Hi, I have melasma under my eyes and on my forehead symmetrical. This appeared when I was pregnant 7 years ago and has never gone I was taking an antibiotic for acne called tetralysal for many years also. Im wondering if pixel laser will work on my discolouration or aggravate it and end up worse off. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks
August 13, 2017
Answer: Pixel or combination approach for melasma Pixel laser is fractional laser technology and not optimal for the relief of hyperpigmentation associated with melasma. Melasma needs long term commitment with skin care and avoidance of skin factors such as sun exposure (Spectrase Sun Block) which has wide UV spectrum and SPF 30+ protection. Daily good habits with topicals may well help you chieve your goals with a good skin system like the Brightening Kit from KareSkin (see link). You may want to start with Melarase and Pigmentation Correction Complex. Scler-X from another vendor is for PIH relief (see link). Melarase AM is non hydroquinone based. Clear + Brilliant laser can be added once you start your pretreatment with topicals. Best H Karamanoukian MD FACS
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August 13, 2017
Answer: Pixel or combination approach for melasma Pixel laser is fractional laser technology and not optimal for the relief of hyperpigmentation associated with melasma. Melasma needs long term commitment with skin care and avoidance of skin factors such as sun exposure (Spectrase Sun Block) which has wide UV spectrum and SPF 30+ protection. Daily good habits with topicals may well help you chieve your goals with a good skin system like the Brightening Kit from KareSkin (see link). You may want to start with Melarase and Pigmentation Correction Complex. Scler-X from another vendor is for PIH relief (see link). Melarase AM is non hydroquinone based. Clear + Brilliant laser can be added once you start your pretreatment with topicals. Best H Karamanoukian MD FACS
Helpful
April 4, 2017
Answer: Pixel and other fractional lasers can improve melasma but... 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. I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams. I usually start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) a few weeks after they commence on creams. Another laser I use is the Clear and Brilliant in the Permea setting combined with creams. Yes, Pixel has been reported to help, but I prefer more cost effective and gentle lasers to reduce the chance of 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. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane, Australia
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April 4, 2017
Answer: Pixel and other fractional lasers can improve melasma but... 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. I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams. I usually start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) a few weeks after they commence on creams. Another laser I use is the Clear and Brilliant in the Permea setting combined with creams. Yes, Pixel has been reported to help, but I prefer more cost effective and gentle lasers to reduce the chance of 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. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane, Australia
Helpful