Hormonal Pigmentation-Malasma

Melasma (Hormonal Pigmentation) can be a very challenging skin condition to control & treat. It is not unusual for a patient to become extremely frustrated after trying a variety of treatments and spending $$$ in an attempt to obtain satisfactory results.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Melasma in the majority of cases. The basic principle behind clinically managing it is to minimise the appearance of pigmentation as much as possible. 

Here is the summary of Melasma Management Protocol:

• 1) Avoid triggering factors, including unnecessary UV exposure.
• 2) Home use skin care products.
• 3) Professional dermatological treatments including peels and lasers.

At medaesthetics™, we treat Melasma and PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)   under the direct supervision of our medical doctors:

1. Once a fortnight session of Revlite™ Laser x 5 sessions (5 min session, no discomfort or downtime).
2. Topical, high-strength pigmentation correction cream (prescription only).

We find the majority of our patients respond extremely well to the above protocol and usually get 60 -90% resolution in as little as eight weeks.

A small number of patients resistant to the above treatment protocol can then be treated with one of the following treatment options:

• TCA Peel
• Fraxel Repair™ CO2 Laser Facial
• Dermamelan™ Peel

Important information patients need to know:

Sun Protection:

• As discussed above, Melasma is triggered by UV exposure in the majority of cases. It makes logical sense that people prone to melasma should be sun smart.
• Wear a broad-spectrum, non-chemical sun-block daily with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every 4 hours when out in the sun.
• Wear sun smart clothing and hats.
• Consider using umbrellas when out in the sun, if possible.

Topical Skin Products:

Key ingredients in topical skin products to minimise pigmentation are:

• Vitamin A or Retinol
• Vitamin B or Niacinamide
• Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid
• Kocic Acid
• Hydroquinone

Medical Peels:

Commonly used peeling agents are:

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (glycol acid etc.)
• Trichlor Acetic Acid (TCA)
• Various combinations of above-mentioned acids.
• Dermamelan™ Peel

Lasers & Lights:

It is important to understand that:

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment often make Melasma worse. We believe that IPLs should not be used at all when it comes to managing Hormonal Pigmentation and Post-Inflammatory-Hyperpigmentation (PIH).
• The only laser, clinically proven to improve Melasma & Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is Q-Switched NdYag Laser such as Revile™. The treatment has to be done using very low energy settings and done on frequent intervals over a period of several weeks. 
• Fraxel Lasers are useful in carefully selected lighter skin patients.

A Combination-treatment plan is then drawn up for each patient under the direct supervision of our medical team. Patient motivation and commitment is the key to a successful outcome.