What can I do for my skin? What is it? Rosacea or melasma?

Question

I've been told I have malasma and rosacea? I've been on a strict hydroquinone regimine from zo for the last 4 months and doesn't seem to be helping. Any suggestions? Lasers?

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

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello Kelly! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Shah Facial Plastics. I am sorry to hear this! I highly recommend trying the PiQo laser. This laser uses minimal heat, requires minimal downtime, rejuvenates the skin, and is effective in treating patients with melasma. Generally, most patient's will need 6-8 treatments (spaced 4 weeks apart) and be consistent in order to see results. Commonly, patient's will start seeing results after about 3 treatments. I highly recommend PiQo and hope this helps! Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. For rosacea, I like a combination approach, using lasers (ProYellow, Pulsed Dye/Vbeam, Excel V, BBL, Pico), peels and botox to the cheeks. This makes dramatic changes in color and symptoms. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

What can I do for my skin? What is it? Rosacea or melasma?

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What can I do for my skin? What is it? Rosacea or melasma?

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