NEW LASER TREATMENT OF MELASMA

New Laser Treatment of Melasma

If you have dark patches on the face, you could be one of the millions of women struggling with melasma. Commonly found among Asian women, melasma is considered the most difficult to treat among the disfiguring hyperpigmentation cases.

There are basically three types: the epidermal melasma, found in the outer layer of the skin; the dermal melasma, existing in the inner skin layer; and the combination type. Melasma is associated with age, hormonal factors, stress, genetic predisposition, pregnancy, use of oral contraception, and sun exposure.

Topical therapies such as bleaching agents (hydroquinone and kojic acid) and chemical peels (retinol and TCA), have been used but with limited success. The results are inconsistent and their effectiveness decreases with long-term use. Dermal melasma does not respond at all to any topical treatment.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) has also been used in recent years, but the results were less than expected. There were also reports of side effects related to IPL damage to the skin, particularly post-inflammatory secondary hyperpigmentation (PIH).

At SkinStation, we recently introduced DERMAX Medlight laser as an effective treatment of melasma. The laser used in MedLight is Q-Switched Nd:YAG,  which has produced successful results in several controlled clinical trials in Korea.

The MedLight laser creates an invisible beam of light that is pulsed repeatedly at a fraction of a second. The pigments in the dark patches of the skin are fragmented and subsequently reabsorbed over a 6 to 8 week period. This treatment is simple, non-invasive, with minimal risk and minimal recovery time. Some patients may feel a mild “sunburn” feeling that quickly subsides.

DERMAX MedLight is also effective in other hyperpigmentation concerns such as age spots, chemical burns, and marks caused by acne and chicken pox. Added benefits of skin toning and rejuvenation have been observed. On the average, 3 sessions at intervals of 4 weeks is prescribed, followed by maintenance treatments every 3 to 6 months.

Post treatment, our Dermatologist will require you to strictly avoid sun exposure. You will also be asked to follow a medical grade skin care regimen that will lighten, rejuvenate, and protect the skin. Our goal is to help you successfully minimize and manage your melasma.

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This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on October 28, 2014 . The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph.  

DO YOU REGRET HAVING THAT TATTOO?

Do You Regret Having That Tattoo?

We all have our regrets, past experiences we want to forget. Unfortunately, some leave permanent marks we cannot easily erase. This includes tattoo regret for some 20% to 30% of individuals with body ink.

The most popular reason: Falling out of love. They want the name of an ex erased. Other reasons are 1) Botched eyebrow tattoo job, and 2) A shot at a terrific job that is not compatible with having a tattoo of a fire-breathing dragon. With the increasing number of people having tattoos, the demand for tattoo removal is likewise growing significantly.

Before, there is no recourse but to go for invasive options such as acid removal or surgical excision.  The high-risk procedures can produce scars that are more unsightly than the tattoo itself.

Today, advanced aesthetic lasers have made it possible for safer and more effective removal of unwanted tattoos. They target the ink’s pigment with a high intensity laser beam causing it to break up into smaller molecules.  The natural bodily processes then absorb the ink, fading the tattoo until it is no longer visible.

The gold standard for tattoo removal is Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, with hand pieces delivering laser beam at 1064 nm for dark ink, and 532 nm for colored ink. They also have micro-adjustments for spot size and depth. Treatment may take between 3 to 6 sessions, depending on the depth of the tattoo and the inks used. Treatment interval is 3 to 6 weeks.

If you are one of those now saying, “I should have listened to Mom,” you know the good news. Start by having your free consultation at SkinStation for your MedLight Laser Tattoo Removal treatment.
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This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on October 14, 2014 . The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph.