How Effective is Spectra Laser in Treating Melasma. How Many Treatments Are Required? Are There Better Alternatives for Asians

I am considering Spectra laser since it is suppose to be safer for Asian skin. I have been using hydroquinone 4% with some results. I tried retin A, hydroquinone 8%, hydrocortisone combination and my skin turns horribly red and pain results. Would Spectra laser be effective , would there be any improvement with one treatment or many are required? Are there better alternative laser that is safe for Asian skin? thank you,

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melasma Asian hydroquinone

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by confused Asian female

Doctor Answers (3)
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I have the Spectra laser and it works!

Dear Confused Asian female, I have the Lutronic Spectra laser in my practice and lecture about melasma and laser treatment nationally at dermatology meetings. Melasma is frustrating and I explain to patients that we can control but not cure melasma. It requires maintenance treatment. That being said, the Spectra does a superb job at improving melasma. I use a series of 12 weekly treatments with this Nd:YAG laser. The key to melasma is... more

Melanie D. Palm, MD

10 reviews

San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon

Melasma and lasers

Unfortunately, whether aggressive or mild laser treatment, melasma can worsen from the stimulation of the pigment cells during the healing process. Some excellent results have been obtained with the use of Fraxel laser, the Restore and Dual, but melasma can come back, rather readily, and all treatments have a risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, including the Portrait plasma resurfacing. Combined use of lightening creams and sunscreens are important, along with sun avoidance... more

Spectra Laser for Melasma

Hi Confused. Hopefully we can provide some insight. We do not use the Spectra q-switched laser, but we have the Medlite C6. Both are q-switched Nd:Yg lasers. We have performed trials using the Medlite to treat Melasma. The problem we encountered is that the Melasma sometimes gets worse. We think that epidermal Melasma (very superficial) responds well but that dermal Melasma, which is hard to reach because it is in the lower layer of skin, responds by getting... more