Melasma is a common skin problem. The condition causes dark, discolored patches on your skin.
It’s also called chloasma, or the “mask of pregnancy,” when it occurs in pregnant women. The condition is much more common in women than men, though men can get it too. According to the American Academy of Dermatology,90 percent of people who develop melasma are women.
Symptoms of melasma
Melasma causes patches of discoloration. The patches are darker than your usual skin color. It typically occurs on the face with matching marks on both sides of the face. The skin discoloration doesn’t do any physical harm, but you may feel self-conscious about the way it looks.
Brownish colored patches usually appear on the:
- cheeks
- forehead
- bridge of the nose
- chin
It is caused by melanocytes in skin creating extra pigmentation, and melasma often affects women with darker complexions because they have more melanocytes. The most important factor in development of melasma is sun exposure.
Causes and risk factors of melasma
It isn’t totally clear what causes melasma. Darker-skinned individuals are more at risk than those with fair skin. Estrogen and progesterone sensitivity are also associated with the condition. This means birtyh control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all trigger melasma. Stress and thyroid disease are also thought to be causes of melasma.
Additionally, sun exposure can cause melasma because ultraviolet rays affect the cells that control pigment (melanocytes).
Melasma can affect anyone, but it appears most often in women who have darker complexions. It’s been associated with female hormones. Melasma is also a common skin disorder for the following groups:
- women using birth control pills
- pregnant women
- menopausal women using hormone replacement therapy.
- genetics/family history
For some women, melasma disappears on its own. This typically occurs when it’s caused by pregnancy or birth control pills.
There are creams your healthcare professional can prescribe that can lighten the skin. They might also chemical peels, dermabrasion, and microdermabrasion are possible options. These treatments strip away the top layers of skin and may help lighten dark patches.
These procedures don’t guarantee that melasma won’t come back, and some cases of melasma can’t be completely lightened. You might have to return for follow-up visits and stick to certain skin treatment practices to reduce the risk of the melasma returning. These include minimizing your sun exposure and wearing sunscreen daily.
What to Expect from Laser Treatments for Melasma
Lasers are generally considered for people seeking long-term and quick results when other options, like lightening creams, have not been effective.There are several types of lasers that may be used to treat melasma. At Diva Clinic provide:
PicoSure
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. PicoSure reduces melasma without other reported side effects like hyperpigmentations.
In a study of four women treated with Picosure lasers for facial melasma, assessments in four weeks and six months after treatment showed success in reducing their melasma. They did not report side effects like dermatitis or hyperpigmentation, showing that on the whole, PicoSure lasers are safe and effective. The process of using a PicoSure laser for melasma is safe and painless. The primary irritant in most laser treatments is the extended exposure to heat, which the PicoSure laser system reduces.
Are there any side effects? Typical side effects include temporary redness and swelling at the treatment site. Unwanted pigmentation associated with the acne scarring should slightly frost (whiten) during treatment, then darken over the following 24 hours and then shed over time.
How long does Pico laser effect last?
Most patients should expect to see the benefits of Pico laser treatments for at least immediately or to six months before they start to disappear. The effects of this treatment are deemed permanent for specific problems, such as scar and tattoo removal.
What should I avoid before Pico laser?
Prior to your PicoSure treatment, we recommend avoiding tanning beds, sunless tanning creams and prolonged sun exposure for four weeks prior to your first appointment. We also recommend patients stop using topical retina, retinol or retinoid products 48 hours prior to treatment.
Do and don’ts after Pico laser?
4 Ways To Care For Your Skin After a PicoSure Treatment
- Avoid Rubbing or Scratching Your Skin. After a treatment, some patients may experience slight redness or skin tenderness and sensitivity. …
- Avoid Wearing Any Make Up about 24 hrs after treatment
- Keep Your Skin Hydrated or you can apply coconut oil before sleep after treatment.
- Regularly and Gently Cleanse Your Skin.
What happens to skin after Pico laser?
Recovery. PicoSure is a gentle treatment that involves very little downtime and few side effects. Immediately after the procedure, the skin may feel slightly sunburned, and patients may notice minor redness temporarily.
How often should you do Pico laser?
A series of 3-4 treatments is recommended. Treatment intervals are 4 weeks but can be up to 8 weeks for darker skin types. Each patient is unique and will be evaluated prior to treatment.
Is Pico treatment permanent?
Regarded as one of the most advanced laser treatments in the world today, Pico laser technology gives permanent and clear results in a shorter time, compared to other options.
Does pico laser increase collagen?
Pico Laser Toning can improve wrinkles and skin texture by encouraging the production of collagen under the first layer of the skin. The skin typically rushes to produce more collagen when there is any abrasion, such as laser beams.
How long does it take to recover from Pico?
The healing process that is happening is influencing the pigment to turn darker at the surface of the skin. This is normal occurrence and it may take one to two weeks for your spots to completely heal. The healing process that is happening is influencing the pigment to turn darker at the surface of the skin.
Ready to try Pico laser for yourself?
Pico laser truly is a revolutionary technology that can completely transform the look and feel of your skin. If you’re ready to say goodbye to sun damage, an unwanted tattoo, or another condition, reach out today.
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Melasma Injection
Is there an injection for melasma?
intradermal Melasma injection can be efficacious for melasma treatment, with a significant decrease in pigmentation, little systemic absorption, and no systemic side effects. Injection administered at the site where patches appear is considered to be one the safest and most effective skin pigmentation treatment available for this condition. After treatment, the patient has blemish-free skin that projects a healthy radiance and an even skin tone cause the medicine will act as a brightening agent to reduce dark spots and improve hyperpigmentation.
How many injections are required?
1 skin whitening injection can be injected in a week, so the complete treatment may take up to 3 months. As a total of 12 injections are required. In short, 1 injection can be taken on a monthly basis to maintain results.
Who should not take melasma injection?
You should not use this medication if you are also using combination hormonal contraception because it may increase your chance of having a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke. Your risk is even higher if you are overweight, if you smoke cigarettes, or if you are over 35 years of age.
Conclusion
Melasma injection is a safe effective and well-tolerated treatment option for melasma patients. Intradermal injection leads to better results than the topical application.