About Melasma

What causes melasma?

Melasma is a pigmentary condition that most commonly appears as brown to gray areas of hyperpigmentation on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. Melasma can also occasionally present on the neck, upper chest, and arms. While melasma is more common in female patients, males can also be affected, especially if they have a strong family history, as well as sufficient sun exposure. Melasma is a complex and multifactorial condition that has numerous contributing causes, including:

• Endogenous estrogen states (such as pregnancy)
• Exogenous estrogen states (such as oral contraceptive pills)
• Sun exposure
• Heat exposure
• Genetics

How can I treat my melasma?

At Gateway Aesthetic Institute & Laser Center, we offer a wide range of treatment options for melasma. Our board-certified dermatologists pride themselves on taking a customized and collaborative approach to treating your melasma, which will be informed by your comfort level with various treatment options, lifestyle, medical history, and family planning. When it comes to treating melasma, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this chronic and vexing condition. Some of the treatment options that our dermatologists will discuss with you include:

• Pigment directed picosecond lasers such as the:
  • Cynosure Picosure
  • Fotona PQX
  • Fotona Starwalker
  • Quanta Discovery Pico
• Fractional non-ablative lasers such as Fraxel Restore and Sciton Halo
• Chemical peels
• Radiofrequency technology
• Mesotherapy
• Laser-assisted drug delivery to the skin
• Prescription strength oral and topical medications
• High quality cosmeceutical lightening agents
• A wide array of sun protective strategies

Is there a cure for melasma?

Although it is possible to improve the appearance of melasma, as well as in many cases prevent it from getting worse, there is unfortunately no “cure” for melasma. Many women who have melasma find that, after they have experienced menopause, their melasma fades on its own and does not return.

Why trust Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center to help me treat my melasma?

Our board-certified dermatologists are skin care experts who understand how distressing the appearance of melasma can be. They understand that the successful management of melasma requires a customized, multi-modal approach that considers both short term improvement, as well as long term maintenance. You can be assured that when you come to Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center to have your melasma treated, you will be offered much more than a microneedling treatment and a tube of bleaching cream. Instead, our board-certified dermatologists will discuss the most medically advanced, cutting-edge treatments with you, as well as how they might be put to use in the form of a customized, dynamic treatment plan that will evolve as your appearance, and your unique needs do.