Can the clear+brilliant laser significantly reduce my melasma? (photos)

Question

I was told that the clear+brilliant laser could help with my melasma. Before I spend $1,400 on 5 treatments I'd like to know if this is the right approach. I've used the Obagi system, Maderma, licorice root, Bioelements Megawatt skin brightener, among other products. The Obagi system gave me small results and nothing else has worked. What would you recommend for melasma and what's the difference between melasma and hyperpigmentation? Thank you for your time

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Clear and Brilliant alone will not control your melasma. I would combine it with sunscreen, sun and heat avoidance, hormonal control, and starting Melarase Brightening creams to maintain results. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

Tanda Lane, MD · Answer

Melasma certainly presents a treatment challenge and I findthe best approach to be a combined one.  A Combination of good sun protection, skincare, supplements and procedural interventions are all typically needed. 4%hydroquinone is the gold standard topical intervention and I typically havepatients prime the skin for at least 2 weeks with hydroquinone before anyprocedure. The clear and brilliant (particularly the permea handpiece) is agood minimally invasive option for melasma, but sadly there is no guarantee. Ialso like the 1927nm thulium laser (Fraxel dual or Fraxel re:store) as it cantarget dyschromia both in the epidermis and dermis.  I would also recommend supplementing withoral pycnogenol during and after your therapies. This is a potent OTC anti-oxidantand anti-inflammatory that decreases the pigment intensity of melasma and canprevent rebound hyperpigmentation post laser. I would also recommend SkinMedica's total defense and repair post treatment as it blocks UVB, UVA and Infrared light...all which contribute to recurrences of pigmentation.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

I don't believe any laser CURES melasma. I do, however, believe that lasers are useful in the treatment of melasma. Laser helps improve the hyper-pigmentation and then maintenance treatments including peels, prescription (Tri-Luma) and nonprescription (Lytera) topicals along with very good sun protection (sunscreens and blocks, hats, sunglasses, limiting sun exposure) all combined can help control melasma but it never really can be cured. My mother has melasma and I use all of the above on her. But I am constantly reminding her that sun avoidance and protection is the best treatment for melasma. Her melasma is best in the winter and worst in the summer.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes lasers like C and B , gentle 1927 Fraxel and QSL dermal toning as well as Pico can all help with melasma, but no laser can cure this condition. C and B in the Permea setting with bleaching creams can improve things by 50-80% over 4-5 sessions. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Article on melasma treatment options below.

Can the clear+brilliant laser significantly reduce my melasma? (photos)

Answers (4)