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Is the Profractional Laser Effective in Reducing Melasma?
asked 7 months ago by 187555anon in minneapolis
Latest answer by Emily Altman, MD
Question viewed 168 times
Tags: melasma
In addition to continued sunblock and hydroquinone, is the profractional laser effective in reducing melasma? Is there a significant risk of making the melasma worse? Is there an optimal laser setting to mitigate this risk? Thank you!
2 answers to Is the Profractional Laser Effective in Reducing Melasma?
+1
Laser treatment for melasma
Melasma can be of three varieties:
Epidermal (superficial)
Well-defined border
Dark brown color
Appears more obvious under Wood’s Lamp
Responds well to treatment, such as with hydroquinones, chemical peels, retinoids, etc.
Dermal
Ill-defined border
Light brown or brown-gray color
Unchanged under Wood’s Lamp
Responds poorly to treatment
Mixed
Combination of light and brown patches
Partial...
more
+1
ProFractional Laser is Effective for Melasma
As your question suggests, melasma is a difficult condition which requires a multipronged approach. Reducing the formation of pigment via bleaching agents such as hydroquinone is one important part of treatment. Extremely meticulous sun protection is also crucial in tipping the balance away from more pigmentation.
As an ablative laser modality, ProFractional can vaporize tissue in the epidermis and dermis, thus removing some of the pigment. With...
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Mark J. Lucarelli, MD
Madison Oculoplastic Surgeon
Madison Oculoplastic Surgeon