Melasma
Melasma, also called the mask of pregnancy, is prominent facial pigment caused by overproduction of melanin in response to hormonal changes. Although it can sometimes spontaneously resolve on its own, most Melasma occurs over a period of years and requires stringent regimens to manage. It is usually seen on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip. If you are living with melasma, PicoSure Focus Laser Facial may be right for you. Several types of laser and light therapy have been studied in the treatment of Melasma. The number and frequency of treatments varies by device type, but overall, Q-switched lasers require the greatest number of treatment applications to see a benefit. Vascular-specific lasers do not appear to be effective for the treatment of melasma, and ablative fractionated lasers should be used with caution because the thermal damage they cause to the skin presents a very high risk for post-inflammatory hypo- and hyperpigmentation. The use of non-ablative fractionated laser treatments compared with other laser and light options may result in slightly longer remission intervals. However, Pico-second lasers, such as the PicoSure Focus, are showing a promising future to treat melasma, with 60-90% reduction after 3 treatments. PicoSure’s shorter laser pulse durations result in pigment fragmentation that is more a result of photoacoustic than photothermal effects (such as with laser energy treatments). Therefore, it may be more efficient at pigment removal without inducing thermal damage to surrounding tissue. Because Melasma is tough to treat and there is no cure, it will slowly return unless maintenance laser or bleaching treatments are done. It works best when combined with creams such as hydroquinone and tretinoin.
The PicoSure Laser Facial Difference
Unlike other skin rejuvenation lasers, the groundbreaking technology of PicoSure Focus delivers ultra-short bursts of pressure energy to target areas without using any laser heat at all. Because the pressure energy does not damage the surrounding skin (unlike laser energy), there is no downtime with minimal redness or peeling skin. Erasing fine lines, wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, sun damage and melasma, this is a comfortable “lunchtime procedure,” with patients comparing the sensation to the light snap of a thin rubber band.
