I'm 49 and have severe melasma. I have tried three halo lasers that made it so much worse. What to try now? (photo)

Question

Years prior I have done peels help!  In the past I've used obagi TCA peels retin A micro dermabrasion help

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, Melasma needs a combination approach to get the best improvement and will need a series of treatments. In our practice, we combine Clear + Brilliant, peels, microneedling/PRP, Aerolase, and sometimes Erbium (Cool Laser) to get the best results. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would suggest doing a fractional treatment for melasma.  Apply hydroquinone morning and evening two weeks prior to your treatment.  The fractional treatment would help to suppress the discoloration and improve texture of your skin along with shrinking your pores.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Melasma is associated with hyperpigmentation caused by a combination of hormones, sun exposure, inflammation, and deposition of melanin pigment. In our office, we specialize in melasma treatments and start with Melapads, Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Replenish; followed by pulsed dye laser to eliminate inflammatory erythema and light fractional laser. 
  
Best, 
  
Dr. Karamanoukian
  
Realself100 Surgeon

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. Unfortunately Melasma is a lifelong chronic inflammatory skin condition and needs constant upkeep and maintenance. Lasers treatments + good skincare are essential for good results.Please read about PicoSure Focus for Melasma, which is FDA cleared and will not make your melasma worse at all. It is a breakthrough in laser resurfacing and needs an expert to be performed safely.  I have been using it for 2 years and have helped many many patients to get their melasma under control.  Hope this helps. Best, Dr. Avaliani

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear of your predicament. Unfortunately Melasma is a difficult condition to treat and its incurable although its effects can be minimized with combination treatments that include HQ 6-8% , Vitamin A preparations, chemical peels, sunscreens etc... You can  also try Cosmelan, it is a very good facial mask treatment especially for resistant Melasma.

I'm 49 and have severe melasma. I have tried three halo lasers that made it so much worse. What to try now? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Picosure will definitely help

Answer: Picosure will definitely help

Answer: Have tried three halo lasers, which made it worse.What to try now?

Answer: Have tried three halo lasers, which made it worse.What to try now?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I'm 49 and have severe melasma. I have tried three halo lasers that made it so much worse. What to try now? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Picosure will definitely help

Answer: Picosure will definitely help

Answer: Have tried three halo lasers, which made it worse.What to try now?

Answer: Have tried three halo lasers, which made it worse.What to try now?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.