Melasma/Skin Pigmentation

What causes skin pigmentation

There are many skin pigmentation conditions ranging from Melasma to Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and include superficial pigmentation to pigmentation that lies deep within the skin.

Melasma (also known as Chloasma), refers to a chronic skin condition in which pigment is seen within the superficial and deeper parts of the skin. This skin condition has a distinct ‘mask’ of pigment that can be spread across the forehead, cheeks and above the top lip. However, Melasma may also be isolated to one facial area. While the exact cause of Melasma is unknown, the stimulation of hormones by the contraceptive pill, pregnancy and stress appears to be common triggers. In addition, sun exposure can worsen the appearance of Melasma. It is also important to note that in most cases, there is a vascular component (i.e., blood vessels), found amongst the skin pigmentation.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is a physiological response to skin injury as a result of acne, chemical peels, burns, and can also be found at the sight of surgical incisions. This condition may fade overtime, however, in some cases it may remain.

How does it work?

The Queen of The Skin’s leading-edge laser technology has been designed with a small pen-tip head, shaped to specifically target Melasma and other skin pigmentation conditions without causing damage to the surrounding skin tissue. This is extremely important because skin prone to Melasma and other pigmentation conditions, will not tolerate direct heat. Heating the skin with traditional laser devices can lead to the skin pigment worsening.

Our leading-edge laser device will slowly break up the pigmentation within the deeper layers of the skin without causing damage, which means there is no pain associated with the treatment, just warmth that can be felt at the time of treatment.

Once the skin pigment has been broken down into small particles, the particles will be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream and disregarded. In addition to breaking up skin pigment, the blood vessels seen within pigmentation conditions will be treated individually to ensure that the underlying redness will also be cleared throughout the treatment process.

When treating Melasma, there will be times when the skin may appear darker following laser treatment due to the larger pigment particles absorbing and retaining the laser energy. Larger pigmentation particles may require additional laser treatments.

Skin needling is suggested as an adjunct treatment, to be performed immediately after the laser treatment. Skin needling causes light ‘trauma’ to the skin which facilitates the mobilisation of immune cells to the treated area that will accelerate the reduction and elimination of skin pigment.

How many treatments are required?

For pigmentation that is residing superficially within the skin, most of the pigmentation can be removed in as little as one treatment.

When pigmentation is found within the deeper layers of the skin such as Melasma, multiple treatments will be required and the treatment regime will be dependent on the rate of reduction.

Is the treatment painful?

This treatment is generally termed ‘uncomfortable’ and is tolerated well among most patients. However, to ensure our patients are kept as comfortable as possible, topical anaesthetic is applied to the skin.

Downtime

Following your treatment there will be some redness, skin warmth and mild swelling on and around the treated areas for up to 72 hours. You can apply makeup and cover up the treated area the day after your treatment and you will be able to return to your day-to-day routine.