Melasma Treatment
An effective melasma treatment in the Houston area.
Melasma is a challenging skin pigmentation condition which causes a great deal of stress and frustration to those affected. Until now, melasma treatment options have been limited and have often made things worse. The SPECTRA™ laser from Lutronic is a breakthrough technology enabling the safe removal of facial pigment. While not a cure for melasma, this laser provides extremely effective outcomes when included as part of an overall treatment regimen. It is currently the only laser FDA-cleared for melasma treatment.
Effective melasma treatment involves two distinct phases – control + maintain. Each individualized treatment plan is closely monitored throughout each phase and adjusted accordingly. Your journey to clearer skin begins today.
What is Melasma?
Melasma, sometimes referred to as “pregnancy mask” is a skin pigmentation disorder that has proven difficult to treat even by the most experienced dermatologists. Melasma appears as areas of patchy brown pigmentation on sun exposed areas, usually affecting the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. It can also appear on the neck and forearms. Affected individuals are almost always female, with darker skinned individuals being more susceptible.
What causes Melasma?
Melasma is caused by an overproduction of pigment in melanocytes, the cells in the skin which produce pigment. It is worsened by exposure to ultraviolet light, heat and inflammation. Female hormones also play a role, as pregnancy, hormone therapy, and birth control pills can aggravate melasma. Often melasma appears during a pregnancy and can persist indefinitely afterwards.
Is there a cure for Melasma?
There is not a cure for melasma but it can be improved greatly and controlled with an individualized treatment regimen. It is important for melasma sufferers to understand that continual maintenance including proper sun protection is essential for good control. Additionally brightening creams may also need to be used regularly for lightening and preventing worsening of the brown patches.
How is Melasma treated?
The cornerstone of treatment is sun protection. Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are necessary to block the harmful UV rays which can cause or worsen melasma. Additionally, different creams including bleaching agents (such as hydroquinone) and sometimes retinoids have been used. Depending on the kind of melasma being treated, topical medical grade chemical peels, such as the VI Peel used by Inkfree, MD have been effective in treating melasma. Usually, a series of peels is required.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), Fraxel and other ablative and non-ablative lasers have been used the past with some success. However, because melasma is aggravated by heat and inflammation, they can occasionally make the condition worse and are generally used only sparingly.
SPECTRA™ Laser – The only laser FDA-cleared for Melasma Treatment
A new, innovative laser treatment option is now available at Inkfree, MD. The SPECTRA™ laser, typically used for laser tattoo removal is a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser that can be used at low energies to effectively target the pigmentation causing the melasma without inflaming the condition or the surrounding skin. A series of treatments is necessary for clearance, and when combined with lightening creams can cause a significant improvement in the skin’s appearance.
Melasma Treatment Before & After Photos
How much do Melasma treatments cost?
Individual Melasma treatments are $149. As with most of our treatments, significant package discounts are available. Melasma treatment packages are available in quantities of 6 or 12 treatments. Since there is no cure, effective treatment of Melasma is an ongoing process. We have priced this treatment accordingly and will make every effort to ensure that your goals are achieved as affordable as possible.
We often have specials available for this treatment, so please check our Specials page frequently.
If you are in the Houston area and would like to discuss your melasma treatment options, please call Dr. Adaeze Okeke (Inkfree, MD Laser Clinic) at (832) 478-5669 to schedule your free consultation.
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Dr. Adaeze Okeke, Inkfree, MD Laser Clinic and all staff are available to discuss your treatment needs. We offer FREE consultations for all of our laser and skin care treatments.
Providing SAFE, EFFECTIVE & AFFORDABLE treatment solutions is the foundation of this physician/family-owned and operated laser clinic in Houston. We are in the life-changing business and we love it.
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