Melasma - is there a permanent solution?

I am not sure why doctors are sometimes hesitant to answer this questions frankly. Unfortunately, melasma is caused by variety of conditions, including hormones,, genetics, medications, sun and more. As far as I know and having practiced dermatology and cosmetic surgery for 26 years, there are no permanent treatments that once and for all would cure the melasma . Having said that, it can be successfully treated with topical creams, lasers, micro dermabrasion, chemical peels, and more. Once it has improved or cleared, it can be easily maintained so it doesn’t come back. I hope this was helpful. Please visit us for more information ,

Dr. David Rahimi

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for melasma. The best treatment strategies hinge on combination of avoidance of triggers for pigment production, pigment suppression, and pigment removal.

​Melasma needs a combination approach to get the best improvement and will need a series of treatments. In our practice, we combine Clear + Brilliant, pico, peels, microneedling/PRP, Aerolase, and sometimes Erbium (Cool Laser) to get the best results. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer​

Hello my name is Ranen from Dr. Shahs office. Melasma is considered to be hormonal pigmentation that will always return with flare ups. Not sure exactly what may flare up your melasma (everyone is different). There are treatments to get rid of the melasma, but unfortunately this is a temporary fix. It will have to be maintained.

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hello; Since melasma is an inflammatory problem there is no permanent cure, but using products or Lasers can keep it at bay. It is extremely important to use sunscreen to protect yourself against further sun damage, also remove any potential promoters such as hormones i.e. birth control pills.

It’s a difficult condition to treat. A lot depends on your complexion and how you heal. I found plucking out the lessons piece meal with fine instruments works ok. If there was a single cure then we would all be doing it.
M Hagstrom