Melasma – Hyperpigmetation

Melasma, often called the mask of pregnancy, is induced by hormones found in pregnancy and certain birth control pills paired with UVA exposure.

Melasma responds to topical fading agents. The chance of recurrence can be reduced only by meticulous use of a broad spectrum UVA filtering sunscreen.

Melanage – A new revolutionary solution for Melasma

Melanage peel can significantly reduce the pigmentation after only one treatment. Traditionally, microdermabrasion in conjunction with topical fading agents has also been very successful in the treatment of melasma. Peels such as glycolic acid or even Trichloracetic Acid can help but as solo treatments are inferior to the previously mentioned treatments.

	Superficial (type 1)	Intermediate (type 2)	Deep (type 3)
Skin layer affected	epidermis (upper most)	epidermis and upper dermis	Epidermis and Medium and deep dermis
Ease of treatment	+++	++	+
Ease of maintenance	Extreme discipline	Extreme discipline	Extreme discipline
Frequency	most common	less common	rare
Ethnic distribution	Mediterranean, Latino, Middle and Far Easten	Mediterranean, Latino, Middle and Far Easten	Predominantly Far Easterns
Gender distribution	90% women	90% women	90% women

	Melanage peel + kit	PicoSure® Focus Array	Microderma- brasion + topicals	Micro- derma- brasion	Q-switched Nd:YAG	FRAXEL	Topicals
works on melasma types	1,2	1,2,3	1,2	1,2	2,3	2,3	1,2
Efficacy	+++	++	++(+)	+	+	+	++
Downtime	2-10 days	none	none	none	1 day	2-3 days	none
Number treatments	1	3-5	6	6-10	2-4	4	daily
Time to results (months)	1	1-2	4	4-8	4	4	6-12
Preparation	none	none	1 month of fading agents before 1st treatment	none	none	topical numbing medicine	none
Risks	none	none	none	none	none	Paradoxical darkening of the treated area	None if used as instructed
Total Cost	Call for price	$2000	$850-$1200	$600-$1150	$800-$1600	$2400-$4000	$500-$1500

The key for sustainable results

The key in maintaining these results over time is to meticulously follow a post procedure skin care regimen for life.

Post Melasma Treatment

Post melasma treatment always includes the use of a sunscreen. It must be applied daily, regardless of sun, cloud, rain or snow because UVA rays travel through anything including your car windows. It cannot just be any sunscreen but must be able to block or filter the entire UVA spectrum. If ever in doubt or you cannot find your usual sunscreen, use sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium dioxide.

If you are committed to a lifetime without melasma. Call us today to schedule a free melasma treatment consultation to learn which melasma treatment fits you best.

Post Melasma Care (topical)

	Pigment suppression/ dispersion	Limitation of use	Source	Use during pregnancy
Sunscreen with UVA filter	+++	none	drugstore	yes
Hydroquinone 2-5%	+++	6-9 months, can be restarted after hiatus	drugstore (2%), prescription (4% and 5%)	no
Botanical fading agents	+++	none	physician dispensed	yes
Glycolic acid	+	none	physician dispensed	yes
SKojic acid	+	none	physician dispensed	yes
Mandeleic acid	+	none	physician dispensed	yes
Vitamin C	+	none	drugstore	yes
Azelaic acid	+	none	prescription	yes
Retinoids	none	pregnancy/nursing	prescription	no