Laser Treatments For Melasma

Melasma is a skin condition that affects mostly women and causes patches of dark skin on the face with irregular edges. Normally, these dark areas are found on the forehead, nose, cheeks and even the lips. It tends to affect all skin types, whether fair or dark skinned.

There are several factors that have been discovered to cause melasma such as skin inflammation, genetics, excessive sun exposure and hormones. In fact, women who are pregnant, taking birth control or going through menopause seem to be the most affected by the condition.

At times, this condition is commonly called the pregnancy mask. Men can be plagued by this condition but it is uncommon.

Many treatment options have been tried and tested by doctors and patients and using a laser treatment is one of them.

Resurfacing Lasers

The specific laser treatment needed must be determined by a medical professional. There are several types of melasma and they respond differently to the various laser options.

Resurfacing lasers seem to have the highest success rate for treating skin affected by dark patches but can be expensive.

The laser gently encourages skin cells to create new growth that is clear from any dark pigmentation. When the light goes deep into the skin, it also works to eliminate any cells that may cause melasma. This type of treatment is a bit riskier and more abrasive than the other options due to its removal of the outer layer of facial skin, called the epidermis.

Also, this treatment is not permanent as melasma can come back due to sun exposure or hormonal changes.

YAG Laser

A YAG laser can be used in some situations and it works with short, more intensive pulses of light. This laser attacks the melanin in skin cells in an effort to lighten the darkened patches. The more normal, surrounding skin is not at all affected by the treatment.  This treatment is often not recommended because it is not that effective.

Both of these types of treatments must be done several times to see results. Depending on the severity of the melasma and an individual’s skin tone, the treatments may be spread over a course of 3 to 4 months. Lightening creams may also be recommended to use before and after the laser.

IPL Laser

The newest form of skin rejuvenation and corrective procedure for melasma is called IPL. This type of treatment involves a hand held laser that emits an intense broadband light. The light is simply passed over the affected areas of skin to target the melanin that is causing the dark areas. In fact, the energy from the light heats melanin cells enough to destroy them.

It is the least effective option and really only shows improvement on very light epidermal melasma. However, one of the advantages to IPL is that it does not affect the outer layer of skin, making it a safer choice. This treatment also requires multiple sessions to provide positive results.

Consulting Your Doctor

It is extremely important to find an experienced and respectable doctor to perform any of these treatments. After consulting with the medical professional, they will decide which course of action is best to take.

Most procedures will require a facial cleaning and topical anesthetic application before beginning the laser. These devices do have a cooling technology that will also help to eliminate as much discomfort as possible.

Only the IPL procedure does not require anesthetic. The doctor and patient will wear protective eye wear, maybe not the most flattering but equipped to protect the eyes from any potential harm.
After laser treatment, the face will feel similar to the sensation of a sunburn. Slight bruising and peeling may occur but will go away in time. Moisturizers will be important after treatment as well as a strong sunscreen.

Most doctors recommend at least an SPF of 30 to 60 anytime the skin may be exposed to the sun.
Follow up visits and proper care is crucial to experiencing successful results from a laser treatment for melasma.