What is melasma?
Can take the form of a mask, these brown and diffuse spots appear on the cheekbones, temples and forehead, sometimes without sun exposure. But UV rays accentuate them. Often of hormonal origin, they occur following pregnancy, taking oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy for menopause or certain medications. This type of stain is particularly sensitive. The treatment should not be too aggressive, because if there is inflammation under the thermal effect of the laser, the hyperpigmentation may worsen.
Treatment with medical cream
This is a prescription depigmenting treatment based on cortisone, hydroquinone and tretinoins, called Kligman’s Trio. This is the first-line treatment to be applied for three months (cost around €30 per tube).
A medium peel
In case of failure of the previous treatment, a medium peeling can be decided.
Based on 20% glycolic acid and kojic acid or TCA (trichloroacetic acid), it exfoliates the surface of the epidermis in order to stimulate cell renewal and renew your skin. If this remains without effect, then the laser can be considered as a last resort. Cost of a session, from 125 to 150 €.
Fractional lasers
Non-ablative fractional lasers are used on melasma with varying degrees of success, but without the risk of making the spots worse. In 3 to 4 sessions, a low power Q-Switched laser can also improve the appearance of melasma. It evolves like a chronic disease, recurrences are therefore frequent.
Thanks to Dr. Jean-Michel Mazer, dermatologist.
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Brown spots: the right techniques to erase them
