Melasma Treatment

overview of melasma and its treatment

Name: Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre
Price range: $$$

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or gray patches on the face but is more complex than simple hyperpigmentation, such as age spots. Though it can occur in men and women, it is more common in women, especially those pregnant or taking birth control pills. There are several treatments for melasma, including topical creams, chemical peels, laser therapy, and microneedling. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections may also be used in some cases. The best treatment for melasma will vary depending on the individual case, so it is important to consult a dermatologist to determine the best course of action. Choosing the wrong treatment may activate the melanocytes.

Melasma risk factors

Skin type is one of the most important risk factors. There are six known skin types according to melanocyte activity and sensitivity. People with type 1, 2, 5, and 6 skin would not usually have melasma. Skin type 4 is the main skin type that suffers from melasma. Melanocytes are very sensitive, and some factors, such as the sun and the change of hormones, can easily tip the balance of melanocyte levels. Other risk factors include genetics, medication and sun exposure.

The epidermis holds the secret.

The epidermis is the outer layer of skin and is an accumulation of dead cells called the stratum corneum. It is important to point out:

Epithelial layers

There is a thin layer of epithelial cells (skin stem cells). These epithelial cells multiply indefinitely, providing a seemingly limitless supply of skin cells (keratinocytes). New keratinocytes push out the old ones, and keratinocytes migrate continuously from the epithelium to the skin surface. This is referred to as skin resurfacing.

Melanocytes

These pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) are found next to the epithelial layer and supply the pigment colour (melanin) to the skin cells and the outer skin colour. Thus, melanocytes produce pigment packs and send them to the keratinocytes so that by the time they reach the surface, they are full of the pigments that give the skin its colour and contribute to the melasma.

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What is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition resulting in skin patches on the face. The exact cause of Melasma is unknown, but it is thought to be related to hormones. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to the condition, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “the mask of pregnancy.” People with dark skin are also at increased risk of developing Melasma. In addition, Melasma may be triggered by certain medications, such as birth control pills or steroids. Sun exposure can also make the condition worse. Treatment for Melasma typically involves the use of lightening creams and sunscreen. In some cases, laser therapy may also be recommended.

Melasma Causes

Melasma is a condition that causes the skin to produce too much melanin. Melanocytes are cells in the skin that produce melanin, which gives skin its colour. When these cells become overactive, they can produce large patches of dark skin. Melasma is more common in women than men, often occurring during pregnancy or when taking certain hormonal medications. While the exact cause of Melasma is unknown, it is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels. Sun exposure can also make the condition worse. Treatment for Melasma often includes the use of lightning creams or laser surgery. In most cases, Melasma will resolve once the underlying cause has been addressed.

What are the available treatments for Melasma in Edmonton?

Several treatment options are available for Melasma, including Fraxel laser, microneedling, chemical peel, and hydrafacial. Fraxel laser is a type of light therapy that can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots. Microneedling is a procedure that involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin, which can help to stimulate collagen production and improve the overall appearance of the skin. A chemical peel is a technique that uses chemicals to exfoliate the top layer of skin, revealing new and healthy skin underneath. Hydrafacial is a facial treatment that uses a special device to cleanse and exfoliate the skin while simultaneously delivering powerful antioxidants. These are just a few of the many treatment options available for Melasma. Talk to us about which option is right for you.

You may need to return for follow-up appointments and adhere to particular skincare procedures to minimize the chance of melasma recurrence. These include limiting your exposure to the sun and using sunscreen every day. Our goal is to even your skin colour and not to cure Melasma.

Melasma Results at Albany Laser Centre

While there is no cure for melasma, treatments can help improve the appearance of the skin. In most cases, melasma will lighten and fade completely over several weeks or months. However, the discoloration may become darker in some cases before getting lighter. If you are concerned about the appearance of your skin, talk to our specialists about treatment options. With proper care, you can help improve your skin’s appearance and reduce the appearance of melasma.

Melasma Treatment Summary

Session Duration

Fotona or Fraxel laser session takes 45 to 60 min, and HydraFacial take 30 to 45 min

Downtime

The downtime depends mainly on the type of treatment. It is longest for Fotona laser and shortest for HydraFacial

Session Numbers

The patient should plan for minimum of four treatments over the span of 8 months

Level of Discomfot

The downtime depends mainly on the type of treatment. It is highest for Fraxel laser and lowest for HydraFacial and Spectra

Session Frequency

The Melasma treatment sessions could be repeated every four to eight weeks.

Results

Melasma might get darker before it responds to the treatment. Most clients observe best results four to eight weeks after the last treatment

Melasma Treatment FAQs

How is a Good Candidate for Albany Melasma Treatment?

Individuals who had melasma during pregnancy and do not want to conceive again are excellent candidates for laser therapy. Candidates for laser therapy include those whose melasma is resistant to previous therapies and those seeking faster results.

What are Melasma Treatment possible Risks?

There are risks associated with laser therapy for melasma. These adverse effects include redness or discoloration, burning, stinging, and the possibility of infection due to topical anesthetic allergies. Certain lasers, notably vascular lasers, do not seem to be effective in the treatment of melasma. Others have the potential to exacerbate melasma by creating hyperpigmentation, especially on Black and dark skin, so make sure to choose the treatment provider wisely.

Which Laser Does Albany Centre Use for The Melasma Treatment

We will use a combination for the following lasers Fractional Fractional laser resurfacing, often called Fraxel, creates minute holes in the skin, stimulating the creation of new, healthy skin cells. There is a prickling feeling associated with the process, and often a topical anesthetic is used before the surgery. Immediately thereafter, your skin appears red or discolored, as well as raw. However, your skin will seem brighter and more even after 3 to 5 days of healing. IPL An intense pulsed light (IPL) laser employs many wavelengths of light to target certain hues in your skin. Because this therapy may potentially exacerbate melasma in some skin tones, it is essential to visit a dermatologist prior to beginning. Q-Switch The Q-Switch laser, often known as The Spectra®, releases energy into your skin that breaks down melanin into tiny bits that your body subsequently removes. Additionally, Q-Switch may bleach your hair, which may create a stinging feeling.

Is It Necessary To Wear A SunBlock?

During the recuperation process, protect your skin from the sun. It is critical that you avoid excessive sun exposure. Otherwise, any therapy will fail. We will walk you through all post-treatment processes and advise you on the finest items to use. To avoid melasma worsening or recurrence after treatment, constantly apply sunscreen with a high SPF, especially on overcast days.

What to do before Melasma treatment?

Avoid exposure to the sun for about four weeks before the treatment. On the day of the procedure, wash exhaustively with soap and not wear any makeup. Your dermatologist will counsel on what you should expect. This is where you should tell us if you have any history of allergic reactions to topical anesthetic or any medical condition.

Why Choosing Albany Laser in Edmotnon?

Albany Laser and Cosmetic Center offers the most comprehensive laser selection in Edmonton, with options for every skin type. Hundreds of Edmonton residents have benefited from our staff’s assistance in treating melasma and restoring their skin tone and color. Despite the fact that numerous treatments and procedures are available, managing melasma treatment and the pigment is a serious issue. Laser technology has become a welcome relief, providing numerous treatment options for pigmentation on the dermis or mixed pigmentation. Laser treatment is one of the most remarkable procedures for eradicating unwanted facial pigmentation.

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Melasma Treatment Complete Guide

Fraxel Laser

Fraxel laser for melasma is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that can dramatically improve the appearance of melasma. The laser uses fractional microbeams to target melanin-producing cells in the skin, resulting in a visible reduction in the appearance of dark spots. In addition, the laser stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, which can help to improve skin tone and texture. Fraxel laser for melasma is safe for all skin types and requires no downtime. There is typically some redness and swelling immediately after the procedure, but this generally resolves within a few days. Results are typically seen within one to two months, and multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve desired results. The controlled injuries to the dermis result in the release of inflammatory mediators that modify the dermal matrix by boosting collagen production and fibroblastic activity. We use the Fraxel 1550nm laser extensively in Melasma treatment. The protocol includes repeating the laser treatment every six to eight weeks. Compared to pre-treatment, this approach leads to a decrease in melanocytes and a lack of melanin in the surrounding keratinocytes. The Fraxel laser, which is Health-Canada approved for the treatment of melasma, may produce results comparable to those obtained with CO2 lasers. It is connected with a shorter recovery period and a lower risk of complications.

Tranexamic acid meso injections

One of the most effective treatments is tranexamic acid meso injections. Tranexamic acid is a medication that helps to reduce the amount of melanin in the skin. Meso injections are a type of injection that delivers medication directly to the dermis or inner layer of the skin. By delivering the medication directly to the affected area, meso injections can effectively treat melasma with minimal side effects.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels are one treatment option for melasma. A solution is applied to the skin during a chemical peel, removing the top layer of dead skin cells. This can help to improve the appearance of melasma by lightening the patches. Chemical peels can be done at home or in our clinic, which is usually safe when done correctly. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and to avoid over-exposing the skin to sunlight after a peel, as this can worsen the condition.

Hydrafacial

Hydrafacials are a facial that uses a Hydradermabrasion machine to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin deeply. Hydrafacials are often used to treat skin concerns such as acne, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, and dark spots. Hydrafacials can also treat melasma, which causes brown or gray patches on the skin. During a Hydrafacial for melasma, the Hydrafacial machine removes dead skin cells and other debris from the skin’s surface. The machine then uses a special solution to help break up Melasma pigmentation so it can be more evenly dispersed throughout the skin. Finally, the machine infuses the skin with hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin. A Hydrafacial for melasma typically takes 30-60 minutes and can provide immediate results.

Platelet-rich plasma

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is an effective treatment for melasma. A recent study found that PRP was more effective than hydroquinone, a common topical treatment for melasma, in reducing the appearance of the condition. PRP is thought to work by stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin, which can help improve the skin’s appearance. The study’s results suggest that PRP may be a promising new treatment for melasma.

Fotona Laser

The Fotona laser is a new treatment for melasma that is showing promise. The laser uses a high-energy beam of light to destroy the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, in the skin. This can result in a significant lightening of the skin and a reduction in the appearance of dark spots. The Fotona laser is different from other lasers used to treat melasma because it can target the melanocytes without damaging the surrounding tissue. This makes it a safe and effective option for people with this condition. Additionally, the laser effectively treats other types of pigmentation disorders, such as sun spots and age spots. The Fotona laser offers a safe and effective way to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve the overall health of your skin. The Fotona Er: YAG laser has demonstrated superior outcomes in skin resurfacing with less downtime and fewer adverse effects than other laser modalities. Treatment of epidermal type melasma using a variable square pulse (VSP) Er: Yag laser is successful. The square-shaped VSP Er: YAG pulses allow for more precise heating, maximizing effectiveness. Downtime is significantly reduced with this approach, and the secondary PIH seen cured within two weeks. However, VSP Er: YAG has lower clinical effectiveness than Fraxel.

How does the laser work?

Laser treatment is a popular option for melasma sufferers looking for a more permanent solution. Two main laser mechanisms of action of laser therapy can be used to treat melasma: photoacoustic and photothermolysis.

Photoacoustic Effects

This high-energy laser beam with ultrashort pulses generates strong vibrations that shatter and cook melanin molecules; this is known as a photoacoustic effect. The melanin molecules break down into smaller particles and are cleared from the skin.

Two types of short-pulsed lasers are commonly used to treat melasma: picosecond lasers and q-switch nanosecond lasers. Picosecond lasers are considered more effective than nanosecond lasers, but they also carry a higher risk of side effects. Generally, multiple sessions are needed to see significant results from laser therapy. However, many people who undergo treatment find that their melasma improves after just a few sessions.

Our laser expert at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre in Edmonton chooses the laser settings to be selective to the darker skin only, without affecting normal skin.

Fractional Photothermolysis

Non-ablative fractional lasers were designed to address the negative effects of standard ablative lasers while still accomplishing the therapeutic objective. They do not attain the same therapeutic effectiveness as ablative agents but have a less severe side effect profile. This technology combines the efficacy of ablative and non-ablative lasers to treat disorders such as melasma. The technology generates pixilated light in three dimensions to create microthermal zones of thermal injury (MTZs). The tiny thermal injury zones allow for fast epidermal healing while also resurfacing. It is distinguished from ablative skin resurfacing by the absence of a homogeneous epidermal or dermal damaged patch.

Contact Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre in Edmonton

Address:

12914 167 Ave NW

Edmonton, AB.

Canada T6V1J6

info@albanylaser.ca