Melasma/Hyperpigmentation - Santa Monica, CA

I visited Dr. Karamanoukian's office for melasma/hyperpigmentation on my upper cheeks and upper lip. I previously had Fraxel Restore laser treatments at another office to treat the melasma/spots, but that caused worse pigmentation and the other doctor was unable to recommend anything that would make it beter. Dr. Karamanoukian recommended a regimen of creams/peels about a month ago. I've been faithful to his recommendations and I see some progress already. His treatment recommendations are simple to follow and affordable. I will post again to follow-up on my progress in the coming months.

Dr. Karamanoukian placed me on a regimen of products from his SkinKareMd line, including MelaClenz, MelaPads, Melaquin AM and PM and a prescription of Retin A .1%. Every morning and night, I massage the cleanser into wet skin for 1 minute. After rinsing off, I use the pads and follow with Melaquin AM in the morning and Melaquin PM mixed with Retin A in the PM. My skin does feel tight and is flaking, but that is to be expected. I just use extra moisturizer/healing balm on the dry areas as needed. I am also going into the Dr's office for light (7-10%) TCA peels as recommended. The process is supposed to take between 4-6 months. In my opinion, the pigmentation has lightened, requiring less use of concealer on a daily basis.