I have melasma. I was thinking of getting ultra fractional laser to rid of my hyperpigmentation. Is it a good idea to use 4% hydroquinone two weeks before my treatment? Please advise also the best type of laser treatment for this.
Answer: Melasma Hi! Thank you for your question. Melasma is one of the most difficult skin conditions to treat as it is triggered by hormones and exacerbated by heat. What this means is that while most pigmentation issues respond well to lasers such as IPL, Melasma has a tendency to get worse after heat is exposed to the area. Here are my recommendations for treating Melasma, -------Lasers- The safest way to treat melasma via laser is with a laser that fires in Picoseconds. This is to insure a careful heating of the skin not to further exacerbate the melasma. Here in my office we use the Piqo4 Laser by Lumenis. It is the only laser proven to treat melasma safely and effectively. ------Chemical Peels- Peels such as the Melanage Peel or the Reve Peel offer safe results for patients with Melasma. A combination of acids and non-acids penetrate the skin to lift micropigmentiaton. You will also be sent home with an at-home care regimen to maintain your resutls. Hydroquinone can sensitize the skin so I would recommend to discontinue about 3 days prior to any treatment that you get done. Most patients resume about 7-10 days after but it also depends on how their skin is healing.It is important to know that melasma is a moving target and requires patience and diligence to treat. Best, Anil Shah
Helpful
Answer: Melasma Hi! Thank you for your question. Melasma is one of the most difficult skin conditions to treat as it is triggered by hormones and exacerbated by heat. What this means is that while most pigmentation issues respond well to lasers such as IPL, Melasma has a tendency to get worse after heat is exposed to the area. Here are my recommendations for treating Melasma, -------Lasers- The safest way to treat melasma via laser is with a laser that fires in Picoseconds. This is to insure a careful heating of the skin not to further exacerbate the melasma. Here in my office we use the Piqo4 Laser by Lumenis. It is the only laser proven to treat melasma safely and effectively. ------Chemical Peels- Peels such as the Melanage Peel or the Reve Peel offer safe results for patients with Melasma. A combination of acids and non-acids penetrate the skin to lift micropigmentiaton. You will also be sent home with an at-home care regimen to maintain your resutls. Hydroquinone can sensitize the skin so I would recommend to discontinue about 3 days prior to any treatment that you get done. Most patients resume about 7-10 days after but it also depends on how their skin is healing.It is important to know that melasma is a moving target and requires patience and diligence to treat. Best, Anil Shah
Helpful
October 24, 2018
Answer: Melasma Treatment--Best Treatment Is Clear + Brilliant / Fraxel / Aerolase w Microneedling/prp, Cosmelan Melasma needs a combination approach to get the best improvement and will need a series of treatments. In our practice, we combine Clear + brilliant, peels, microneedling/PRP, aerolase, and sometimes erbium laser (coollaser) to get the best results. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer
Helpful
October 24, 2018
Answer: Melasma Treatment--Best Treatment Is Clear + Brilliant / Fraxel / Aerolase w Microneedling/prp, Cosmelan Melasma needs a combination approach to get the best improvement and will need a series of treatments. In our practice, we combine Clear + brilliant, peels, microneedling/PRP, aerolase, and sometimes erbium laser (coollaser) to get the best results. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer
Helpful
October 24, 2018
Answer: Melasma Dear amazed510,I would have to examine you but Melasma can be treated with a comprehensive approach. Stopping or changing the birth control medication, avoidance of UV and direct light, and also retinol and hydroquinone treatment. You should always use sunscreen.Daniel Barrett, MD Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Helpful
October 24, 2018
Answer: Melasma Dear amazed510,I would have to examine you but Melasma can be treated with a comprehensive approach. Stopping or changing the birth control medication, avoidance of UV and direct light, and also retinol and hydroquinone treatment. You should always use sunscreen.Daniel Barrett, MD Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Helpful
October 25, 2018
Answer: PicoSure for Melasma Hello and thank you for your question. In our practice we have had some patients see excellent results with PicoSure treatments for melasma. You usually want to think initially terms of a series of treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart, and then maintenance treatments once every 6-12 months after that. With that being said, everyone is different and not all patients respond to melasma treatment in the same way. Melasma can be a challenge to treat and in some cases, heat can make it worse.. For that reason, after a proper consultation where we discuss the procedure, treatment goals, realistic expectations, etc., we usually do a small test spot to start so that the patient can see the process and results that can likely be expected. Our patients have been very satisfied with the opportunity to "preview" what the likely outcome will be by going through the test spot process. We recommend a skincare routine that uses SkinCeuticals products and have a few that we recommend specifically for Melasma patients and have seen some great results with. All the best to you!
Helpful
October 25, 2018
Answer: PicoSure for Melasma Hello and thank you for your question. In our practice we have had some patients see excellent results with PicoSure treatments for melasma. You usually want to think initially terms of a series of treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart, and then maintenance treatments once every 6-12 months after that. With that being said, everyone is different and not all patients respond to melasma treatment in the same way. Melasma can be a challenge to treat and in some cases, heat can make it worse.. For that reason, after a proper consultation where we discuss the procedure, treatment goals, realistic expectations, etc., we usually do a small test spot to start so that the patient can see the process and results that can likely be expected. Our patients have been very satisfied with the opportunity to "preview" what the likely outcome will be by going through the test spot process. We recommend a skincare routine that uses SkinCeuticals products and have a few that we recommend specifically for Melasma patients and have seen some great results with. All the best to you!
Helpful
October 24, 2018
Answer: Melasma Treatment Options Thank you for your question. Melasma is very difficult to treat and heat often makes it worse. Start by looking for prescription strength 4% Hydroquinone (HQ). Do not buy it over the counter or off the internet. Laws vary by state. In Texas, physicians can prescribe and dispense in office. We have been very successful using the PicoSure laser with the FOCUS and / or Flat Lenses eliminating hyperpigmentation with a series of treatments. Our protocol is a series of very low pulse count combined with using our chiller unit blowing cold air. FOCUS lens treatments have the extra benefit of reducing fine lines, wrinkles and scars. This is one of our go to treatments for patients older than 40 and worried about the signs of aging. The PicoSure laser is SAFE for ALL SKIN TYPES. Start with sunscreen every day! Once you have treated your hyperpigmentation to your satisfaction, you will probably need a follow treatment every 6 to 12 months depending your level of re-pigmentation. Best of luck.
Helpful
October 24, 2018
Answer: Melasma Treatment Options Thank you for your question. Melasma is very difficult to treat and heat often makes it worse. Start by looking for prescription strength 4% Hydroquinone (HQ). Do not buy it over the counter or off the internet. Laws vary by state. In Texas, physicians can prescribe and dispense in office. We have been very successful using the PicoSure laser with the FOCUS and / or Flat Lenses eliminating hyperpigmentation with a series of treatments. Our protocol is a series of very low pulse count combined with using our chiller unit blowing cold air. FOCUS lens treatments have the extra benefit of reducing fine lines, wrinkles and scars. This is one of our go to treatments for patients older than 40 and worried about the signs of aging. The PicoSure laser is SAFE for ALL SKIN TYPES. Start with sunscreen every day! Once you have treated your hyperpigmentation to your satisfaction, you will probably need a follow treatment every 6 to 12 months depending your level of re-pigmentation. Best of luck.
Helpful