The Body
Melasma
What is melasma?
Melasma, also known as chloasma or pregnancy mask, is a very common discolouration of the skin on the face, which appears as brown or tan patches, usually seen in women of childbearing age, particularly those of Hispanic and Asian origin. Men can also suffer from it, but melasma is much more common in women. The ratio of women to men is 9 to 1.
It usually forms on the face, particularly on the forehead, upper cheeks and lips of women aged between 20 and 50. It is caused by factors such as sun exposure, taking contraceptive pills and internal hormonal changes, such as those caused by pregnancy. People with melasma usually have a history of constant sun exposure. Although benign, melasma can be cosmetically bothersome.
What causes melasma ?
To tell the truth, we don’t know. And that’s what makes it difficult to treat. However, several factors, such as pregnancy, birth control pills and a family history of melasma, are conditions that promote the onset of this condition.
The problem with melasma lies in excessive melanin production. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin in the skin. They are stimulated by external factors such as sun exposure or internal factors such as hormonal changes (pregnancy, contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy). Although the mechanism is not fully understood, excess melanin forms on areas affected by melasma (forehead, upper lip, cheeks).
Why is melasma so difficult to treat ?
It is important to understand that it is not possible to permanently stop the excessive production of melanin. There is therefore no permanent cure for melasma or . However, it can sometimes be reduced or even completely eliminated (but not indefinitely).
Solutions to avoid for treating melasma
The following options MUST all be avoided:
- Intense pulsed light (IPL): the wavelengths are not specific to the pigment
- Topical cream – long-term treatment and only partially effective as it does not penetrate the skin barrier
- Ablative lasers (CO2 and Erbium): These cause temporary disappearance of pigmentation, but then cause hyperpigmentation over the following 6 weeks.
- Classic microneedling or RF microneedling – no benefit for any type of pigmentation
- Plasma Pen – this will cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and therefore worsen the condition.
- Oral medications: Tranexamic acid is one of the oral medications that has been shown to be effective, but it can cause a risk of thrombosis in the legs and therefore pulmonary embolism.
Say goodbye to melasma with PicoPLus
One of the questions we are asked most frequently is: “What is the best treatment for melasma?”
As you can read above, some treatments have quite a few disadvantages. Pico Plus laser treatment, on the other hand, can effectively reduce the appearance of melasma, especially in patients with superficial pigmentation. In addition, the Pico Plus laser is very suitable for patients who need a short recovery time (there are usually three to four days of peeling and mild redness).
During a PicoPlus laser treatment session for melasma, the melanin pigment in the skin absorbs the laser energy and breaks it down into tiny particles called ” .” These particles are then eliminated naturally by the immune system, gradually reducing the appearance of melasma over time. The rapid pulse duration of the world’s most powerful laser – Pico Plus – for the destruction of melanin allows for even finer fragmentation of the melanin, which can then be eliminated naturally by the body.
A multifaceted approach to melasma
In addition to Pico Plus laser treatment for melasma, it is important to consider the triggering factors and avoid them to reduce the risk of recurrence. Sun exposure and hormonal fluctuations can cause the condition to persist or reappear even after treatment. Remember that a multifaceted approach, including sun protection and possibly other treatments, will yield the best results in managing this persistent skin condition.
Price list
Prices for melasma treatment
| Treatments | Rates |
|---|---|
| One session | from £550 |
| Three sessions | from £1,500 |
FAQ
How many PicoPlus treatment sessions are needed to remove melasma?
Is the treatment painful?
Who should avoid PicoPlus treatment?
How can I prevent melasma after Pico Plus laser treatment?
What happens after melasma treatment?
