Melasma in your skin type is difficult to treat

Best treatment for olive skin with age spots, sun spots, melasma?

I'm 47, light olive complexion w/ pinkish undertones, brown eyes and dark brown hair; was very active in sports from age 7 through 20's-prior to the emphasis on the importance of sunscreen & sun damage to exposed skin.

After 1 year of 4% hydroq., 0.4 retin A., and 4 IPL Tx's, no significant improvement is noted. The treating dermatologist of IPL(Nashville) states that my tx options are limited, states it's hormone related. Not much available for my skin type/color. A plastic surgeon (Chattanooga) advises against CO2 resurfacing.

Continued HQ and Rentin A have no significant impact. Have you successfully treated cases similar to mine with Fraxel repair?


Michael A. Persky, MD
17 months ago
By Michael A. Persky, MD - Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Hi AG,

Melasma in your skin color type has been a very difficult condition to treat. Fraxel restore is probably the best technology to try to treat the melasma. It must be done very lightly at 3 to 4 week intervals.

We have seen significant improvement in about 80% of patients, the other 20% do not respond well. It sounds as if you are now taking excellent care of your skin and with avoiding sun exposure. In the 80% responders, there is a tendency toward recurrence during and after "sun vacations" if there is more sun exposure.

Melasma is an ongoing condition and is certainly influence by hormonal levels. You will be glad to know that it took me longer than the obligatory 5 minutes to type this (just kidding). By the way, U of Tennessee's "Rocky Top" is a favorite of ours, go Vols! Be well.

Dr. P

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