MELASMA (DEEP PIGMENTATION)

A condition, which causes dark discoloured patches on the skin, is called melasma and is, in fact, a common problem among females, while being rather uncommon in males. Melasma symptoms are pretty distinct as they include various discoloured patches and spots on the skin. Melasma treatment aims to lighten the dark spots and make them go away. For that reason doctors may offer a range of solutions, including creams, laser skin resurfacing procedures (Fraxel, Pixel), etc. More detailed information about this condition, its nature, signs and melasma treatment options is presented below.

So, as it has already been mentioned above, melasma causes brown or gray-brown patches to appear on the cheeks, bridge of your nose, forehead, chin and your upper lip. It can also appear on other parts of your body that are normally exposed to the sun such as your forearms and neck.

IS MELASMA COMMON?

Yes, this is a common condition and is prevalent amongst women and people with darker skin tones who live in tropical countries. Melasma affects people of any race. However 90% of patients tend to be women. The condition worsens in summer and improves during winter.

MELASMA SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of Melasma are purely cosmetic and not harmful. Your skin will darken in one or more areas including:

• Forehead
• Temples
• Cheeks
• Upper lip

MELASMA TREATMENT OPTIONS

• • Skin Resurfacing (Fraxel Laser): Thousands of tiny microscopic laser spots are used to improve your skin one fraction at a time. This treatment technique is used to improve sun-damaged and aging skin without the risks of severed side effects and a long healing time. This effective laser is useful for stubborn conditions such as acne scars and deep pigmentation that cannot be successfully treated by traditional methods.As you receive this treatment, anesthetic cream is applied to numb the skin for forty five to sixty minutes. As the micro-laser beam covers the affected area, you may feel a hot, prickly sensation. After the treatment, the skin may appear red and may flake for four to six days. There is minimal discomfort and patients may even apply makeup immediately and return to daily activities.

  

  • Pigment Laser (MedLite® C6, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser): As we age, collagen production slows down and as a result, wrinkles and fine lines start appearing. Brown pigments, large pores and redness become more apparent as well.

The MedLite laser is used to stimulate collagen production under the skin by heating up the dermis. Fine lines and wrinkles become less obvious as new collagen is produced. Pores also appear smaller and the texture of your skin improves. This laser is safe to be used on many areas of the body such as the face, neck, décolletage and hands. It is safe for all skin types. During the treatment, you may feel a tingly sensation or a gentle warming of the skin. You will be asked to wear a small eye shield to protect your eyes during the procedure. The laser beam is directed at your skin in intermittent pulses. You may experience some redness immediately after the procedure. However, this will clear within the next hour and you can resume to your daily activities and even apply makeup immediately after the procedure. There is no specific care needed but you are advised to apply sunscreen to protect your skin.

• • Pixel Laser: This laser is exceptionally great at treating Melasma. The laser works to stimulate new collagen growth in the skin. Melasma can affect anyone especially young women with brownish skin tones, pregnant women, women taking birth control pills and women taking hormone replacement therapy during menopause are at the greatest risk. Melasma is also linked to sun exposure and is often seen in tropical climates. The Pixel Laser provides:
    • Amazing results
    • Less risky
    • Short recovery time
    • No anesthesia needed

    Recovery after this treatment is much quicker compared to other laser skin resurfacing procedures, dermabrasions and deep chemical peels. The treatment time for this procedure is about twenty to thirty minutes. After the treatment, patients may experience redness similar to sunburn for up to forty-eight hours. You may resume with your daily activities one to two days after the procedure.

  

  • Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT): Pulses of lights consistently deliver homogenous energy in a square waveform during treatment. This technology works to safely remove signs of:
    • Sun damage
    • Photo-aging
    • Facial redness
    • Flushing
    • Broken veins and capillaries
    • Abnormal pigments
    • Freckles
    • Uneven skin tone
    • Age spots
    • Fine lines
    • Rough skin
    • Enlarged pores
    • Stretch marks

    According to your skin type and desired treatment, OPT customizes how the beams are delivered to your skin. The beams penetrate tissues and destroy the imperfections while leaving the surrounded healthy skin unaffected. The damaged tissues from the treated area will then be naturally removed. You will see an improvement in your skin tone, texture and appearance as collagen production is stimulated. During treatment, you will be asked to wear dark glasses to protect your eyes from the bright light. Cold gel will be applied to the area of treatment and the OPT hand-piece is gently applied to the skin to deliver pulses of light. The treated area may feel sensitive and warm immediately after light exposure. The area may be slightly red and blotchy and brown spots may appear darker. However, this will disappear after an hour. Vessels may be more visible after treatment or may be less apparent immediately. Swelling is normal response to this treatment. This will normally resolve within 3 days but may take up to a week for some people. Blisters or mild crusting may develop and will slough off within one to two weeks. The skin is not broken by the treatment and there will be no purpura or bruising.

  • RevLite Laser Therapy:  Melanin is a pigment that gives colour to our skin. The amount of melanin in your skin determines if you have a light or dark complexion. When melanin is concentrated in one area of the skin, pigmented lesions appear to be darker in colour. This is normally a result of overexposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.This laser is used to treat sunspots, freckles, uneven pigment and even birthmarks. The RevLite is an advanced Q-switched Nd:YAG laser that uses the PhotoAcoustic Technology Pulse that provides extra power for effective treatment. The laser produces a unique wavelength of light that is absorbed by pigmented lesions that vibrates and shatters the pigment. This will break the melanin into micro-particles and in turn, lighten the lesion. The treated spots will turn gray or white for a few minutes as the skin absorbs the energy. The spots will completely slough off within one to two weeks.Deeper lesions will require more treatments. No anesthesia is needed for this treatment and you may experience mild redness similar to sunburn. After treatment, antibacterial ointment and a dressing will be applied to the area. The treated area should be kept clean and you should continue applying the ointment given to you by your doctor.