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.