Are there procedures that can help me improve pores and texture while tightening skin without worsening melasma? (photos)

Question

My melasma surfaced after I had two Clear & Brilliant treatments. I've been taking hydroquinone for 6 months, it's helped lighten a little bit but still obvious. I know there isn't one solution but what are the best treatments? I'm 43 and I want to improve my pores, texture, tighten skin, etc and want to try Morpheus8, Cool Peel or any recommended treatment but I'm nervous it will exacerbate my melasma and make it worse like the C&B.. are there any treatments I can do???

Danielle Shanley, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! Morpheus8 would be a great option for you if you are looking to tighten the skin, while improving the appearance of texture and pores. Along with micro needling, Morpheus8 uses Radio Frequency heating to help tighten the skin. While heat can bring Melasma to the surface of the skin, the heat from Morpheus8 will not make it worse & you can always tell the nurse doing the treatment your concern, and they can always keep the heat low! If you are wanting to take preventative measures to keep the Melasma at bay - you can always use a skincare system that helps with evening & correcting the pigment of the skin!

Lori Warren, MD · Answer

Morpheus8 is a very safe treatment for people with pigmented skin. It will give you the desired results that you were looking for without worsening your melasma, as long as your practitioner uses a lower energy settings for your olive toned skin. Because the radio frequency takes place deeper in your skin as opposed to at the surface,  it should not cause any hyper or hypo pigmentation. The biggest thing to remember post treatment is sun protection, and staying out of the sun, which can always worsen melasma or cause hyperpigmentation post treatment of any kind. I hope this helps.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

You would be a good candidate for Morpheus8 for the issues that are wanting to address.  When you have melasma, you would want to be sure that your provider is aware of this condition so that they can be sure to pre-treat with the Hydroquinone Cream that is sounds like you are already on, as well as they need to be cautious with their energy settings and I would avoid the 1mm depth which is where your melanocytes lie (these are the cells in your skin that produce pigment).

Giuseppe Fiore, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thanks for your question and pictures. 
In my clinic practice I have been using Morpheus 8 in combination with skin  care treatment. 
Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that can help to improve the appearance of pores, texture, and tighten skin without worsening melasma. When combined with appropriate skincare treatments, it can provide even more benefits to the skin. The treatment uses microneedling and radiofrequency energy to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, improve skin texture and tighten existing collagen fibers.
To further improve the skin, in conjunction with Morpheus 8, skincare treatments can be added to the regimen. These treatments can help to manage melasma and protect the skin from further damage. Sunscreen is an essential component of any skincare regimen to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, which can worsen melasma. Additionally, topical treatments containing ingredients such as hydroquinone, vitamin C, retinoids, and kojic acid can help to fade hyperpigmentation and even out the skin tone.
With the right treatment approach, combining Morpheus 8 ( 3 sessions every 4 weeks) and appropriate skincare treatments can help to improve the appearance of pores, texture, and tighten the skin, while also managing melasma and protecting the skin from further damage.
I strongly suggest to seek a qualified doctor expert in aesthetic medicine and skin tightening treatments for a medical assessment in order to make a bespoke treatment plan. Hope this helps, Best Wishes, 
Dr Giuseppe Fiore

Are there procedures that can help me improve pores and texture while tightening skin without worsening melasma? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Morpheus8 with melasma.

Answer: Morpheus8 with melasma.

Answer: Pores, texture, and tighten the skin without worsening melasma : combined treatment with Morpheus 8 and skin care treatments

Answer: Pores, texture, and tighten the skin without worsening melasma : combined treatment with Morpheus 8 and skin care treatments

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Morpheus8

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

Are there procedures that can help me improve pores and texture while tightening skin without worsening melasma? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Morpheus8 with melasma.

Answer: Morpheus8 with melasma.

Answer: Pores, texture, and tighten the skin without worsening melasma : combined treatment with Morpheus 8 and skin care treatments

Answer: Pores, texture, and tighten the skin without worsening melasma : combined treatment with Morpheus 8 and skin care treatments

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Morpheus8

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