Can Microdermabrasion Remove Melasma?

 I would not recommend microdermabrasion as an effective treatment for melasma. Melasma is a deep, resistant form of hyperpigmentation. Microdermabrasion exfoliates exfoliates the skin at a superficial level, so it would be unable to reach the damaged skin cells. To correct melasma, it is necessary to reach the dermis of the skin, where the melasma is contained.

The best approach for treating melasma is a combination of a prescription topical regimen and chemical peels. The topical regimen should include a hydroquinone product with a minimum of 4% strength, and a tretinoin product at a strength appropriate for your skin type and condition. Hydroquinone helps to suppress the overactive pigment-producing cells, and tretinoin exfoliates the skin and repairs cellular damage while helping to drive the hydroquinone deeper into the skin. There are several good skin care lines that offer products which include these ingredients in various forms, so there are options available to suit your particular needs and preferences. As for chemical peels, there are different types of acids that will help this condition. In this instance, the depth of the peel is more important than the particular peeling agent used.

As with any procedure, it is very important to work with a practitioner who is very skilled in administering the particular peel that they are providing. This becomes even more important with a more aggressive procedure. There are a few very good peels on the market right now that have been designed specifically to treat melasma, and have also been formulated to improve patient safety.

Hello, please see below for effective treatments. 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

Microdermabrasion will not remove the melasma. Microdermabrasion is a superficial treatment used to remove the very superficila skin layers. While melasma is a condition which affects the deeper layers of the skin. There are much better options to treat melasma.

Microdermabrasion is an superficial treatment and cannot change or alter the functioning of a hyperstimulated melanocyte.  I would recommend melanocyte cellular control with the Melarase AM and Melarase PM products. Our practice specializes in melasma treatment in Los Angeles. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS

Microdermabrasion is a technique which involves cleaning the outer layers of skin from the epidermis. The pigmentation with melasma is much deeper. Your observations are correct: Microdermabrasion won't help much if at all. Melasma is a challenging problem to treat with any topical, IPL, or laser based therapy.