How can I improve my the awful pigmentation and leathery skin? Should I have spectra laser treatment done? (photo)

Question

I have terrible melasma and age spots from sun damage on my face. I’m desperate to get rid of it. I don’t want to leave the house I hate my skin so much. Over the past several months It has got so much worse and a rough texture with huge pores and just very thick and dull. How can I improve my the awful pigmentation and leathery skin?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis.  We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Phillip Chang, MD · Answer

Hi daisymoon

The microlaser peel is an ablative laser that is used to remove a sheet of superficial epidermal skin which is then replaced with fresh skin with more youthful properties. Unlike many other laser systems, the built-in technology allows us to carefully control the depth of ablation from ten microns (equivalent to deep microdermabrasion) to 1000 microns (a deep skin resurfacing). This treatment is ideal for minimal to moderate fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sunspots. For more information about this procedure, please visit our website.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Hi Daisy, hyperpigmentation of any kind needs a combination approach of peels like Cosmelan; lasers like Clear + Brilliant, Aerolase or Laser Genesis; radiofrequency like Venus Viva; and constant skin care and sun protection. (The combination of lasers and Cosmelan with microneedling/PRP can also improve enlarged pores.) Bimonthly facials with SilkPeel DermalInfusion are essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin. I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.

Colin Campey, MBBS (retired) · Answer

Hi,
thanks for posting your question and photos! Due to the fact that you have both
sun spots/sun damage and melasma, you would need to use a combination
approach to avoid worsening the melasma whilst trying to treat the
rest of the skins sun damage. I would use the Medlite C6 laser first
to treat the hyperpigmentation, evening the skin tone. Then, a KTP
532nm laser to further reduce the superficial pigmentation. Once
these were completed, we would reassess to discuss the next step.
Please consult with a practitioner experienced in treating melasma.
Regards, Dr Campey

How can I improve my the awful pigmentation and leathery skin? Should I have spectra laser treatment done? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Melasma + overall rejuvenation

Answer: Melasma + overall rejuvenation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Peel

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

How can I improve my the awful pigmentation and leathery skin? Should I have spectra laser treatment done? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Melasma + overall rejuvenation

Answer: Melasma + overall rejuvenation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Peel

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