Melasma

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder of the skin that causes patches of brown spots to appear on the face. This hyperpigmentation is commonly seen on the upper cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin, and can appear darker or lighter at various times of the year. 

Melasma is most common in women of reproductive age, particularly during pregnancy or those with darker skin. The leading causes of melasma are chronic sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, and genetic predisposition. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also trigger the condition.

Treatment Options for Melasma

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, melasma treatment may involve a combination of these non-invasive cosmetic treatments and medical-grade skincare.

At APT Medical Aesthetics, some of our melasma treatment options include:

Medical-Grade Skincare

If you have melasma as well as other skin conditions, your doctor will recommend using medical-grade skincare products that offer a special formulation for your specific skin type with prescription-strength hydroquinone to lighten the hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is the first treatment option for hormonal melasma and is an active ingredient in medical-grade skincare creams, lotions, and gels. Topical retinol and retinoid treatment may also be prescribed to encourage the skin cells turnover process. 

Clear + Brilliant®

Clear + Brilliant® uses fractional laser technology to address skin issues like hyperpigmentation in melasma, fine lines and wrinkles, and other notable skin concerns. The laser energy creates millions of microscopic treatment zones in the upper layers of skin,

replacing damaged skin with healthy, younger-looking tissue. It’s a versatile melasma treatment option that can be used on different parts of the body like the face, neck, arms, chest, and back of the hands.

Halo™ Laser

Halo™ is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser. This revolutionary skincare technology from Sciton combines tunable non-ablative (1470nm) and ablative (2940nm) wavelengths to deliver deep dermal rejuvenation and epidermal renewal, which no other treatment can offer. It boasts intelligent energy delivery and a Dynamic Thermal Optimization feature that guarantees precision, safety, and consistent results in addressing a wide range of skin conditions, including melasma and sun damage.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are used as the second-line of treatment for melasma. A light, superficial peel like a glycolic chemical peel may be used to encourage gentle skin exfoliation to lighten the blemishes and hyperpigmentation without irritating the skin. However, chemical peels are not recommended for dermal melasma due to the risk of developing scars and post-inflammatory dyschromia. 

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing has been established as an effective treatment strategy for melasma. It involves using either ablative or non-ablative laser technology to target melanocytes, the pigment cell in the skin.

Results You Can Expect

Melasma is a persistent and stubborn skin condition that takes time to treat. After a chemical peel or laser skin resurfacing treatment for melasma, it’s normal to see your skin in the treated area peel for 7 to 14 days. Once the skin has completely healed, you’ll see that the blemishes have become lighter and less noticeable in appearance. Results may vary depending on the aggressiveness of your melasma treatment. 

How Long Do Treatment Results Last?

Melasma treatment is a continuous process that requires a lot of patience and strict compliance from the client. This skin condition has a reputation for being slow to respond to treatment, especially if it has been present for a long time.

Laser skin resurfacing techniques, such as Halo™ Laser and Clear + Brilliant®, can achieve significant improvements in correcting hyperpigmentation and overall skin quality. However, there’s still a high risk for relapse, especially during the summer months when patches of skin discolouration can reappear or get worse after unprotected sun exposure. Your doctor may recommend that you come back for a follow-up treatment after several months to a year for maintenance. 

If you have melasma, you must make it a non-negotiable habit to protect your skin from the sun at all times. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50 every day, no matter the weather, even if you are staying indoors. Practicing proper sun protection measures plays a pivotal role in preserving the results of your melasma treatments. 

Book Your Free Consultation

If you are concerned about melasma and hyperpigmentation on your skin, we invite you to schedule an appointment at our clinic. APT Medical Aesthetics is a leading medical spa in Oakville, offering the industry’s most advanced melasma treatments. We have a team of dedicated skincare experts who can customize a personalized treatment approach for your beauty and skincare needs.

Book your free consultation today!