Melasma
Book a Free ConsultationWhat is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches that typically appear on the face. This condition arises when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, produce excess melanin. Melasma can affect 1.5 to 33% of people.
Common triggers include:
- Sun exposure
- Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or the use of birth control pills)
- Genetic predisposition
Melasma often presents itself on the:
- Cheeks
- Upper lip
- Chin
- Forehead
- And other sun-exposed areas, such as the arms or legs
Although melasma is harmless, its visible nature can significantly impact self-esteem and confidence. At Key Laser Institute, we understand how things beyond our control can sometimes make us self-conscious. We’ve dedicated our practice to helping others overcome self-doubts about their appearance with revolutionary treatments and customized care plans.
Explore our melasma treatment options in Portland today.
Are Melasma and Freckles the Same?
While freckles and melasma are characterized as skin pigment conditions appearing as dark spots, they are not the same thing.
Freckles are generally smaller and have defined, round borders. Melasma often appears in larger, irregularly shaped patches of dark skin.
Freckles will generally fade without sun exposure. Melasma may take longer to fade after the trigger is removed.
Treatment Options for Melasma
Key Laser Institute has redefined melasma treatment in Portland with our wide array of procedures and services. We may use one or more laser treatment approaches and sessions to treat your melasma, but we guarantee you’ll see long-lasting and satisfying results under our care.
Picosure Treatment
Picosure is an FDA-approved, cutting-edge technology that uses ultra-short picosecond pulses to break down pigment particles without damaging the surrounding skin. Picosure offers quicker recovery times and fewer side effects compared to traditional laser treatments. Most patients experience a noticeable improvement in their melasma after a few sessions with minimal discomfort.
Treatment may take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area treated. Patients often describe the sensation of this treatment as similar to having a light sunburn.
Adverse effects may include:
- Discomfort
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pinpoint bleeding
- Scabbing
- Bruising
These side effects are usually short-lived and will resolve within a week or two.
Clear & Brilliant Treatment
Clear + Brilliant is a gentle and affordable laser treatment that rejuvenates the skin and helps reduce the appearance of melasma.
This treatment creates microscopic treatment zones in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process and replacing damaged skin with fresh, healthy skin. Utilizing the patented Intelligent Optical Tracking® technology, Clear + Brilliant laser treatment ensures proper contact with your skin to deliver a uniform application to all targeted treatment areas.
Treatment only takes around 15 to 25 minutes. Before your procedure, a light layer of topical numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area to reduce discomfort. Mild to moderate swelling may develop shortly after treatment but diminish within 12 to 24 hours.
Fraxel Treatment
Fraxel laser treatment is another highly effective option for treating melasma, especially in more severe cases.
It uses fractional laser technology to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which promote the growth of new, healthy skin cells. Fraxel can significantly reduce dark patches and improve overall skin tone and texture. It is considered the first non-ablative fractional skin resurfacing treatment certified by the FDA to improve the skin’s tone, texture, and radiance.
Fraxel laser treatment is designed to make skin appear more youthful and diminish dark spots like melasma in just one treatment. There’s minimal downtime, and it has integrated cooling to enhance patient comfort during the procedure.
Treatment may last 30 to 40 minutes. After treatment, patients often report feeling as if they have a sunburn, but this sensation generally goes away after 30 minutes.
The most common side effects are slight redness, soreness, and swelling, but these symptoms resolve independently within a week.
CoolBreeze
CoolBreeze laser treatment targets the sebaceous glands to reduce excess oil production, a common cause of acne. This treatment helps clear active acne lesions and prevent future breakouts, promoting a smoother and clearer complexion.
The laser’s heat gently stimulates the dermal tissues during treatment, causing the skin cells to rebuild and increase natural collagen production.
Treatments generally take between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the severity of your condition and the area to be treated. Mild redness, soreness, and swelling may occur post-treatment, but these symptoms will disappear in a few days or weeks.
Ultraclear 3D Miracl Treatment
The Ultraclear 3D Miracl treatment is a state-of-the-art solution that combines multiple laser technologies to address melasma comprehensively. Using first-of-its-kind Cold Fiber Laser technology, this innovative approach targets pigmentation at various depths within the skin, ensuring thorough and effective treatment.
Ultraclear 3D Miracle reduces melasma and improves skin clarity and brightness. With a series of sessions, patients can expect a substantial reduction in pigmentation and enhanced skin texture and elasticity.
This treatment may only take 10 to 15 minutes to complete, but the results can last for years. Patients typically experience transient side effects, such as redness, swelling, and soreness.
Effective, Caring Treatment Each Step of the Way
Before Your Treatment for Melasma
Before beginning any melasma treatment at Key Laser Institute, you will undergo a thorough consultation with a qualified dermatologist or skincare specialist.
This assessment will determine your skin type, the severity of your melasma, and any underlying conditions, allowing for a customized treatment plan. Pre-treatment instructions may include avoiding sun exposure and discontinuing certain skincare products like retinol.
We ask clients to arrive at their appointment hydrated, rested, and without makeup. We also suggest eating a light meal before arriving.
During Your Treatment for Melasma
The treatment process varies depending on the chosen method. For laser treatments such as Picosure, Clear & Brilliant, Fraxel, and Ultraclear 3D Miracle, the procedure typically begins with cleansing the skin and applying a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
The laser device is then used to target the pigmented areas. Each session generally lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the treatment type, extent of the melasma, and size of the treatment area.
After Your Treatment for Melasma
Following your treatment, you may experience some redness, swelling, and mild discomfort. These side effects typically subside within a few days. To protect the treated areas, it is crucial to avoid sun exposure and apply a high-SPF sunscreen. Following a gentle skincare routine and using any prescribed post-treatment products will help in the healing process and enhance your results.
FAQs About Melasma Treatment in Portland
Will My Melasma Go Away on Its Own?
Unfortunately, melasma does not go away completely on its own. It may fade slightly when you remove contact from the trigger, but only treatment will completely eliminate it.
How Soon Will I See the Results of My Melasma Treatment?
You may see some improvement immediately after your first session with one of the treatments. However, for optimal results, we may suggest one or more sessions spaced a month apart. The full results of your treatment may take about three to six months to appear.
Will Treatment Cure My Melasma?
There is no known treatment that will completely eliminate melasma. Even after treatment, it may return over time. Our treatments at Key Laser Institute aim to reduce melasma’s appearance and improve the skin’s look and texture.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Melasma Treatment?
Great candidates for melasma treatment include people who have treatment-resistant melasma and individuals who developed melasma during pregnancy.
People who should avoid laser treatment for melasma in Portland include individuals who:
- Are currently pregnant
- Are prescribed blood thinners
- Are immunocompromised
- Have skin cancer
- Have taken isotretinoin in the past year
- Have severe acne, scleroderma, or psoriasis in the intended treatment areas
If you are unsure whether you are a good candidate for melasma treatment, schedule a consultation with one of our providers. We can explore other treatment options for your condition.
How Can I Prevent Melasma?
Melasma cannot always be fully prevented since genetics, hormones, skin color, and sun exposure may cause it. You can reduce the risk of your melasma worsening by using a daily SPF of 50 or higher and avoiding long-term sun exposure in the afflicted areas.
We’d love to help you create a skincare routine to help prevent your melasma from worsening. We carry quite a few products that are universally adored by staff and patients.
Key Laser Institute carries products from the following skincare lines:
Schedule a Consultation
Are you ready to experience a boost in your self-confidence and eliminate the appearance of your melasma?
Dr. Key and Key Laser Institute welcome you to our revolutionary practice and invite you to begin your journey with melasma treatments in Portland today.
We understand certain skin conditions can impact self-esteem and your appreciation for your natural beauty. Our practice offers effective and noninvasive solutions, such as our laser treatments, to promote natural healing and restoration to reduce the appearance of melasma and promote skin healing from within.
Schedule your first consultation today.