Table of Contents
Are you suffering from melasma? Then, you must have heard about laser treatment – thanks to the popularity it has gained in recent years. However, before undergoing it, you must know how laser treatment works, and what are its benefits and side effects. So, let’s get straight to the point and begin exploring more about laser melasma treatment.
What is Melasma and its Causes?
Melasma is a common condition, usually found in women particularly those with darker skin tones between ages 20 and 40. It features dark, blotchy spots and patches, resulting from overactive melanocytes, producing excess melanin. Melasma spots appear on areas of the skin exposed to the sun. These include the upper lip, cheeks, forehead, and chin.
The exact cause of melasma isn’t fully understood yet. However, some observed causes include sun exposure, medications, hormonal changes, and genetic predisposition. Melasma isn’t harmful. However, the discoloration and spots it results in can become an aesthetic concern for many. The good thing about melasma is that you can treat it. And an effective way to do so is with a laser. So, let’s explore melasma laser treatment.
Click To Learn about how to treat melasma from the Inside.
Types of Laser Melasma Treatment Options
Laser treatment targets excess pigmentation in the skin without hurting or damaging the surrounding tissue. Every laser treatment works uniquely. However, generally, laser therapy works by focusing light energy to heat and break up the pigmented cells in the skin. Some common types of laser treatments include the following.
Q-Switched Lasers
Q-Switched Lasers deliver high-intensity light beams in short pulses to break melanin into smaller pieces, which the body removes to reduce dark spots and patches. These sessions last nearly 15-20 minutes and may need 6-10 sessions, once every two weeks.
Picosecond Lasers
Picosecond laser also delivers very short pulses of energy converted to pressure, instead of heat. The laser destroys pigment particles and eliminates hyperpigmented spots without hurting the healthy surrounding tissue.
Fractional Non-Ablative Resurfacing Lasers
This is a unique non-invasive treatment that involves creating tiny, controlled injuries in the skin to trigger the body’s natural healing mechanism. It targets the epidermis and dermis, releasing hyperpigmented cells and stimulating healthy skin cell growth.
The laser delivers controlled pulses of light energy to the affected skin. The excess melanin absorbs the energy and breaks down to be eliminated by the body’s natural response to the process. With time, new and healthy skin cells replace the old ones.
Intense-Pulsed Laser (IPL) for Melasma
This is another non-invasive laser therapy. The treatment involves using a broad spectrum of light wavelengths to target and break up the pigmented cells. During the treatment, the specialist places a handheld device on the skin and focuses light energy pulses on the area under treatment. The excess melanin absorbs the light energy to break down and get eliminated by the body’s natural protective mechanisms. Usually, people with resistant melasma undergo IPL melasma treatment.
Is Melasma Laser Treatment Painful?
Yes. That’s one common question we must address while learning about laser treatments for melasma. So, is melasma laser therapy painful? It can cause slight discomfort. However, it isn’t as painful and feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin or creating a mild tingling sensation. To minimize pain and discomfort, specialists apply a topical anesthetic cream before the treatment. Nevertheless, the pain level can differ depending on individual pain tolerance and the type of laser treatment.
After the procedure, you may experience swelling, redness, sunburn-like feeling. However, these effects subside within a few hours to days.
Pros and Cons of Laser Melasma Treatment
Like every other treatment, the laser also has its pros and cons. You must discuss them with a dermatologist in Pune, while also determining the treatment’s suitability in your case.
Advantages of Laser Melasma Treatment
- The treatment potentially eliminates dark skin spots
- The laser targets only the affected areas of the skin and not the surrounding tissues
- The treatment renews skin cells to result in a more even and smoother skin tone
- The procedure is done in quick sessions, requiring minimal recovery time
- The therapy is non-invasive and doesn’t need surgical incisions or procedures
- The results can be long-lasting depending on the skin’s response and aftercare
Disadvantages of Laser Melasma Treatment
- The treatment can cause irritation, swelling, and redness
- It can also result in hypopigmentation
- In some cases, people may also suffer from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- People may also suffer from scarring, although the cases are rare
- After treatment, the skin may become more sensitive to sunlight
Who Shouldn’t Undergo Laser Treatment for Melasma?
Laser melasma treatment has specific suitability. You must consider consulting a dermatologist to know if the treatment suits you. If you are any one of the following, you must avoid undergoing laser treatment for melasma.
- Mostly Darker skin tone
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with active skin infections or inflammation
- History of keloids or hypertrophic scars
- Unrealistic expectations from the treatment
Want to Undergo Laser Melasma Treatment?
We hope the above helped you understand a few essential aspects of melasma laser treatments. If you’ve been looking to undergo one, we recommend visiting us and knowing factors like individual suitability, laser treatment for skin cost in Pune, etc. While answering all your questions and diagnosing your case, we provide a sophisticated and personalized laser treatment based on your specific condition. Call us at +91 788 799 1919 to book your first consultation appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does melasma laser treatment in Pune cost?
The cost depends on factors like the specialist’s experience, clinic’s location, type of laser treatment involved, number of sessions, etc. Nevertheless, the average approximate cost is between Rs.3000 and Rs.6000 per session. We recommend you visit us and know the actual laser treatment price in your case.
Can laser treatment worsen melasma?
A laser treatment can go wrong if used inappropriately and at the wrong time. In such cases, the treatment can worsen melasma.
How long does recovery take after laser melasma treatment?
You can resume regular activities right after completing the session. After the treatment, you may experience some discomfort and swelling. However, it should subside in a few days. If it doesn’t, you must consult your skin specialist in Pune and address it.
