Can melasma be removed with laser treatment?
Jul 17, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Melasma can be treated with laser therapy. The most commonly used lasers are carbon dioxide (CO₂) lasers and ultra-picosecond lasers. These lasers work by delivering intense light to melanin in the skin, thereby breaking down the melanin pigment within melasma lesions and achieving a lightening or removal effect on dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It is important to note that multiple laser treatment sessions are typically required to achieve optimal results in melasma clearance.
Melasma significantly affects facial aesthetics. Can it be removed with laser treatment?
Can melasma be removed with laser treatment?
Yes, melasma can be effectively treated with laser therapy. Commonly used lasers include carbon dioxide (CO₂) lasers and ultra-picosecond lasers. The underlying mechanism involves targeting melanin in the skin with intense light, thereby fragmenting the melanin pigment responsible for melasma and achieving a lightening effect on hyperpigmented spots. It is important to note that optimal results typically require multiple laser sessions; a single treatment often yields suboptimal outcomes. Moreover, diligent sun protection and skin hydration are essential following laser therapy.
Freckles are small, yellowish-brown, discrete pigmented macules occurring on the face. They follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure can trigger or exacerbate their development. Freckles have a strong genetic predisposition. Lesions commonly first appear between ages 3 and 5, predominantly in females. Their number tends to increase gradually with age and they most frequently occur on the face—especially the nose and cheeks—but may also involve other sun-exposed areas such as the neck, shoulders, and dorsum of the hands.
In melasma, lesions typically darken and increase in number following sun exposure during summer months, while improving or even resolving spontaneously during winter. Histopathologically, melasma is characterized by increased melanin deposition within epidermal keratinocytes, without an increase in the number of melanocytes. Therefore, consistent sun protection plays a valuable role in preventing melasma onset and recurrence. We hope this information is helpful to you!
