Should I be concerned about worsening melasma when using Sofwave?

Question

I understand there is no known risk of hyperpigmentation or worsening melasma with Sofwave, but since it produces heat, I don't understand why it wouldn't worsen melasma. Can someone please explain why it would not be a concern?

Lisa Vuich, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Sofwave does not target pigment, however clients with melasma could theoretically have some darkening of melasma triggered by the heat of the treatment itself. It is recommended that the post pulse cooling time be increased in order to try to avoid this (that is a setting we adjust at the time of treatment, not anything you do). You could do a couple of things if you are interested in a Sofwave treatment:
1. Get onto a topical hydroquinone for 6 weeks prior to Sofwave, to make your melanocytes less 'reactive'. You could discontinue it after Sofwave if desired.
2. Have your provider do a test patch with Sofwave and see what happens- of course the test patch should be done in a region where you have the melasma.
Ultimately, if the melasma does get darker, it would still respond to topical hydroquinone or to other treatments approved for treating melasma, such as LaseMD. I hope that is helpful.

Should I be concerned about worsening melasma when using Sofwave?

Answers (1)

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