Is BBL more effective than Hydroquinone for melasma?

Question

Is the laser procedure of BBL more effective than hydroquinone? Which is more effective for Melasma? Why choose one over the other?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

melasma needs peels like cosmelan or enlighten and clear and brilliant, genesis, PRP.  BBL isnt that great for melasma and can worsen it, and straight HQ isnt enough.

this is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation/melasma/discoloration that needs cosmelan or enlighten peels at home which we can do virtually and send to your home along with aerify peels regularly, vivatia foam, restorsea 10x, faith essence serum, and cosmelan 2 cream.

Hyperpigmentation from any type needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify,  lasers like clear and brilliant and aerolase or laser genesis, radiofrequency like venus viva, and constant skin care and sun protection.  Bimonthly facials with silk peel dermalinfusion is essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin.  If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement.  I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.

Manish Khanna, MD, FRCP(C) · Answer

Hi Chrissy1981Sall,

Thanks for your question. Please consult an experienced physician who specializes in treatment for melasma. There is not one solution for managing melasma rather a combination of the right active ingredients, diligent use of sunscreen and possible treatments such as Fraxel re:store or Q switch lasers.  Apart from Hydroquinone, there are other products available that could be recommended such as tranexamic acid,  kojic acid, and arbutin that would help with lightening of the skin. Someone with experience who has treated many patients struggling with melasma should be consulted. All the best,  Manish Khanna, MD, FRCPC

Timothy Abrahamson, MD · Answer

BBL is basically one form of IPL (broad band light vs intense pulsed light)

Melasma is best treated initially with
 1) SUNSCREEN AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING (hat or facial cover)
2) Bleaching agents: hydroquinone, transexamic acid, or kojic acid
3) Resistant cases may benefit from IPL/BBL.   Reasons for 2nd line agent.
a. heat reaction can paradoxically trigger pigmentation (think post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
b. when IPL/BBL works, recurrence can still be an issue as there is a large genetic basis to melasma

Is BBL more effective than Hydroquinone for melasma?

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Is BBL more effective than Hydroquinone for melasma?

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Everything you need to know about BroadBand Light (BBL)

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