Melasma paradigm
We have some good news and bad news. However, The bad news is that there is no single treatment or pill that can treat melasma. The good news is that we can help you by designing a tailored protocol that considers your skin type, melasma trigger, and type of melanin.
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 skin cells (keratinocytes) supply. 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 color (melanin) to the skin cells and the outer skin color. 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 color and contribute to the melasma
What to do before Spectra Laser 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 you on what you should expect. This is where you should tell your health professional if you have any history of allergic reactions to topical anesthetic or any medical condition. The cost of Spectra Laser Nanosecond Q-switched costs is between 200-400 per session for Melasma treatment. Prices may vary from one location to another and on the size of the target area. How deep the pigment also affects the cost of the treatment. Additionally, if you want to enjoy maximum benefits from the treatment, you will need to go for approximately four to six sessions. The procedure must be spaced three weeks apart.
What Can Spectra Laser Nanosecond Q-Switched treat?
Spectra Laser Nanosecond Q-switched is a mild laser that gives off energy pulses in nanoseconds to eliminate or reduce skin pigmentation. With Spectra Lasers, fine lines, pigmentation, and textural irregularities can be treated efficiently.
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.
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 in order 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.
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. In comparison 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.
The Fotona Er:YAG laser has demonstrated superior outcomes in skin resurfacing with less downtime and fewer adverse effects compared to 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.