I made a chemical peel last year and I got melasma (tiny brown spots) on my face. Will I be able to get rid of them? Has anyone had the same issue? How would you treat them? I made a fruit acid peeling, thats how I got them.
Answer: Melasma Treatment Melasma and age spots can be due to hormones, aging, sun exposure, thyroid dysfunction, and genetics. Treatments range from IPL to laser therapy; but pigmentation may recur if not complemented with topical creams to stabilize the pigment cells. I would suggest starting with Melarase Brightening Kit with Melaclenz, Melapads, Melarase AM, and Melarase PM to help stabilize pigmentation and reduce recurrence. Once started, an active protocol that includes Covalent peels, IPL, fractional laser, and microneedling can further remove pigmentation. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Realself100 Surgeon
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Answer: Melasma Treatment Melasma and age spots can be due to hormones, aging, sun exposure, thyroid dysfunction, and genetics. Treatments range from IPL to laser therapy; but pigmentation may recur if not complemented with topical creams to stabilize the pigment cells. I would suggest starting with Melarase Brightening Kit with Melaclenz, Melapads, Melarase AM, and Melarase PM to help stabilize pigmentation and reduce recurrence. Once started, an active protocol that includes Covalent peels, IPL, fractional laser, and microneedling can further remove pigmentation. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Realself100 Surgeon
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May 30, 2018
Answer: Get Rid of Melasma Hello Mcgyy. The chemical peel would not have caused Melasma, but it may have exfoliated the skin, causing you to see the melasma more clearly or even causing you to be more sensitive to sun exposure. Regardless of what caused it, hydroquinone is our standard treatment and we use 4% - 8% hydroquinone gel solution. It penetrates very easily and because of the high strength works, extremely well. Best of luck.
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May 30, 2018
Answer: Get Rid of Melasma Hello Mcgyy. The chemical peel would not have caused Melasma, but it may have exfoliated the skin, causing you to see the melasma more clearly or even causing you to be more sensitive to sun exposure. Regardless of what caused it, hydroquinone is our standard treatment and we use 4% - 8% hydroquinone gel solution. It penetrates very easily and because of the high strength works, extremely well. Best of luck.
Helpful
May 30, 2018
Answer: Melasma Dear Mcgyyver1,I would have to examine you but Melasma can be treated with a comprehensive approach. Stopping or changing the birth control medication, avoidance of UV and direct light, and also retinol and hydroquinone treatment. You should always use sunscreen.Daniel Barrett, MD Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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May 30, 2018
Answer: Melasma Dear Mcgyyver1,I would have to examine you but Melasma can be treated with a comprehensive approach. Stopping or changing the birth control medication, avoidance of UV and direct light, and also retinol and hydroquinone treatment. You should always use sunscreen.Daniel Barrett, MD Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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May 30, 2018
Answer: Melasma Treatment--Best Treatment Is Clear + Brilliant / Fraxel / Aerolase w Microneedling/prp, Cosmelan 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 (Cosmelan), Microneedling/PRP, Aerolase, and sometimes Erbium laser (cool laser) to get the best results. I suggest seeing an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer
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May 30, 2018
Answer: Melasma Treatment--Best Treatment Is Clear + Brilliant / Fraxel / Aerolase w Microneedling/prp, Cosmelan 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 (Cosmelan), Microneedling/PRP, Aerolase, and sometimes Erbium laser (cool laser) to get the best results. I suggest seeing an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer
Helpful
May 30, 2018
Answer: Melasma Melasma can be difficult to treat but the most important thing is to have an evaluation to determine exactly the cause of the spots. Hyperpigmented areas or spots of the face are more challenging to treat in patients who tend to have darker complexions and more natural pigment at baseline. These are also the patients who are prone to get spots after chemical peels or lasers. Energy-based treatments such as laser and intense-pulsed light may make skin darker or too light compared to surrounding skin. A more gentle option is to use topical "bleaching" creams such as hydroquinone, however care must be given to apply the cream only to areas that are darker so avoid lightening normal skin. If these areas changed only recently, they may also improve over time naturally if kept out of the sun and protected. It is important to wear sunblock and to protect the areas when outside. For the best treatment options, it is important to visit an expert for an in-person examination. Best of luck! Johnson C. Lee, MD Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon IG: @drjohnsonlee
Helpful
May 30, 2018
Answer: Melasma Melasma can be difficult to treat but the most important thing is to have an evaluation to determine exactly the cause of the spots. Hyperpigmented areas or spots of the face are more challenging to treat in patients who tend to have darker complexions and more natural pigment at baseline. These are also the patients who are prone to get spots after chemical peels or lasers. Energy-based treatments such as laser and intense-pulsed light may make skin darker or too light compared to surrounding skin. A more gentle option is to use topical "bleaching" creams such as hydroquinone, however care must be given to apply the cream only to areas that are darker so avoid lightening normal skin. If these areas changed only recently, they may also improve over time naturally if kept out of the sun and protected. It is important to wear sunblock and to protect the areas when outside. For the best treatment options, it is important to visit an expert for an in-person examination. Best of luck! Johnson C. Lee, MD Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon IG: @drjohnsonlee
Helpful