What is the best way to get rid of melasma? (Photo)

Question

I have these melasma areas under my eyes and above the lip. They became visible after 6 Sylfirm X procedures I had for acne scars that ended Nov 2022. I have some remaining acne scars in one cheek.  Will Co2 help or is Pico or other laser better? I also had taken progesterone treatment. The melasma is not well defined in shape, it is diffused. I am wearing spf 50+ for years now, all year long, and reapply correctly. Also I have some small hiperpigmented spots from acne on my cheeks.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello anne.anne77! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Shah Facial Plastics. This is a great question. Based on your concerns, I recommend treating the area of concern with a combination of Pico laser and CO2 laser resurfacing. I highly recommend scheduling an in-person consultation in order to better assess your areas of concern and discuss an appropriate treatment plan to help achieve your aesthetic goals. Our office phone number is: (312) 944-0117. I hope this helps and best of luck!

What is the best way to get rid of melasma? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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

What is the best way to get rid of melasma? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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