Melasma and Skin Pigmentation Treatment

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition that causes patches and spots, usually on the face, which are darker than your skin tone.

What is the main cause of melasma?

Factors contributing to melasma include genetic predisposition, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pregnancy, hormonal therapies, use of cosmetics and antiseizure medications. Genetic influences play a significant role in melasma development, with females being more prone to the condition compared to males.

How can you tell the difference between hyperpigmentation and melasma?

Melasma are large patches of discoloration on the skin, while sun spots and other types of hyperpigmentation may appear as small circles or concentrated dots.

How to treat Melasma?

PicoWay stands out as the latest generation Picosecond laser and is considered the most suitable treatment for Melasma due to its low heat generation. The distinctive picosecond speed generates photo-acoustic energy, effectively targeting and clearing melasma without stimulating further melanin production. This characteristic ensures that there is minimal heat involved, mitigating the risk of exacerbating melasma. Lasers permeate your outer layer of skin, resulting in cell renewal for brighter, more even skin.

Why is my pigmentation darker after Pico laser?

It is common for hyperpigmentation to get worse 4-7 days after the treatment and start to lighten a few days later. It normally takes 10-14 days to see lightening. The immune system then sends white blood cells to the area to remove the broken down pigmentation. This process can take some time, and during this time, the pigmentation may appear darker. It is normal for pigmentation to turn darker after pico laser treatment because it is a sign that the treatment is working.

How many laser sessions does it take to remove melasma?

You should see some improvement after the first session, but three to four sessions spaced about 30 days apart will yield the greatest results. You should see full results in 3 to 6 months. You may need follow-up treatments because sometimes melasma clears days after laser therapy, but returns in about 3 months.

What is the best treatment for melasma in Australia?

PicoWay is a picosecond laser system that delivers energy in extremely short pulses, making it an effective tool for treating pigmented lesions, melasma and tattoos.

Picoway at 1064 nm is safe and effective for melasma treatment.

What should I expect after Pico laser therapy?

Following Pico laser treatment, many patients commonly experience sensations of tightness and dryness in their skin. However, the duration and intensity of these sensations vary significantly among individuals. Dry skin can sometimes lead to itching, especially in individuals with more sensitive skin. While some patients may experience no downtime whatsoever, others may encounter redness or red patches as potential side effects of the laser treatment.

What to DO After Pico Laser treatment?

Hydrate your skin.

Drink plenty of water – water intake orally also affects the hydration of our skin. Use serums containing ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide

Use recovery serums.

For those who are acne-prone, serums or masque is an ideal option as they are enriched with botanical extracts that soothe and calm irritated skin. Serums, hyaluronic acid and peptides to accelerate healing and recovery and can be used on ablated skin. 

Resume your Vitamin C products

Continue using Vitamin C products in your skincare routine as long as they do not induce any irritation or stinging sensation. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in skin healing and can be safely incorporated into your regimen, provided it does not lead to redness or pain upon application.

What to NOT TO DO After Pico Laser treatment?

Do not over-hydrate your skin.

Many patients observe that their skincare products are absorbed more rapidly than usual, often prompting them to apply additional product due to a perceived need for more hydration. However, over-hydration with excessively rich products can lead to acne outbreaks particularly in individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It’s essential to strike a balance in skincare routines to avoid exacerbating skin issues.

Do not use AHA products

Following Picoway laser treatment, it is advisable to refrain from using AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) products for approximately 5-7 days, particularly if you experience redness or red petechial spots after the treatment. Once your skin has fully recovered and returned to its baseline state, you can safely resume the use of AHA products. This precaution helps to minimize potential irritation or adverse reactions to the skin post-treatment.

It’s recommended to minimse sun exposure as much as possible in the week following a Pico laser treatment. If sun exposure cannot be avoided, try to limit the time spent in the sun and utilize sun protective gear such as hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. This precautionary measure helps to protect the skin and optimize the results of the laser treatment.