7 weeks post Fraxel re:store treatment for trrating melasma. Now i have white spots hypopigmentation all over my face wich i can not cover because it stills appear under makeup. Im very depressed. I asked for a post fraxel rendezvous with dermatologist to see whats the matter he tells i may need another one. Her nurse passed by after he got out of the room and told me if she was me she would totally go for obagi treatment 550$ box cream package before going on fraxel #2. What should i do? :-(
August 10, 2016
Answer: Treatment for melasma Thank you for your question stephra7. Melasma is a condition characterized by the appearance of dark patches on the skin. It is caused by an imbalance of hormones in the body that makes the skin more susceptible to things like sunlight. Treatment on the skin will improve the skin, but it will not address the hormone imbalance. For this reason melasma is a challenging condition that we control, not sure. I always start my melasma patients on a good skin care regimen for one to two months prior to any treatment. Products containing retinoids and hydroquinone such as the Obagi system work well. They can also work well to control hyperpigmentation after a treatment. For my patients I prefer an ablative laser such as a fractional Erbium:YAG, on top of which I apply liquid hydroquinone immediately after the laser resurfacing. Please follow up with your doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!
Helpful
August 10, 2016
Answer: Treatment for melasma Thank you for your question stephra7. Melasma is a condition characterized by the appearance of dark patches on the skin. It is caused by an imbalance of hormones in the body that makes the skin more susceptible to things like sunlight. Treatment on the skin will improve the skin, but it will not address the hormone imbalance. For this reason melasma is a challenging condition that we control, not sure. I always start my melasma patients on a good skin care regimen for one to two months prior to any treatment. Products containing retinoids and hydroquinone such as the Obagi system work well. They can also work well to control hyperpigmentation after a treatment. For my patients I prefer an ablative laser such as a fractional Erbium:YAG, on top of which I apply liquid hydroquinone immediately after the laser resurfacing. Please follow up with your doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!
Helpful
August 12, 2016
Answer: HQ, SPF and wait. Yes, there are studies showing Fraxel can help with melasma both in the 1927 and 1550 wavelengths, however , as with all treatments melasma will recur. Melasma can not be completely cured, however effective treatment are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4 hours.
Helpful
August 12, 2016
Answer: HQ, SPF and wait. Yes, there are studies showing Fraxel can help with melasma both in the 1927 and 1550 wavelengths, however , as with all treatments melasma will recur. Melasma can not be completely cured, however effective treatment are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4 hours.
Helpful
