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What's the Best Way to Treat Melasma?

asked 1 year ago by 4423anon in canada
Latest answer by Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Question viewed 1,267 times
Tags: best, options

is there any surgery that can lighten the dark spots? what surgeries do you recommend? are skin lightening creams affective, which skin lightening cream brands do you recommend?

9 answers to What's the Best Way to Treat Melasma?

Best topical treatment for melanin pigmentation and melasma

I have written a book about Melasma and believe that a regimented protocol is required for proper treatment. In my own office in Los Angeles, I begin with a topical regimen using Melaquin AM, Melaquin PM, and MelaPads. This treatment protocol tackles the major contributors of melasma occurence, including but not limited to hyperstimulation of melanin production and UV exposure.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Melasma is treatable!

Melasma is the result of excess pigment distrubted throughout the skin. The pigment is called melanin and is made by melanocytes in the body. To treat melamsa effectively a combination approach has to take place: 1. strict sun protection - even on cloudy days there is a UV factor! A great SPF that protects against UVA and UVB at least 30 and above. 2. Creams that have active ingridients that decrease melanin production, such as Hydroquinone or Azeleic acid. They can be applied at... more

Tanya Kormeili, MD
Los Angeles Dermatologist

I treat melasma with the Cosmion Mask, M2, Obagi NuDerm Blender and nonablative Fraxel Laser

Melasma can be effectively treated but not cured. Concentrated vitamin C used with the Cosmion mask, daily M2 products, Obagi NuDerm Blender, a shoulder-to-shoulder hat, Laroche-Posay Antheliose sunblock SPF 60 and Fraxel Restore1550 Laser give me the best results. Long term daily skin care is necessary to mainatain long term clearing of Melasma.

Mark Taylor, MD
Salt Lake City Dermatologic Surgeon

Combination Treatment Works Best for Melasma

Melasma, or increased color deposits to areas of the face, responds best to a combination of: 1) Fractional laser resurfacing - non-ablative, where the energy is focused under the skin to break up the pigment color. A series of 5 or more treatments is usually required because the process takes time. The newer lasers, like the Lux1540 by Palomar have demonstrated good results and are tolerable. For those who mention that fractional resurfacing can make the melasma worse,... more

Todd Schlesinger, MD
Charleston Dermatologist

Multi-modal approach best for Melasma

Melasma is a frustrating and difficult condition to clear. Many people only find improvement, without total clearance. Treatments begin with avoidance of estrogen containing products and the regular use of a sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage, as well as physical protection from the sun (hat, glasses etc.). The basis of most all Melasma treatment plans also incorporates a bleaching agent (most commonly Hydroquinone from 2-8%), Tretinoin (such as Retin-A), and a... more

Jeffrey C. Poole, MD
Metairie Dermatologic Surgeon

The best treatment for melasma is a combination of chemical peels and topical agents used at home

The best treatment for melasma is a combination of chemical peels and topical agents used at home. Home treatments are often retin A and lightening agents like hydroquinone.

Edward Lack, MD
Chicago Dermatologist

Best Treatment for Melasma?

Hello 4423. We actually disagree with Dr. Lupo on this one. We have used laser treatments for Melasma and not only is the recurrence rate very high, but patients can actually get worse. This was the most troubling issue for us. While the Fraxel is FDA approved, we have found that most patients that underwent this treatment were unhappy. We use high strength hydroquinone bleaching programs (6-8%) with a 3 month on, 1 month off treatment protocol. We... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Melasma Treatment

Melasma can be a very difficult and frustrating condition to treat. Use of birth control pills and pregnancy are two common situations when melasma will first appear, along with sun exposure. If possible, birth control pills should be stopped (especially if melasma if resistant to treatment), and daily sun protection and sunscreens are essential. Hydroquinone, often referred to as a bleaching cream, is effective, and is often combined with Retin-A and a topical steroid.... more

Timothy G. Rodgers, MD
Dallas Dermatologist

Constantly is the best way to treat.

Melasma is an inherited, relapsing, chronic condition that is seen most often in females of child bearing age. Certain ethnic groups suffer more frequently. Hydroquinone combined with tretinoin (Triluma) is the Gold standard, but new products like Lumixyl, and Perle may hold promise. Sunscreens combined with antioxidants like vitamin C are worth a try. Light superficial peel series, Silkpeel, Fraxel Dual and other lasers work, but the recurrence rate is high, so constant therapy is... more

Mary Lupo, MD
New Orleans Dermatologist

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