Can melasma be removed with picosecond laser treatment?
Aug 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Melasma can generally be completely eliminated. However, after picosecond laser treatment, strict sun protection and avoidance of light exposure are essential. Also known as “chloasma” or “pregnancy mask,” melasma is characterized by yellowish-brown hyperpigmentation on the face, typically distributed symmetrically in a butterfly-like pattern across the cheeks. It predominantly affects middle-aged women—especially during pregnancy and menopause—when elevated estrogen levels in the blood constitute the primary contributing factor. Melasma development is associated with pregnancy and long-term use of oral contraceptives.
Picosecond laser therapy is an extremely popular laser treatment and represents a relatively new modality in recent years. So, can melasma be effectively treated with picosecond lasers?
Can melasma be eliminated using picosecond lasers?
In general, melasma can be completely resolved. However, strict sun protection and avoidance of UV exposure are essential following picosecond laser treatment. Melasma—also known as “chloasma” or “pregnancy mask”—is characterized by yellowish-brown hyperpigmentation on the face, typically distributed symmetrically in a butterfly-like pattern across the cheeks. It predominantly affects middle-aged women, especially during pregnancy and menopause, when elevated estrogen levels in the blood serve as a primary contributing factor. Melasma development is also associated with pregnancy, long-term oral contraceptive use, and menstrual irregularities.
“Picosecond” and “ultra-picosecond” refer to two distinct laser devices operating under the broader category of picosecond laser technology. Regardless of the specific device used, their safety profiles, technical capabilities, and overall efficacy for pigment removal—including melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation—are largely comparable. These lasers are widely applied for tattoo removal, acne scar treatment, multi-colored scars, age spots (lentigines), solar lentigines, and more. Even for deeper freckles or melasma lesions, noticeable improvement can be achieved after multiple treatment sessions. Additional benefits may include reduction of fine lines, skin rejuvenation, and brightening effects. Compared to traditional lasers, picosecond lasers deliver energy at wavelengths that penetrate more deeply into the dermis, thereby stimulating collagen regeneration, improving enlarged pores, and rapidly shattering pigment particles—facilitating easier absorption and metabolic clearance by the body. Consequently, results tend to appear more quickly, thermal injury is minimized, and collagen stimulation also contributes to partial improvement of atrophic acne scars or traumatic scars.
Nevertheless, some patients may experience post-treatment side effects such as transient hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or even allergic reactions. We hope this information has been helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!
