Melasma
Melasma, a common skin condition, can be a source of concern for many individuals. However, the good news is that effective melasma treatment options are available at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank to help you achieve clearer, more even-toned skin. Whether you’re dealing with the “mask of pregnancy” or melasma caused by other factors, understanding the treatment options and approaches is the first step towards regaining a radiant complexion.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition that appears as brown or grayish-brown patches on the skin. There are different causes and risk factors of melasma, including sun exposure, pregnancy, hormone therapy, and stress. Melasma does not cause any medical problems, but it may occur in highly visible areas such as the cheeks, nose bridge, forehead, or chin, making it cosmetically undesirable.
How We Treat Melasma
At PFRANKMD, we use innovative instrumentation and state-of-the-art technology to treat melasma:
Pigment Protocol – This combination of Clear + Brilliant and PICO Genesis laser treatments breaks up the pigment in the skin to clear away melasma.
PICO Laser – PICO Genesis laser treatment is a preferred method of melasma treatment and involves delivering laser energy to the pigment cells.
Fraxel – Fraxel laser treatment uses fractional laser energy to address the pigment that makes up melasma.
Aerolase – Aerolase laser treatment is a gentle option for melasma treatment. Its laser energy attacks the unwanted pigment cells to reduce the appearance of melasma.
MedLite – MedLite laser can be used to treat brown blemishes, and reduce brown marks such as freckles, pigmented moles, Nevus of Ota, and Nevus of Ito.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You are an ideal candidate for melasma treatment if you have tried all other options without the results you’ve been hoping for. For patients who want quick and long-term results, laser treatments may be the best option. You must not have any active skin infections. Laser treatments are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but we recommend discussing the treatment with your OB/GYN prior to your appointment.
Recovery & Results
The timeline for seeing results from melasma treatment can vary depending on the specific method chosen and individual factors. For topical treatments, such as creams and serums, initial improvements may become noticeable within a few weeks, with more significant results emerging after several months of consistent use. Chemical peels may yield visible improvements in a week or two, with continued progress over weeks to months. Microdermabrasion may require several sessions spaced apart, with subtle enhancements appearing gradually. Laser therapy and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments can lead to results over several weeks to months, often necessitating multiple sessions.
For combination therapies, which some cases may require, the timeline can extend further. It’s important to remain patient, adhere to your dermatologist’s recommendations, and maintain rigorous sun protection to support the efficacy of treatment and prevent melasma recurrence.
Schedule a Consultation
Restore a clear complexion with the help of cutting-edge laser treatments for melasma in NYC. To schedule your complimentary consultation at our West Village or Upper East Side location with one of our aesthetic healthcare providers, contact PFRANKMD today.