What type of doctor should I see for treatment of melasma?

Question

My general dermatologist told me she couldn't help me with treating my melasma. She said I may want to see a plastic surgeon. Should I look for another dermatologist or seek a plastic surgeon? I live in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area and am having a difficult time finding a doctor that can help me. I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thank you in advance.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Greetings, please see below.Melasma is a condition which requires multiple steps and treatments to effectively improve the condition consistently over time.  In our office, here are steps which are effective:
-Pico lasers- The best type of laser for improving the condition.  Please not it takes multiple steps to improve melasma safely
-Nd:YAG Nano lasers with toning- Here a laser is used for deeply resistant melasma to break up particles without generating excessive heat
-Melanage peels- A variety of peels can work and melanage is one of the best for melasma
-Skin topicals- A variety of products including use of lighteners (we prefer natural lighteners such as arubtase found in our product Luminoso) as well as sunscreens can help improve the condition
-Lifestyle choices-Avoiding the sun, hormonal changes (we have a hormone expert in Dr. Chughtai in our office) can all impact melasma.
While melasma is common, patients must understand a multi pronged approach is often the best strategy and controlling this condition.
Best, 
Anil Shah MD

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Dark pigmentation on the skin can be due to melasma, age spots, and sun damage. Melasma is a specific hormonally-influenced skin condition in which pigmentation is deposited by overactive pigment cells in your skin. 
  
In our office, we individualize treatments for melasma and skin discoloration based on skin type, skin complexion, hormonal influences, and ethnicity. 
  
Treatments for melasma begin with Melarase creams as follows: 
  
MelaClenz
  Melarase AM
  Melarase PM
  Melapads
  Replenish Retinoid Cream
  Additional therapies include fractional laser, fractional RF, Covalent peels, and LED microneedling with Replenish serum. The video demonstrates the clear and brilliant laser that is used alongside Melarase creams. 
  
Best, 
  
Dr. Karamanoukian
  
Realself100 Surgeon

William Ting, MD · Answer

There is no question that board-certified Dermatologists and not Plastic Surgeons should be the experts that patients with melasma should seek out for clinical assistance. However, not all Dermatologists are comfortable or experienced in treatment melasma of patients of ethnic skin color. During your consultation with the clinician, you should ask to review before and after treatment photos of melasma patients of your skin type if available.

Gail Nield, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Hello. Board certified dermatologists are the experts for treating Melasma.It is important to remember that as a patient, you need to ensure that you are doing your out most in preventing sun exposure. Otherwise, any positive reduction in the melasma will be negated, if you have any sun exposure and you are not wearing sunscreen and a hat on a regular basis.

What type of doctor should I see for treatment of melasma?

Answers (4)

Answer: Melasma

Answer: Melasma

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.

What type of doctor should I see for treatment of melasma?

Answers (4)

Answer: Melasma

Answer: Melasma

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.