Hi, I have very large melasma patches on my cheeks and forehead. A consultant at my local hospital prescribed me with quinone cream, which was very difficult for the pharmacist to get hold of as it is banned in our country (U.K). I have been given advice by a local clinic on IPL laser and wondered if this would be good for me.
Answer: Melasma: Answers to the most common questions Melasma is characterized by hyperpigmentation on the face that has four main causes: Genetics Sun exposure Hormones Inflammation One of the most effective treatments is a topical combination of prescription hydroquinone and tretinoin. Keep in mind that treatments for melasma are not permanent as the above mentioned causes cannot be entirely eliminated.
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Answer: Melasma: Answers to the most common questions Melasma is characterized by hyperpigmentation on the face that has four main causes: Genetics Sun exposure Hormones Inflammation One of the most effective treatments is a topical combination of prescription hydroquinone and tretinoin. Keep in mind that treatments for melasma are not permanent as the above mentioned causes cannot be entirely eliminated.
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Answer: Best treatments for melasma Greetings,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 not 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
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Best treatments for melasma Greetings,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 not 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
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September 17, 2015
Answer: Combining Treatments for the Best Outcome for Melasma Melasma is a common disorder that is often difficult to treat. It isn't unusual for a patient to become frustrated after trying a variety of treatments in an attempt to obtain satisfactory results. Like most other complicated skin conditions, a combination of treatments paired with the proper skin regimen works best! Topical de-pigmenting agents such as hydroquinone or other melanin inhibitors along with a topical tretinoic acid to increase skin cell turnover, hastens the fading of uneven patches. This commitment along with specific medical-grade chemical peels, appropriate laser treatments and diligent protection , can enhance the likelihood of reducing or resolving melasma ! #melasma #chemicalpeels # unevenskincolor
Helpful
September 17, 2015
Answer: Combining Treatments for the Best Outcome for Melasma Melasma is a common disorder that is often difficult to treat. It isn't unusual for a patient to become frustrated after trying a variety of treatments in an attempt to obtain satisfactory results. Like most other complicated skin conditions, a combination of treatments paired with the proper skin regimen works best! Topical de-pigmenting agents such as hydroquinone or other melanin inhibitors along with a topical tretinoic acid to increase skin cell turnover, hastens the fading of uneven patches. This commitment along with specific medical-grade chemical peels, appropriate laser treatments and diligent protection , can enhance the likelihood of reducing or resolving melasma ! #melasma #chemicalpeels # unevenskincolor
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July 17, 2016
Answer: IPL and Melasma
IPL is not a good treatment option for melasma. Using a topical hydroquinone cream with tretinoin (Retin-A) may be a better option.
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July 17, 2016
Answer: IPL and Melasma
IPL is not a good treatment option for melasma. Using a topical hydroquinone cream with tretinoin (Retin-A) may be a better option.
Helpful
July 2, 2016
Answer: IPL Treatment for Melasma We believe that IPL (and Fraxel for that matter) treatments are the worst choice for Melasma for the vast majority of those that have it. Melasma can be an epidermal (upper skin), dermal (lower skin) or mixed (dermal and epidermal) condition. We have found that the only results we have achieved for treating Melasma were achieved with Q-switched laser technology and only in cases for epidermal Melasma. But so few patients have just epidermal Melasma that many actually get worse after light based treatments such as q-switched lasers, Fraxel and IPL treatments. Every patient that has come to our office after receiving Fraxel or IPL treatments elsewhere has had their Melasma worsen after treatment. We will begin trials shortly using the Hoya Conbio Medlite C6 (or later) q-switched laser on skin type IV patients (Asian and Hispanic). Although we have used q-switched laser technology for Melasma in the past, the results were mixed with only 50% getting better and the other half getting worse. Our new protocols will take into account research that has been ongoing in Asia for several years with much higher energies and much shorter duration between treatments. Until we complete this research we will continue to treat Melasma with topical (hydroquinone based creams) treatment programs only.
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July 2, 2016
Answer: IPL Treatment for Melasma We believe that IPL (and Fraxel for that matter) treatments are the worst choice for Melasma for the vast majority of those that have it. Melasma can be an epidermal (upper skin), dermal (lower skin) or mixed (dermal and epidermal) condition. We have found that the only results we have achieved for treating Melasma were achieved with Q-switched laser technology and only in cases for epidermal Melasma. But so few patients have just epidermal Melasma that many actually get worse after light based treatments such as q-switched lasers, Fraxel and IPL treatments. Every patient that has come to our office after receiving Fraxel or IPL treatments elsewhere has had their Melasma worsen after treatment. We will begin trials shortly using the Hoya Conbio Medlite C6 (or later) q-switched laser on skin type IV patients (Asian and Hispanic). Although we have used q-switched laser technology for Melasma in the past, the results were mixed with only 50% getting better and the other half getting worse. Our new protocols will take into account research that has been ongoing in Asia for several years with much higher energies and much shorter duration between treatments. Until we complete this research we will continue to treat Melasma with topical (hydroquinone based creams) treatment programs only.
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