Does Botox Affect Melasma?

Question

Can Botox affect or worsen pigmentation issues like melasma?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Botox is injected into facial muscles and would not cause any hyperpigmentation.  Botox only affects the movement of facial muscles. Melasma or brown spots are not caused by Botox.  Injecting Botox will not make your hyperpigmentation worsen.  I would make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen.  Topical creams, chemical peels, IPL, and lasers are all a good options to lighten the pigmentation of the skin.  
Regards Anil Shah

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Melasma is a common,  frustrating, chronic condition that is usually accompanied by much emotion. Thankfully, Botox/Dysport treatments will not exacerbate the condition. 
If you are struggling with melasma, you may want to view our many blogs on our website that serve as an educational source.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question -
Botox will not change melasma.  Botox directly interferes with the neuromuscluar junction.  Melasma is characterized by hyperpigmentation.  The pharmocologic action of Botox is completely unrelated to hyperpigmentation.
I hope this helps.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Botox has not exacerbated melasma. If a numbing cream is applied prior to the administration of Botox and should an irritation occur from this application, then melasma could be worsened. Any physical irritation or rubbing or sunexposure can worsen the melasma.

Sanjay Grover, MD, FACS · Answer

Melasma, or the 'mask of pregnancy', is discoloration or hyperpigmentation patches usually around the cheeks, nose, and upper lip. It is best treated or improved with cessation of oral contraceptives, intense pulse light lasers, hydroquinone or agents such as Cosmelan. Botox has no effect on melasma. Botox is a neurotoxin that will improve dynamic wrinkles by relaxing or temporarily paralyzing muscles.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Melasma is a skin condition characterized by excessive pigmentation. There are several causes of melasma, including hormones, sun exposure, genetics, and inflammation.
Botox is used to treat dynamic wrinkles of the face.  The product works by inhibiting the release of a neurotransmitter across the synaptic membrane of the nerve. Botox has no effect on melanocyte function and thus cannot influence melasma.

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Botox is a cosmetic injection to relax wrinkle- causing facial muscles and temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines. There is no evidence or patients reports that botox could affect or worsen Melasma. Before the treatment talk to your plastic surgeon about any of your concerns.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Botox directly affects the muscle and the release of special chemicals that cause the muscles to contract.  It will not have any effect on melasma.

	Good luck.  Hope that helps.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

To my  knowledge, Botox has no effect on skin pigmentation and is not indicated for that purpose.
The pigmentation of the skin is in the upper layers of the skin whereas  Botox works beneath the skin on the nerves supplying the muscles.
In some instances we inject Botox into the skin to minimize sweat gland activity but this has not produced any change in pigmentation.

Don Mehrabi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Botox will have absolutely NO effect on melasma or any other pigmentation issues in any way. Feel safe using Botox if you have a pigmentation issue!

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Does Botox Affect Melasma?

Answers (16)

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