Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by brownish blotches on the face. It is most common in women who are between 20 and 40 years old.
What Causes Melasma?
Melasma results when the pigment cells or melanocytes make too much melanin that then ends up in the epidermis, dermis or both. The last type is the most common.
A common and important cause of melasma is skin damage caused by long-term exposure to the sun. The condition is also often caused by hormonal changes, like those caused by pregnancy or hormone treatments. Hypothyroidism and certain medications can also cause melasma. The condition can also run in some families.
How is Melasma Treated?
There are many treatments for melasma. Some involve lifestyle changes, like staying out of the sun, wearing sunscreen outdoors or avoiding hormonal treatments. If this does not help your condition, Metro Dermatology offers a three-part approach, including laser toning, Vitamin C iontophoresis and fractional laser resurfacing. This treatment method has proven to be extremely effective for treating melasma.
What is Fractional Laser Resurfacing?
This is a non-invasive treatment for a variety of skin problems. The specialist uses a device that divides the laser beam into thousands of microscopic sections that each target a different part of the treatment site. The technique is akin to altering a photograph pixel by pixel.
Unlike other laser treatments that work only on the epidermis or the dermis, fractional laser treatments can work on both, which makes it useful in treating melasma, for it often involves both the dermis and epidermis. The lasers both remove the abnormal pigment and stimulate collagen.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
During a typical fractional laser resurfacing treatment, the specialist glides the device smoothly over the skin and ensures that the lasers are distributed evenly throughout the treatment area. Cooling agents will also be used to ease any discomfort. The time taken during the procedure depends on the size of the treatment area. Treating the whole face, for instance, may take around 30 minutes.
You Don’t Have to Live with Your Condition
At Metro Dermatology, we tailor each treatment to fit the individual needs of the patient. That being said, our three-layer approach to treating melasma has proven to be effective time and again. Fractional laser resurfacing is a crucial part of this approach, helping to encourage the body’s natural healing response.
During a consultation, our team of professionals can come up with a treatment plan that is customized for meeting your needs. We have offices in Flushing, Elmhurst, Englewood and the Bronx. Contact us today to schedule your appointment to learn more.
