Melasma Requires a
Multifaceted Treatment Approach
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Melasma is a chronic skin disorder. There is no single medicine, cream or laser procedure that will cure Melasma, because there is no cure. Melasma is a chronic skin pigmentation disorder that is complex and challenging to treat. It requires a multifaceted treatment approach that addresses each person’s unique causes, skin quality, and lifestyle.
WHAT CAUSES MELASMA?
- Abrasion
- Birth Control Medicine
- Genetics
- Heat
- Hormonal imbalance
- Inflammation
- Pregnancy
- Scratching
- Skin Care Products
- Skin irritants
- Stress
- Sun Damage
Each Person’s Melasma is Unique
Each person’s health history, genetics, lifestyle and skin quality are different. We need to understand what we are working with before we can tailor a treatment plan. We use the QuantifiCare 3D Photography system, to record inflammation, surface pigmentation, and below surface pigmentation. Then using a Wood’s Lamp, the doctor examines the patient’s pigment in detail. Frequently other skin conditions coexist with Melasma which the doctor can address too. Based on his physical examination and the photo analysis, the doctor can approximate the minimum number of laser treatments required.
After the evaluation, the Practice Manager meets with the patient to review financing options, order the prescription cream and schedule appointments.
PRESCRIPTION MELASMA CREAM
We use a compounding pharmacy to make our proprietary melasma cream. Each ingredient in our proprietary cream has a specific purpose. For example, Arbutin lightens dark spots and reduces hyperpigmentation. Patients will see a visible difference after a few weeks of use. And their improved skin quality maximizes laser treatment results. The compounding pharmacy contacts the patient directly for payment and shipping instructions. The cream is shipped overnight mail. Refrigeration is suggested but not required.
PROTECT YOUR SKIN
- Stay out of the sun. Use mineral based SPF > 50 sunscreen and wear a hat.
- Moisturize your face frequently. A 30%-40% Moisture Level is considered normal
- Get enough sleep
- Use appropriate supplements such as:
- Omega-3 – Reduces inflammation, protects from sun damage, reduces signs of aging, Improves skin barrier function.
- Vitamin C – Treats hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by melanin overproduction.
LASER TREATMENT
Each treatment begins with clean skin and photos. Then we use a proprietary cream to numb the patient for 30 minutes. During the numbing process the doctor reviews patient medical history and photos. After the numbing cream is removed and the patient’s skin is clean, the doctor performs an anti-inflammatory treatment using low-fluence, short pulses with the Fotona Dynamis Laser. This step is beneficial for treating the microvascular components of Melasma.
The next parts of the treatment are performed with the Fotona SkyWalker PQX Laser. Which is the fastest and most powerful Pico laser available today. Each laser pulse is 300 picoseconds (ps). A picosecond is a unit of time, specifically one trillionth of a second (10^-12 seconds).
The Pico Laser delivers a subcellular photoacoustic (no heat) effect to fragment the melanin (pigment) delivery system.
Then the doctor uses a fractional non-ablative treatment that stimulates healing and skin rejuvenation.
EXOSOMES
We then apply high quality Exosomes to repair aging melanocytes and fibroblasts and promote collagen production.
Exosomes improve the rate of pigment disposal, reduce the formation of additional pigment, reduce inflammation, speed up the healing process, stimulate collagen synthesis, increase hydration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
HEALING
The skin is red after the treatment. We apply Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar, to reduce redness and promote healing. We recommend the application of Alastin Skin Nectar morning and night to improve the healing process. Treatments are tolerated extremely well, and down time is minimal. Before leaving the clinic, the redness will be greatly diminished. On the following day the skin will be pink and by the third day most patients are back to normal.
Most patients will require 3 to 5 treatments, scheduled 3 to 4 weeks apart and will benefit from continued use of the prescription cream, Alastin Skin Nectar and an appropriate moisturizer.
