Melasmais a common skin condition that appears as dark, blotchy spots and patches.
It occurs most often on the face and other areas of skin exposed to the sun.
Laser therapy is a popularmelasma treatment.
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Types of Lasers Used
Severaltypes of lasersare used to treat melasma.
The procedure lasts less than 30 minutes; four to five treatment sessions are typically required.
Research shows that fractionated resurfacing lasers help reduce melasma in most people.
They can help determine which laser therapy may be most beneficial for you.
What to Expect
Laser treatment for melasma varies, depending on the jot down of laser used.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Most people can safely return to work and daily activities immediately following treatment.
Applying cold compresses or ice packs can help minimize discomfort.
They are applied directly to hyperpigmented areas to reduce dark spots and patches.
Mosttopical treatmentscontain a combination of skin-lightening ingredients, such ashydroquinone, tretinoin, corticosteroids, and azelaic acid.
These may be used in combination with topical or laser treatments.
Who Might Consider This Kind of Treatment?
Laser therapy is considered a third-line approach to treating melasma.
It is often recommended if first and second-line treatments (topical creams and chemical peels) are ineffective.
People who have treatment-resistant melasma may consider laser therapy for treating hyperpigmentation.
Summary
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark patches and spots on the skin.
It is most common in women, particularly people age 20 to 40 with darker skin tones.
Laser treatments are most successful when combined with sunscreen and topical lightening creams.
Laser therapy for melasma has some risks, including worsened melasma or melasma recurrence months after treatment.
Its important to remember that laser therapy does not always work right away, and results are mixed.
Talk with your dermatologist to discuss your options and determine if laser therapy is right for you.
Known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), this temporary condition lasts about a week.
It occurs most often in people with darker skin tones.
Yes, melasma can come back after laser treatment.
Melasma recurrence is most common in people with dark skin tones.
Up to 40% of people with a family history of melasma have recurrent melasma after laser treatment.
Laser treatment is a safe and effective option for many people with melasma.
Side effects include redness, inflammation, and post-treatment swelling, lasting up to a week.
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