Melasma
What is Melasma?
Melasma (also called Chloasma) is an extremely difficult condition to treat using traditional methods.
Most commonly seen on the facial skin of women, it is a hormonally induced pigmentation condition which is generally characterised by a symmetrical pattern of darker blotchy grey-brown pigmentation around the eyes and cheeks, and above the lip, chin or brow.
Melasma appears as grey-brown pigmentation and looks a bit like dirty or discoloured skin patches. Melasma is stimulated by UV light.
If Melasma is treated incorrectly, it can worsen. Sun protection is necessary to reduce the effects of Melasma.
How to treat Melasma
There are two types of melasma characterised by the depth in the skin of the pigmentation.
Whilst epidermal pigmentation may temporarily fade with topical lightening agents, the deeper, dermal form of melsama needs to be treated with Pastelle Q-switch NdYag laser.
An alternative very effective method for treating melasma is the Dermamelan® professional depigmenting method.
Treatment options for Melasma
At the Laser Skin Clinic, we offer laser and Dermamelan® professional depigmenting methods for the removal of melasma and other types of pigmentation.
The Pastelle Q-switched laser energy pulse is of an extremely short pulse duration to shatter the pigment which can then removed by the lymphatic system.
This will result in fading and reduction of the pigmentation.
Melasma Treatment and the Pastelle Laser
Melasma (also called Chloasma) is an extremely difficult condition to treat using traditional methods.
Melasma is stimulated by UV light, and if treated incorrectly, can worsen.
Year round, life long sun protection and a wide brimmed hat is absolutely necessary to prevent melasma and to minimise any recurrence.
If you suffer from the condition and are looking for an effective melasma treatment, discover the benefits of the Pastelle melasma laser treatment offered at the Laser Skin Clinic.
What is the Pastelle Laser?
The Pastelle is effective and safe on all skin types.
This includes Asian, Indian and African skin.
It is a world class laser that safely improves pigmentation, skin texture, pore size and sebum production.
Studies have also shown it to improve acne, acne scars and fine wrinkles.
Melasma is characterised by epidermal and deeper dermal melasma, both of which are typically found in patients with the condition.
Whilst epidermal pigmentation may possibly be temporarily faded with topical lightening agents, the deeper, dermal form of melasma needs to be safely treated by the Pastelle Q-switched Nd-YAG laser.
The Pastelle melasma laser treatment procedure works by the laser light breaking up the pigmentation in the dermis and epidermis.
The extremely short pulse duration of the Pastelle shatters the pigment into micro particles so that the pigment can be removed.
How Many Melasma Laser Treatment Sessions Are Required?
Generally, at least 6 melasma laser treatment sessions at two-week intervals are needed to get significant fading of melasma.
After each treatment, you will notice that the melasma will progressively lighten.
Some melasma has cleared in as little as two treatments with Pastelle laser.
The longer you leave your melasma untreated the more difficult it will to be to remove it.
Extreme care needs to be taken during and after the course of laser treatments to ensure that you avoid sun exposure, always apply a high quality sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat.
Exposure to UV light will once again stimulate the melanocytes and to create melasma again.
If you do get any new melasma it is important to have it treated immediately to minimise the number of treatments you need.
As long as all other required skin protocols are being observed the patient may only need one to two treatments to remove it.
About the Consultation
A consultation with one of our specialist nurses/dermal clinicians is required to determine your suitability for melasma treatment.
We will assess any concerns you have with your skin and advise on the most appropriate treatment options for your skin.
