Cosmelan or IPL for Melasma: What is the ideal treatment for melasma

Melasma is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal and patchy deposition of melanin in the skin.  It is influenced by hormones, genetics, and the sun, among other things.

Although melasma cannot be cured, it can be treated effectively.  There is no single treatment that is ideal for melasma.  Rather, patients with this condition should consider topical products prescribed by an experienced and board certified physician.

I treat melasma regularly in my office and have used IPL, Cosmelan, and other prescription topical products effectively.  The treatment is multi-dimensional and consists of education and regimented treatment.

We do not recommend Cosmelan or IPL treatments for sun damage as both are temporary solutions.  The easiest way to describe why you should consider q-switched lasers for sun damage is that they are used to remove birthmarks, tattoos, flat moles and other skin conditions that remain unaffected by Cosmelan and/or IPL treatments.  In other words, if q-switched lasers can remove a tattoo, they can certainly (and permanently) remove your sun spots, whereas IPL and Cosmelan do not have a permanent effect on sun damage.

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