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

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.

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.