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Melasma Treatment Cost ≈ $1,200 average cost

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What are you doing to treat Melasma?

Posted 28 Mar 2007

Hi I am 25 and try to take care of my skin as best as I can. About 6-8 months ago I noticed that I had developed a darker brownish skin pigmentation above my upper lip on my otherwise fair skin. I was told by an estitician that considering the fact that I applied sunscreen daily the culprit might be my birth control pills.I was wondering if anyone has had a similar melasma problem what has been the most effective/ least expensive treatment? The info is MUCH appreciated! Thank you so much.

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katie (unregistered guest) 9 Apr 2007

Hi- I have some hyperpigmentation on the side of my cheek that bothers me too- I have been using a skin lightening product that has only 2 % hydroquinone and seems to work a bit- I have also had 3 microdermabrasion sessions to the area - although the last time, I got a small spider vein from the microderm- so, now, I will need to go get a laser treatment for that and I am not sure that I will go back for more microderm.
I have been told that Fraxel laser is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation. It is amazing what it can do for freckles. IPL will work too, I think if you just go to a derm and ask for such a small area to be done they would offer you a better price.
Keep us informed. I need to bite the bullet and get it done too.

M. Bonilla (unregistered guest) 29 Jul 2009

I had a bad case of malasma. I spent over $2,000 on treatments and it did not work. I had a friend who told me about Tri-Luma cream - I tried it and I was able to see results within the first two weeks of using it. I have been using it for almost a month and the results have been remarkable.

The Derma Divas (3 posts) 2 Feb 2012

Just be careful of heat. If you vacation or live in a warm climate, heat will make it resurface. I've seen it often with clients. Be sure to use a sunblock with Titanium Dioxide as an active ingredient in a 10% or higher to ensure you're skin is properly protected.

tigerlady2007 (unregistered guest) 7 Aug 2007

This message is to J...don't go see a dermatologist and have any facial peels, microderma, or lasers done...u will be wasting money!! I have had the same problem now for 2 years (ever since I turned 30)and have been at this now for over a year doing everything possible to fix this!! Nothing has worked!! It looks exactly the same!! I am still researching tryin other products but I just wanted to warn you not to waste your money doing these things...If I ever find a way to fix the problem I will let u know! tigerlady

nancysharon10 (unregistered guest) 16 Mar 2008

yes tigerlady u r right.I too was in the same boat as u are now.Atlast my derm prescribed me azelaic acid 20%(SkINOREN),I used it for just 45 days. In the day I followed it with a good sunblock.Amazing ,,,,long battled pigmentation has vanished leaving a very clean skin.Even my pores r clean and refined.It may work for u too.Any way consult ur derm and get informed more about it.Good luck((((This product stings like hell)

ssara (unregistered guest) 18 Aug 2007

I have had melasma for 20 years and nothing works permanently unless you want to live in a cave. I prefer to play tennis and live my life in sunny Florida and try my best to not let it bother me. If you are just getting the "stache" above your lip, you are lucky. Use a good concealer and smile with confidence. Most of us long term melasma sufferers have it over our whole face and it gets worse the more we interfere with procedures. Best to you. Remember, you are your own worst critic. - s

plasticlover (1 post) 24 Jan 2008

You need Tri-Luma Cream... if your Dr has Fraxel, that will also help.

KG (12 posts) 28 Jul 2010

I tried TriLuma and it made the problem worse.

scully38 (5 posts) 29 Jul 2010

That did not work for me at all. Try cosmelan 2.

glowing skin (unregistered guest) 26 Jan 2008

I had melasma and was very embarrassed about it and tried lots of treatments and creams and never really saw much improvement. I went to a very reputable dermatologist and they recommended the IPL followed by using a skin care system that uses a 4% hydroquinone along with glycolic and it has been amazing in the improvement of my skin. It also helped to decrease any of the little blood vessels around my nose and my cheeks. I am totally a fan of IPL and have recommended it to my family and friends who have brown spots and /or broken blood vessels. After 6 months of using this skin care system it is amazing how clear my skin is now. For the first time in my life I am proud of the way my skin glows and every where I go I get lots of compliments on how beautiful my skin is. Don't give up on treating your melasma. I think if you really go to a good dermatologist and get the proper advise then you can improve your melasma. It isn't cheap but well worth the money.

mkuechel (21 posts) 1 Feb 2008

I have suffered with melasma for more than a decade. It is a lifelong battle but believe me, you can get it under control. Sun, hormones, stress, heat, friction, many different things influence it. As soon as one area looks better, another splotch appears. HQ or other other lighteners and melanase inhibitors are essential, as is regular exfoliation. Some people respond well to laser and light, for others it is worse. For some microdermabrasion helps, for others it is worse. It is a process of trial and error to find out what works for you and what your triggers are. But no matter what works for you, here are three golden rules to melasma: 1. Always wear at least and SPF 30 no matter the weather. Micronized titanium and zinc oxides are physical barrier that work well without attracting free radicals (that can make matters worse). And certainly in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat (this will become a fashion statement for you). 2. Never use HQ or a retinoid if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or nursing. NEVER, not in any concentration. 3. Make certain you have a GREAT anti-oxidant that over time, will help --Prevage MD and Revale are the most popular physician-strength anti-oxidants you can get right now.

Claire NZ (unregistered guest) 6 Feb 2008

J - I am the same as you. I have had these marks for a couple of years and I am 26. I have spend loads of money on lotions and potions, now after reading articles on this site, I dont feel to positive. I absolutely hate the pigmentation. I wish somebody would find a cure. I've yet to have kids, does this mean that it will get twice as bad when I get pregnant?

Mallie (unregistered guest) 11 Feb 2008

I have the same problem. It seems that I am going through the same regiment as 'Glowing Skin' has written about above. Last week I had a glycolic peel and microdermabrasion. My dermalolgist prescirbed Tri-Luma. It's by prescription only and within a week, my skin is lighter. My skin was very splotchy. My cheeks were so dark and blotched that it looked as if I had on bronzer. also, I had dark splotches above my upper lip. The peel and Tri-Luma have been working amazingly well. Tri-Luma contains 4% hydroquinone which I use every night. it seems to be realy working. Watch out for those over the counter products. I have noticed that they only use around 2% hydroquinone which has never worked for me. I have been applying the cream every night for 6 days now and notice a great difference. I think that the glycolic peel definately helped also.

Carlie (unregistered guest) 20 Feb 2008

I had mild melasma from when I was pregnant and I opted for BBL. The BBL cost a total of $300 and has made my skin so clear, people at work are now commenting how my skin is "glowing" (I am using using the mineral veil cosmetic as a foundation). I live in Hawaii and wear SPF without fail when I go out. I have become more conscientious about my skin, and although it has only been a month, my skin looks absolutely flawless. BBL is slightly different to IPL and is newer on the market, so you might want to look into it.

AW (unregistered guest) 4 Mar 2008

Hi J -- I have the same problem and have tried HQ 4% which was very irritating to my skin making it look even worse and IPL. I am still looking for something that will work permanently. Check out rebeccafitzgeraldmd.com -- she has a product called Cosmelan depigmentation treatment. I haven't tried it, but it looks promising. I may also look into Diolite laser. You're not alone.

Klara (unregistered guest) 6 Mar 2008

Hi I had the same problem when I used birthcontrol but it went away once I stopped bc pills without any topical bleach cremes. I think it took a few months though

Jenn D (unregistered guest) 8 Mar 2008

Hi All! I'm so sorry to hear you've all had problems with melasma! Here is what my NP has told me. Melasma is the result of your body metabolising your estrogens differently. There are a lot of ways you can get rid of your pigmentations that doesn't have to harm you. Hydroquinone has been found in peoples livers! Did you guys know that we are the ONLY country that has not banned hydroquinone?!!! Instead, there are a lot of other naturaly tyronase kinase inhibitors (tyronase kinase is the protein used to make pigment) like licorice root, l-arbutin, kojic acid, etc. Also, to address the hormone thing again - broccoli supplement will help- and indinol, a supplement you can find via douglas labs. The other thing my NP was telling me is that another issue melasma people have is that they don't sweat when their body gets hot and the pigment is a response to heat. So it didn't matter necessarily if I was putting sunscreen on every hour of my life, if I was hot and my body couldn't release the heat then I'd turn brown again. So she advised me to use zinc and titanium dioxide only sunscreen because the chemical sunscreens release heat when they come into contact with uv rays - and make me brown! whew! what would I ever do with out my NP?!

Corrina D (unregistered guest) 11 Apr 2008

Hello... I live in Arizona and have very bad melasma on my cheeks, chin and upper lip area. I didn't start getting melasma until I got pregnant with my first child. I had used birth control pills before hand and had never had an issue with brown patches or acne. Now four kids and 14 years later my patches are worse than ever. Nothing has worked!!! I went from being told how nice my skin was (obviously younger) to now people telling me that I have dirt on my face. I apply a lot of makeup to try and conceal these patches as my skin is very fair and sensitive but with the Arizona temps. past 100 degrees I found it interesting that your NP said a person won't sweat there. I do.... I recently tried Loreals mineral foundation and it had great coverage but stopped using it because it burned my skin. I am not financially able to be a guinie (sp) pig to what can/will work. All I know is that my self-esteem is out the door. I won't do anything close to water as to not wash off my makeup. I feel like a prisoner to this skin disorder. Lotions and creams didn't do anything for me. I did try a small laser area about 10 years ago but it didn't work. Any one have any suggestions or luck for treatment with sensitive (extreme) skin? Plus, I have started to break out recently like a d___ teenager!!!! I never used to break out. HELP!!!!

NancyM (53 posts) 12 Apr 2008

I'm sorry to hear what you've been going through--especially in the AZ sun & temperatures. Aside from seeking out advice from a dermatologist, there are some products on the market you may wish to try--but I urge you to acquaint yourself first with their ingredients as you mention you have sensitive skin. The first is the Exuviance line by NeoStrata. (you can look up Exuviance in our Beauty Products section). They have a line of foundations and concealers called CoverBlend. I've used it--and found it more effective than DermaBlend. It's less "tacky" and glides on more smoothly. There is a lighter weight foundation w/SPF and a richer creme coverage foundation, which can be used for spot areas as well. The other product you can check out on RealSelf.com is Glyquin XM. This is a hydroquinone formula that contains twice as much hydroquinone as what is most typically found in over-the-counter fade creams (such as Esoterica or Porcelana). Some individuals don't like to use hydroquinone, as it's recently been in the press as a suspected carcinogen. You can find more information about this topic at www.scorecard.org. And keep in mind, part of a hydroquinone regimen is ensuring use of an effective. Whatever you decide to try, please let us know--and don't forget to leave your review of any of the products or treatments you try--it's a huge help to others in the RealSelf.com community. Best of luck!

arizonaface (1 post) 8 Aug 2008

Hi, I live in Arizona too...I suffer badly from melasma like you. I have done IPL and it worked the first time. However, my spots came back a year later. I have found that soy products make the spots worse. If you look at the ingredients of most facial products it has soy lechin in it. You should try Jane Iredal mineral makeup. They carry it at lifetime fitness. The makeup is wonderful. I totally understand I can not go anywhere without makeup. You might try the IPL. I do it and it reduces the redness and takes away some spots.

Poor me (2 posts) 30 Aug 2008

Hi, I'm curious if doing any of those things have actually helped/ gotten rid of your melasma? I suspect we are all somewhat different in what will work for us. I know I sweat excessively, and use a physical sunblock (Zinc oxide) but when I get hot, the patches still get darker. Anyway, any of that stuff work?

KikiM (1 post) 19 Oct 2008

Corrina, I completely understand your frustration. I live with it too. I've tried several creams and treatments and the only thing that lighten and managed my Melasma was Cosmalan $650. It is pricey but well worth it. You can get it on ebay for $450. It's supposed to be applied by a derm. but there is nothing to it. All you need to do is clean your face with the alcohol soultion that's included(I suggest someone do that for you, it stings and you need to have your eyes closed) and then you apply jar#1(mask) all over your face thicker in the darker areas and leave on for 6-8hrs depending on your skin tone. The lighter you are the less time you leave it on. I'm olive to fair skin, I left it on all night or 8 hours. Then you maintain it by applying jar#2. It comes with instructions. So if you want to save yourself some money, do it yourself. I did. The results were positive and I have stubborn Melasma. It's getting dark right now because I ran out of my #2 cream it's been a month. So you see how important managing it is. It worked so well that I was able to go swimming,not wear make-up if I didn't want to. It was still there but you couldn't see it that much and that was good enough for me. So once you run out of your #2(2-3 months later) you can order it on ebay for $170. Thats what I do. You can use the #1 mask if you have any left on the problem areas and treat as directed. It is sun safe as well. So just use your sunscreen, sun glasses when out and enjoy life a lot more. Trust me using make up after this was just me dressing up not covering up! Best of luck to you Kiki

PhoenixSUN (unregistered guest) 9 Mar 2008

I had that dark spot over my lip as well. I look like I had a mustache!! It was pretty embarassing, and yes make up doesn't help cover up much, if anything it drew more attention to it. Anyways, I started using the shiseido line called white lucent(cleanser, toner, sunblock) and purchase the Whitening gel called "WHITESS" and tried not to think about it too much and one day I looked in the mirror and the dark area was gone!! I'm not sure if this product will work for you, but it did for me and it lighten my other hyperpigmentation I have on my whole face!! It didn't make it go away but it did lighten it, but the dark spot on my upper lip went away totally!! The gel is pretty expensive though. $120!! To me it was well worth it since it worked!! I hope you'll find something that will work for you as well. I've tried so many products/treatments that was pretty disappointing!! From dermabrasion to chemical peel to photofacials, nothing worked for me!! It was expensive and I felt like it made it worst!! If anything don't go to a medspa, go see a real dermatogolist!!! It really sucks but I'm looking into IPL for the hyperpigmentations I have on my face and hope it will work to eliminate it!! Alot of people say they don't notice my hyperpigmentation until I point it out, but to me I see myself in the mirror everyday and I see it everyday and it bothers me!! :-( Good luck to you!

B (unregistered guest) 10 Mar 2008

Hi I'm 32 and I have melasma on cheek and forhead. I'm currently bleaching it with Hydroquione 4% I wanted to see if the Yag Laser would work I used the yag laser to remove my freckles and I was very happy with the results but I'm scared to do it on my melasma and make it worse. What do you think? Should I or Shouldn't I? B

Jenn D (unregistered guest) 11 Mar 2008

Don't use IPL for melasma. That will make it better for a short period of time and the pigment will come back worse! Also hydroquinone isn't good either.

What are you doing to treat Melasma?

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