If you’re struggling with a pigmentation disorder, one of the best ways to treat it is with laser treatment for face. Pigmentation disorders that occur on the face can be extremely distressing, with Melasma being one of the most common yet more complex pigmentation disorders. While Melasma doesn’t cause itching or pain, it can affect your self-esteem, and having access to top quality, gold standard treatment can do wonders for your skin, both inside and out.
Previously, topical treatments and skin lightening creams such as Hydrocortisone or Hydroquinone were the first port of call for treating Melasma. Following this, skin specialists turned to chemical peels. However, these treatments have proved to be more detrimental, with the added risk of scarring and post-inflammatory dyschromia.
Today, laser treatment for face is becoming the preferred cosmetic procedure for treating a range of skin issues, due to its highly precise targeting of pigmented cells. Lasers stimulate new cell production and rejuvenation, making them ideal for treating pigmentation disorders like Melasma. In this quick read, we’ll be discussing the ins and outs of Melasma and how laser treatment can be used to effectively treat it.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma, also called Chloasma, the pigmentation that occurs during pregnancy, is a condition that is characterised by the appearance of light-brown, dark-brown, or blue -brown marks typically on facial areas such as the cheeks, upper lip and forehead. As a highly common skin condition, Melasma affects between 1.5 and 33 percent of the population and as high as 15-50 percent of pregnant women, which is why it has been commonly dubbed the ‘mask of pregnancy’. Melasma affects both men and women, but it is more common in women during the reproductive years, particularly between the ages of twenty for forty years due to hormone changes.
Types Of Melasma
There are three main types of Melasma that are classed according to the depth of pigmentation, which is assessed by using a Woods Lamps. A Woods Lamp is a source of long-wave ultraviolet light that detects the fluorescence in the skin and maps the depth of skin pigmentation irregularities. This helps diagnose the type of Melasma and provides your laser skin therapist with the best course of action. Below is a quick breakdown of the various types of Melasma conditions:
- Epidermal: This type of Melasma presents as a dark brown colour with a well-defined border. This is commonly the most responsive to traditional treatments.
- Dermal: Dermal Melasma presents as a light brown or bluish colour with a blurred border and is less responsive to treatment.
- Mixed Melasma: This type of Melasma presents with both brown and bluish patches and is the most common type of Melasma that has a mixed response to treatment.
Causes Of Melasma
Melasma is caused by an over production of melanin in the skin causing pigmentation. There are various factors which can contribute to overstimulation of melanin, such as:
- Sun Exposure: Exposure to ultraviolet rays and visible light lead to melanin production.
- Hormones: Pregnancy and the use of oestrogen/progesterone containing birth-control and hormone replacement therapy.
- Phototoxic Medication: These include anti-seizure medication, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti- inflammatory (NSAIDS), Diuretics and other drugs which are shown to create an additional sensitivity to sunlight.
- Family History: Genetic predisposition has shown to be a common factor in the cause of Melasma.
- Cosmetic Products: With the wide range of cosmetic products available, it is easy to bypass the importance of ensuring only top quality, research tested cosmetics, leading us to apply products to our skin that have a long-standing negative impact for a short-term solution.
Using Laser Treatment To Treat Melasma
To target Melasma with laser treatment, a four step treatment approach is required. Laser treatment for face targets pigment in the skin, breaking it down into smaller fragments and allowing the body to naturally absorb and eliminate the pigmentation. The benefit of laser treatment for face is that it is highly precise in targeting the affected area, without compromising the surrounding tissue areas. Using the Starwalker MaxQX patented MaQX Clear treatment has shown to combat not only the Hypermelanosis symptoms, but also treats the presumed vascular component of Melasma.
Below is a breakdown of the four step treatment approach when it comes to treating Melasma with laser treatment:
Step 1: Nd:YAG
The first step of treating Melasma with laser treatment for face involves the application of Q-S Nd:YAG. This laser wavelength delivers a subcellular, a local or restricted area of a cell, photoacoustic effect that provides destruction of melanomes and fragmentation of dermal melanin.
Step 2: FRAC4
Following this, short FRAC3 pulses are used to heat and gently remove imperfections on the surface, which research has shown to be beneficial for the microvascular components which cause erythema, otherwise known as inflammation. FRAC3 laser treatments are also non-ablative.
Step 3
Once the skin has been heated with FRAC3 pulse, FracTAT technology is used to treat the skin. FracTAT is used for fractional, non-ablative and ablative treatments that stimulate the exchange of keratinocytes and promotes non-thermal rejuvenation of the tissue.
Step 4
The final step of the four step laser treatment approach involves the application of VERA Nd:YAG where vascular lesions are visible.
Treating Melasma: What To Expect In A Laser Treatment Session
Melasma is a complex condition that requires several sessions, depending on the severity of the condition. Due to the wide range of contributing factors in Melasma and different dermal layer severity, treatment can be a lengthy process, with a recommended treatment programme of at least 6 laser sessions, in spaces of 4-6 weeks apart.
At NuSkinnovation, you will have a consultation with a qualified laser therapist. During this consultation, the therapist will perform a full evaluation and analysis of your skin. A customised treatment plan based on the evaluated severity and level of your Melasma will be advised and a laser specialist will assist in guiding you on the way forward. As a condition that can cause much distress, NuSkinnovation laser therapists are on your side to provide guidance and support you before, during and after treatment.
Preparing For Laser Treatment For Face
For best results, it is recommended to follow these preparation guidelines to ensure that your skin is more receptive to treatment and obtaining best results:
Avoid sun exposure and wear a high SPF factor sunscreen. This will keep the skin protected from any sun damage prior to treatment.
Be sure to stay away from tanning beds and tanning lotions, as these can cause adverse effects of laser treatment for face by lessening its effectiveness. This is due to darker dermal layers which can worsen existing pigmentation.
Where possible, avoid medications and products that can make your skin extra light-sensitive such as retinol, glycolic, antibiotics, steroids, and Spironolactone (diuretics). Always consult your medical physician before abruptly stopping medical treatments. Consultation with both your physician and your skin specialist will help ensure an optimal course of treatment that can accommodate medical conditions.
During Laser Treatment For Face
A single laser session typically lasts 20-30 minutes, depending on the type of Melasma and the size of the area being treated. A hand-held device delivers short energy pulses to the targeted area at an emission rate that is specific to the level of dermal layer damage. These short pulses of light penetrate the skin and hit damaged cells, resulting in the breakdown of the cell and the stimulation of the new, healthy cells, while the damaged cells are naturally absorbed and expelled by the body.
Typical sensations you can expect during treatment are heat, tingling and redness. After treatment, it is common to experience some swelling, redness and/or dryness for a few days. It is extremely important to maintain post-treatment recommendations made by your treatment provider.
After Laser Treatment For Face
After your treatment, you can expect to experience some swelling, redness and dryness and this is the time where you need to treat your skin gently. Here are some guidelines for post-treatment care at home that will help maintain the quality and outcomes of the treatment:
Sun Protection
Avoid direct sunlight and use a high SPF sunscreen for those unavoidable moments, to ensure extra protection. Sun damage is one of the easiest ways to ruin your treatment results and hinder your recovery.
No Harsh Chemicals
Stay away from certain cosmetic products that contain harsh chemicals and fragrances, which can aggravate the area further. Your laser specialist will be able to guide you on recommended products that are gentle and quality tested.
Proper Sanitation
Be sure to clean your hands and better yet, avoid touching the treated area as much as possible. As much as we disinfect our hands, they are a first point of contact for bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
No Excessive Heat
Avoid heat aggravation when cleansing, showering or bathing – lukewarm water with gentle application will help ease inflammation and avoiding heat will prevent the area from becoming aggravated and extra sensitive.
Always remember to put your skin first, if you experience any side effects that alarm you or if you need reassurance, get in touch with your laser specialist. Any question is a good question. Remember, your experience and comfort are important! Don’t compromise on allowing yourself to receive the best guidance on any topics, particularly in the treatment of facial areas.
Treat Your Melasma With NuSkinnovation’s Laser Treatment For Face
Melasma does not need to define you, and that is why NuSkinnovation is dedicated to providing cutting-edge, gold standard treatment in laser treatment for this complex yet common condition. While Melasma is treatable, it can be pervasive. Laser treatment for face puts an end to the cycle of endless topical treatments and medications and has shown excellent results in the long-term prognosis and treatment of Melasma.
NuSkinnovation provides top class clinics country wide with non-negotiable quality guidance and treatment for even the most distressing conditions, including Melasma. Don’t shy away from giving yourself the gift of skin excellence and confidence. If you’re struggling to feel good about your skin, invest in top quality skincare today. Take the first step and click here to contact us and book your consultation today!