Melamsa Treatment Honolulu
Looking for a treatment that will erase your melasma forever? Wondering why melasma returns, even after successful removal before?
Melasma is a chronic skin condition, meaning it will return if the causes are not addressed.
For example, exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays is one of the common causes of melasma. Sun damage related to melasma on the face may return if proper sun protection is not adhered to, such as wearing sunscreen with SPF 30+, protective clothing, and staying in the shade.
Hormonal changes are also another common melasma cause. Hormonal melasma may return if you continue to take hormonal medications such as an estrogen-based oral contraceptive, or become pregnant.
Some ethnicities including Latins or Asians are more prone to developing melasma, and melasma is predominantly a ‘women’s condition.
Although there is no one-time fix for melasma, Dr. Tan offers many treatment options at MD Skin Lab, her Honolulu concierge cosmetic surgery clinic that can help to diminish and improve melasma and ensuring that pigmentations stay gone for good!
(1). ZO Skin Health Pigment Control Program – Available by prescription only. This is a curated program designed to gradually lighten and inhibit hyperpigmentation by altering the natural processes that causes cell damage. Over time, it will help to even skin tone by slowing melanin production, and dramatically reduce the appearance of dark spots, melasma, hyperpigmentation, freckles and sun damage. Additionally it is a key step in optimizing skin health to receive in office professional treatments such as lasers and chemical peels.
(2). Chemical Peel – The ZO Obagi 3-step peel is done in the comfort of our office. We use this peel for patients who aim to target melasma, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, rough skin texture, large pores, and dullness. This peel is effective on all ages and skin types. The benefits include a deep exfoliation, skin renewal and stimulation, and more. The 3-step peel is followed by an at-home retinol treatment designed to support dermal and epidermal stimulation. It supports barrier function and improves the skin’s ability to renew itself, provides antioxidant protection, DNA repair and anti-inflammation benefits.
(3). Microneedling – Patients with dermal melasma benefit from combination treatment with microneedling plus topical application of 4% tranexamic acid, according to a randomized study published in the November 2020 issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Microneedling is a safe, in-office procedure also known as collagen induction therapy. As the 16 tiny needles penetrate the skin, you are not only rejuvenating the skin by stimulating the body to produce new collagen and elastin, the opened micronchannels allows transpidermal delivery of topical medication such as tranexamic acid or PRP.
(4) Laser – The Q-switch Nd:YAG laser by Lutronic (Lutronic Hollywood Spectra Laser) is the gold standard in treating moderate and deep pigment disorders including melasma. Lutronic Hollywood Spectra Laser was cleared by FDA. Laser works by delivering nanosecond pulses to disrupt melanosomes (pigment cells) through a photoacoustic disruption. It breaks the pigment down into small microparticles to be then cleared by your body. 6 or more treatments may be needed to obtain desired results. Individuals receiving treatment should always wear sunblock if going into the sun and avoid sun exposure which can re-trigger pigmentation.
