I have very recently developed Melasma or Hori Nevus. How can I identify what exactly I have and how I can treat it? (photos)

Question

I have some Asian roots, hence my skin can be classified as ethnic. Unfortunately I have been under a lot of stress lately and realized two weeks ago that I have these ugly patches on my cheeks. I have visited dermatologist but he almost immediately referred to it just as “pigmentation” and recommended Harmony laser. I have been researching about it since then daily. It is very light at the moment and it’s kind of crumbly. Will I have recurrence in both cases? Hori and Melasma?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

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

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Melasma is one of the most difficult skin conditions to treat as it is triggered by hormones and exacerbated by heat. What this means is that while most pigmentation issues respond well to lasers such as IPL, Melasma has a tendency to get worse after heat is exposed to the area. Here are my recommendations for treating Melasma, good luck.
------Chemical Peels- Peels such as the Melanage Peel or the Reve Peel offer safe results for patients with Melasma. A combination of acids and non-acids penetrate the skin to lift micropigmentiaton. You will also be sent home with an at-home care regimen to maintain your resutls.
-------Lasers- The safest way to treat melasma via laser is with a laser that fires in Picoseconds. This is to insure a careful heating of the skin not to further exacerbate the melasma. Here in my office we use the Piqo4 Laser by Lumenis. It is the only laser proven to treat melasma safely and effectively.
It is important to know that melasma is a moving target and requires patience and diligence to treat.Best,Anil Shah

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

plan at least 3 sessions, each spaced a month apart. I would recommend that you pre-treat for 2-3 weeks with 4-8% hydroquinone cream. you should stop any active agents, 3 days before your Picosure treatment. you need to always use a good sunblock since if you get much sun exposure it will likely recur. david berman md

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hori's usually more discrete, higher up, in the dermis. Wood's light will show up epidermal pigment, see a dermatologist who knows what they are doing, and you will be fine either way.  Go to bit.ly/melasma23 for more information Melasma is a very common cause of skin pigmentation. It 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. This forms the foundation of all treatments.

I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams or Meladerm. I start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) as this has shown to decrease pigment production by decreasing the activity of the cells that produce pigment. Laser itself is not aimed at ‘blasting’ pigment, but to slow down the rate of melanin production. Another laser I use is the Clear and Brilliant in the 1927 Permea setting combined with creams. IPL should never be used to treat mixed melasma as it often worsens the condition (this is termed ‘Rebound Melasma’)

In some cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, and in other cases I use a tablet called Tranexamic acid to help. Melasma treatments should be tailored to each patient according the type of melasma. Majority of patients will have mixed dermal and epidermal melasma. Approach melasma as a medical condition and not a cosmetic concern, and the success rate will be much higher.

Consult a Board Certified Laser dermatologist with a special interest in disorders in pigmentation as well as one who has experience in treating all skin types, including darker Ethnic skin.

All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane, Australia.

I have very recently developed Melasma or Hori Nevus. How can I identify what exactly I have and how I can treat it? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: This should respond to the Picosure laser

Answer: This should respond to the Picosure laser

Answer: Special lighting

Answer: Special lighting

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 have very recently developed Melasma or Hori Nevus. How can I identify what exactly I have and how I can treat it? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: This should respond to the Picosure laser

Answer: This should respond to the Picosure laser

Answer: Special lighting

Answer: Special lighting

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.