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Does Botox Affect Melasma?

asked 3 years ago by Ali M. in new york
Latest answer by Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Question viewed 1,546 times
Tags: melasma

Can Botox affect or worsen pigmentation issues like melasma?

15 answers to Does Botox Affect Melasma?

Melasma not an issue with Botox

Melasma is a common, frustrating, chronic condition that is usually accompanied by much emotion. Thankfully, Botox/Dysport treatments will not exacerbate the condition. If you are struggling with melasma, you may want to view our many blogs on our website that serve as an educational source.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

Botox and Melasma

Thanks for your question - Botox will not change melasma. Botox directly interferes with the neuromuscluar junction. Melasma is characterized by hyperpigmentation. The pharmocologic action of Botox is completely unrelated to hyperpigmentation. I hope this helps.

Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Botox does not exacerbate melasma

Botox has not exacerbated melasma. If a numbing cream is applied prior to the administration of Botox and should an irritation occur from this application, then melasma could be worsened. Any physical irritation or rubbing or sunexposure can worsen the melasma.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

There should be no relationship between Botox and melasma

Melasma, or the 'mask of pregnancy', is discoloration or hyperpigmentation patches usually around the cheeks, nose, and upper lip. It is best treated or improved with cessation of oral contraceptives, intense pulse light lasers, hydroquinone or agents such as Cosmelan. Botox has no effect on melasma. Botox is a neurotoxin that will improve dynamic wrinkles by relaxing or temporarily paralyzing muscles.

Sanjay Grover MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Botox is used to treat dynamic wrinkles of the face

Melasma is a skin condition characterized by excessive pigmentation. There are several causes of melasma, including hormones, sun exposure, genetics, and inflammation. Botox is used to treat dynamic wrinkles of the face. The product works by inhibiting the release of a neurotransmitter across the synaptic membrane of the nerve. Botox has no effect on melanocyte function and thus cannot influence melasma.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Botox has no effect on melasma

Thank you for your question. Botox will have absolutely NO effect on melasma or any other pigmentation issues in any way. Feel safe using Botox if you have a pigmentation issue!

Don Mehrabi, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologist

Botox does not affect Melasma

Botox is a cosmetic injection to relax wrinkle- causing facial muscles and temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines. There is no evidence or patients reports that botox could affect or worsen Melasma. Before the treatment talk to your plastic surgeon about any of your concerns.

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Botox and melasma

The two are not related. Botox treats line of facial animation most likely on the upper third of the face. Melasma is usually a hormone related color change on the skin that may improve with skin bleaches, lasers, and IPL.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Wrinkles yes, melasma no

Hello again Ali M., I wondered if you would follow up with a question on your melasma. Botox will not affect your melasma. So you may proceed with impunity in that regard. Good luck!

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Botox should have no effect on melasma

To Ali M., Hi! I feel like I am getting to know you! There is no scientific evidence that Botox has any effect on skin pigmentation. I certainly have never seen it, after treating several hundred patients with Botox.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Botox does not affect melasma

To my knowlege, Botox does not lighten or darken skin pigmentation with respect to melasma. Botox injections can rarely cause temporary brown spots in persons of color at injection sites, but this is totally unrelated to melasma.

Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist

Botox does not make melasma worse

Melasma is a benign skin condition characterized by excessive pigment deposition in the skin. Hyperpigmentation is generally diffuse in the area of the upper cheeks, forehead, and jawline. The top 4 causes of melasma are hormones (estrogen, progesterone), genetics, sun exposure and inflammation of the skin. Botox does not affect melasma at all. There is no relationship. I even conducted a quick medline search with the key words of 'melasma' and 'Botox' and nothing came up, confirming the... more

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD
Buffalo General Surgeon

Botox will not change melasma

Botox will not have an effect on the melasma. The only way the skin would darken is if there is some bruising from the injection, and this should be temporary.

Marcus L. Peterson, MD
Saint George Plastic Surgeon

Botox will have no effect on Melasma

Botox directly affects the muscle and the release of special chemicals that cause the muscles to contract. It will not have any effect on melasma. Good luck. Hope that helps.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Botox and pigmentation

To my knowledge, Botox has no effect on skin pigmentation and is not indicated for that purpose. The pigmentation of the skin is in the upper layers of the skin whereas Botox works beneath the skin on the nerves supplying the muscles. In some instances we inject Botox into the skin to minimize sweat gland activity but this has not produced any change in pigmentation.