If this is melasma caused by IPL lumeca is it harder to treat then hormonal melasma or melasma that's just caused? (Photos)

Question

How will I know how deep this is and is it harder to go away then melasma not caused by a laser. I have never had melasma.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to tell from your pictures. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. 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. Melasma will need life-long maintenance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Skin discoloration is a very prevalent problem in women over the age of twenty.  It is also increasingly common in men with increased sun exposure, but mainly occurs in women. 
Risk factors include thyroid disease, sun exposure, hormones, pregnancy, family history, PIH, and birth control. Melarase AM and Melarase PM have been extremely effective in reducing pigmentation associated with skin discoloration and hyperstimulation of melanocytes. 
In my practice, patients with hyperpigmentation benefit from twice daily application of the creams. Melarase AM in the morning, followed by Melarase PM in the evening. Melarase AM contains four active sunblocks, so additional sunscreen is not needed unless your sun exposure is very high or you had a recent procedure/laser. SPF of 30. Melarase PM contains active skin lighteners to even out skin pigmentation. If you are concerned about the development of pigmentation, contact our office to discuss details and to obtain a regimen for Melarase. 
Laser therapy works but must be combined with a therapeutic topical program before and after therapy. 
Recommendations:  5-step Daily Brightening Kit has everything you need to improve dark spots, skin discoloration, melasma, and hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure, hormones, scarring, and the environment. It’s a powerful daily brightening kit that can help bring out your skin’s natural, healthy glow. Ideal for use on the face, neck, and hands. 
Includes: Melaclenz, Melapads, Melarase AM, Melarase PM, Elevase, and Spectrase
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
#Realself100 Surgeon

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question skinna. I understand your concern.
IPL is a great treatment for facial rejuvenation. Melasma is a common condition characterized by the appearance of dark patches on the skin. It is due to an imbalance of hormones in the skin that make the skin sensitive to light. The cause is an imbalance of hormones inside the body. While IPL does not cause melisma it can trigger it and make it more apparent. This sometimes coincides with times when women get melasma such as during or after pregnancy. Melasma can be treated with a combination of topical products and laser treatments. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  Melasma can be very difficult to treat and treatments don't work the same on everyone.  You should find a local provider that has several treatment options.  We have aggravated melasma with one treatment and had to switch to a different technology/device to get results.  It could be a little trial and error, but you should be able to get relief with either laser or IPL.  Since this might have been caused by an IPL treatment, we would possibly start with a PicoSure Flat or FOCUS lens treatment.  Both are very good for treating pigment issues.  Best of luck.

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

I have never heard of melasma being caused by IPL. Melasma is a genetic/hormonal pigmentation that tends to be brought on by pregnancy and worsened by sun exposure and other triggers. It can sometimes be made worse by IPL, but not caused by it. You could have had melasma that was brought out and made darker, but unlikely to be caused by IPL. What it looks like to me from those limited images is focal rectangular area of hyperpigmentation at the site of treatment. I would recommend 1. stay out of the sun 2. wear sunblock every day 3. use a skin lightener-- see your doc to get a script for hydroquinone cream or use Lytera or retinol or both to lighten the dark spot. It will fade, but it will take some time.

If this is melasma caused by IPL lumeca is it harder to treat then hormonal melasma or melasma that's just caused? (Photos)

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