What is Melasma?
Melasma is a special form of pigmentation that is also called the mask of pregnancy or chloasma. This form of facial pigmentation usually affects the upper lip, cheeks, around the eyes and forehead areas.
What causes melasma?
Although no one knows the exact mechanism that causes melasma, the most common factors involved include:
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Genetic predisposition
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Sun exposure
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Pregnancy
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Oral contraceptive pill
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hormone replacement therapy
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intrauterine device implants
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Over active thyroid
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Cosmetics
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fragrances
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IPL- after hair removal, or for removal of freckles
Who gets melasma?
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Anyone!
Women more than men, who tan or have olive or Asian skin are more commonly affected.
Understanding melasma?
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It is important to understand that treatment by a medical professional is NOT going to cure melasma. If anyone tells you they will cure it- they are lying! Melasma can only be managed.
Management depends on the level of the pigment.
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There are three types of melasma, defined by the depth of the affected skin.
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Epidermal Melasma presents as dark brown patches with well-defined borders. This superficial melasma is often more easily treatable with conventional methods such as skin fading agents and medical skin peels.
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Dermal Melasma presents as light brown or bluish skin patches with ill-defined borders. This deeper form is more difficult to treat. Often use of oral medication with laser is implemented.
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Mixed Melasma is the most common form comprising of a superficial and deeper pigmentation pattern. This can be seen in the picture below.
What treatments are there for Melasma?
Treatment for melasma will depend on a variety of factors.
Some treatment may be more suitable for some subpopulations, in relation to others. For example, patients who have skin type which is prone to marking or developing pigment after injury, will need to be particularly careful and slow in their approach. Their skin will need to be prepared for any treatments, which may induce any injury, even if it is photo acoustic (non thermal) pigment shattering PICO laser.
Often, there is not one solution for melasma, so it is pertinent that patients with Melasma choose a medical clinic, able to provide the complete package of options. Medical
Skin and Laser Doctors and nurses are experienced and flexible in treating, what can be, a resistant and difficult condition.
In addition to having State of the art Class 4 lasers and technologies, we also work closely with our pharmacists to specifically compound individual prescription formulas to suit specific skin requirements.
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Medical Skin and Laser full range of options consist of:
A complete and thorough evaluation with a medical doctor.
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Patients require a complete Skin check and Health assessment to ensure that patient and skin is fit for treatment.
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Biopsy or surgical removal or resistant scarring and/or suspicious lesions.
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Education about how to best care for your Skin to manage Melasma. Treatments will not be commenced without the avid employment of daily SPF 50.
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Prescribed Topical and/or Oral Medications
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State of the art Nano Laser
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State of the art PICO Laser
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State of the art Vascular Laser
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Resurfacing (Co2/ erbium) Laser
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Cosmeceutical grade Skin care
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Melasma pigment targeted PEELS
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Pre (Before), Peri (During), and Post (After) CARE and Follow up.
MSL Real MELASMA TREATMENT Before and After
