Melasma and LED therapy, high frequency, and microcurrent. Can these treatments help improve melasma?

Question

I've been using a high frequency wand (purple), red and green LED light therapy, and a nuface micro currents device to treat aging concerns like sagging. But I recently realized I may have developed Melasma in the past year. Are these treatments making it worse or can they help improve it? I'm using vitamin c and spf 50 already daily after these treatments.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello Omegan. Melasma does tend to be reactive to light, especially UV light.  Whether or not it's related to the devices you are using is unclear.  Melasma is typically treated with hydroquinone formulations and we do not use lasers for exactly the reason your are asking this question - lasers can make melasma worse.

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

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

red light helps melasma but what is needed most Is cosmelan or enlighten peels, post-care and dermarolling witht growth factors (see link to emeragecosmetics.com).
Hyperpigmentation from any type needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan,  lasers like clear and brilliant and aerolase or laser genesis, radiofrequency like venus viva, and constant skin care and sun protection.  Bimontly facials with silk peel dermalinfusion is essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin.  If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement.  I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear omegan,
I would have to examine you but Melasma can be treated with a comprehensive approach.  Stopping or changing the birth control medication, avoidance of UV and direct light, and also retinol and hydroquinone treatment. You should always use sunscreen.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Melasma and LED therapy, high frequency, and microcurrent. Can these treatments help improve melasma?

Answers (4)

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