Fraxel Melasma Treatment

How to Treat Melasma Pigmentation with Fraxel

Melasma is a frustrating pigmentary condition that causes patches of brown to greyish discoloration on the skin – most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and nose. Although the problem is cosmetic and not dangerous, it can cause considerable embarrassment and psychological distress, especially if the pigmentation is severe.

The Fraxel Light has revolutionized how I treat Melasma. Melasma can be an unpredictable condition, too, that can worsen if you treat it – particularly with certain types of lasers. But there is now good news for Melasma sufferers: consistent, predictable lightening of Melasma can be achieved in most people with the use of Fraxel Light.

Who Gets Melasma

If you suffer from Melasma you are not alone. It is estimated that 45 – 50 million people all over the world suffer from Melasma – 90% of whom are women. While Melasma primarily affects women, men do suffer from it less commonly.

Melasma frequently appears during pregnancy, and is therefore sometimes called ‘The Mask of Pregnancy’. Women of with light brown skin, Asians and Latin Americans are more commonly affected by Melasma.

What Causes Melasma

The exact cause of Melasma is unknown, but doctors believe that sun exposure, genetics, and hormones are the biggest factors.

Sun exposure is considered the biggest cause of Melasma, especially in people who are genetically prone to the condition.

The next biggest cause appears to be pregnancy – when levels of estrogen, progesterone and melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) rise, which may trigger Melasma. Women on oral contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy may also develop Melasma.

Treating Melasma with Fraxel Laser

Some topical creams may be effective in treating Melasma, particularly those containing active ingredients such as Retinoic Acid, Hydroquinone, Arbutin, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids.

When creams are insufficient, Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion treatments may be more effective. These work by actually removing the pigmented top layers of the skin. We offer Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion at our Birmingham MedSpa that have helped many patients lighten their pigmentation.

Laser treatments for Melasma can also be effective, as long as the proper type of skin resurfacing laser is used.  CO2 lasers, for example, can actually make pigmentation worse. However, Fractional Laser Resurfacing as well as IPL light therapy have been shown to effectively improve Melasma.

We offer Fractional Laser Resurfacing as well as IPL treatments at our Birmingham MedSpa that have helped many patients lighten their Melasma.

Birmingham MI Melasma Treatment

Melasma is notoriously difficult to treat, so it is important to consult with an experienced Board Certified plastic surgeon like Doctor Ali who can evaluate your skin and recommend the best treatment or combination of therapies.

Of course, sun avoidance is extremely important. Always use a broad spectrum sunblock with SPF 30 or greater as failure to avoid the sun will render any treatments useless.

Birmingham double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali offers the absolute best, state-of-the-art technologies in skin treatments.  In addition to Fraxel 1550 laser treatments, we also offer Nordlys Ellipse IPL laser skin treatments as well as ThermiSmooth radio frequency skin treatments.

Each skin treatment begins with a professional skin consultation. Treatments are selected and optimized to meet the specific needs of each client with the most innovative and comprehensive products and technologies.

Schedule a Fraxel Melasma treatment – and then relax in our Birmingham Med Spa, while we make you look and feel more confident and attractive!

Schedule Fraxel Melasma Treatment at our Birmingham Med Spa: 248.335.7200