I have noticed melasma above my upper lip. How can Clear and Brilliant treat this issue? (Photo)

Question

I am a 48 year old Native American with a very healthy olive complexion. I just had a Clear and Brilliant treatment on my face with a number of a passes above my lip. What should I expect from today's treatment regarding the 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

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

For skin lightening I'd suggest a combination of microneedling and a bleaching cream like Tri-Luma.  The microneedling creates channels in the skin where the lightening cream can penetrate to where it is needed.

Scott Gerrish, DO · Answer

Sylvia Locklear,
The C&B has the potential to improve the melasma on your upper lip however there are other considerations that will influence your response to the treatment. First, sun avoidance post treatment is critical as the melasma can be exacerbated by the sun. Second, I always recommend a topical product that suppresses the melanin production ( Lytera or hydroquinone 4% are examples) beginning 7 to 10 days after the treatment. Lastly, the areas you are experiencing hyper-pigmentation must be treated lightly through multiple treatments. Aggressive treatments will create more inflammation that may result in the melasma worsening rather than improving.
Be Well
Dr G

I have noticed melasma above my upper lip. How can Clear and Brilliant treat this issue? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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I have noticed melasma above my upper lip. How can Clear and Brilliant treat this issue? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Clear and Brilliant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.