that everyone should be empowered to feel their most confident, we’ve rounded up a handful of ways to make melasma a skin concern of the past.
Can IPL be used for melasma?
IPL or intense-pulsed light laser is not the best choice for treating melasma because it can heat the surrounding skin—which can actually cause an increase in melasma for some. 2 In addition, for those that it does help, the results of IPL are short term with the melasma often quickly reappearing.
Can hydroquinone be used for melasma?
These peels are especially popular for the treatment of melasma because they're not formulated with hydroquinone, a popular melasma treatment that may, in some cases, cause redness and/or dryness. 02 of 10.