Hypopigmentation After Laser for Melasma

Question

From India and dark skinned. I had melasma. The doctor recommended revlite laser for 20 sittings at 5 day interval in Jan'10. After which, my skin has hypopigmentation & have white spots all over my face. I keep applying sun screen regularly and I see good improvement. Certain areas turn from white to pink and gradually fade away.However there are still spots which don't seem to improve.Do the "not improved" spots fade away over time? Are these permanent? Is there any treatment I could go for?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Greetings, please see below for options. Melasma is a condition which requires multiple steps and treatments to effectively improve the condition consistently over time.  In our office, here are steps which are effective:
-Pico lasers- The best type of laser for improving the condition.  Please note it takes multiple steps to improve melasma safely
-Nd:YAG Nano lasers with toning- Here a laser is used for deeply resistant melasma to break up particles without generating excessive heat
-Melanage peels- A variety of peels can work and melanage is one of the best for melasma
-Skin topicals- A variety of products including use of lighteners (we prefer natural lighteners such as arubtase found in our product Luminoso) as well as sunscreens can help improve the condition
-Lifestyle choices-Avoiding the sun, hormonal changes (we have a hormone expert in Dr. Chughtai in our office) can all impact melasma.
While melasma is common, patients must understand a multi pronged approach is often the best strategy and controlling this condition.
Best, 
Anil Shah MD

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

Lasers do not cure melasma.  See the article in October 2011 Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.  Lasers are temporarily helpful, but never curative.  If you had 20 treatments, you may have permanent hypopigmented spots especially if the treatments were aggressive.  In my opinion there are safer and better ways to treat melasm.

Edward Lack, MD (retired) · Answer

Loss of pigment after laser treatments may be permanent. This is called hypopigmentation and in many cases will resolve spontaneously.

Hypopigmentation After Laser for Melasma

Answers (3)

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.

Hypopigmentation After Laser for Melasma

Answers (3)

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.