Is Melasma Same As Pigmentation? Lumi Pico Laser Treatment

What is Melasma?

Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a common skin condition characterized by brown or greyish patches on the face. It often appears on the forehead, upper lip, nose, and cheeks. Melasma is caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Several factors can trigger this overproduction and cause melasma:

Hormonal changes – Melasma frequently occurs in pregnant women or women taking birth control pills due to surges in estrogen and progesterone. These hormones stimulate melanin production.

Sun exposure – Ultraviolet rays from the sun can activate melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. This makes melasma worse, especially in hot, sunny days.

Genetics – Those with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop it. Genes may play a role in determining skin type and how your skin reacts to sun and hormones.

Melasma primarily affects women, occurring in about 10% of the female population. Those with darker skin tones are also at higher risk. While it can happen at any age, it is most common during the 30s and 40s when hormone levels shift frequently.

What is Pigmentation?

Pigmentation refers to darker patches or spots on the skin caused by an excess production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its normal color. An increase in melanin production leads to hyperpigmentation or darker skin patches. There are several potential causes of skin pigmentation:

Sun exposure – Ultraviolet rays from the sun can stimulate melanin production, leading to darker spots on frequently exposed areas like the face, neck, hands and arms. This is called sun damage hyperpigmentation.

Acne – Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is common after acne breakouts. The inflammation caused by acne can trigger the melanocytes (melanin producing cells) to become more active, leaving dark spots after acne lesions heal.

Aging – As we get older, melanin production becomes uneven which can result in age spots or liver spots. These darker patches typically show up on the face, hands and décolletage.

Hormones – Hormonal changes during pregnancy or with birth control pills can cause patches of melasma, typically on the upper lip, cheeks, forehead and chin.

Genetics – Those with naturally darker skin tones have more active melanocytes. Ethnic skin is prone to hyperpigmentation disorders like melasma.

So in summary, an increase in melanin leads to skin pigmentation. Common causes are sun exposure, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, aging, hormones and genetics.

Difference Between Melasma and Pigmentation

Melasma and pigmentation are two different skin conditions that can look similar on the surface. However, there are some key differences between the two:

– Melasma is usually symmetrical, meaning it appears on both sides of the face in a mirror image pattern. Pigmentation, on the other hand, is often uneven and asymmetrical. 

– Melasma has internal triggers like hormones, genetics, and medications. Pigmentation is usually caused by external factors like sun exposure, inflammation, or skin injuries.

– Melasma is generally harder to treat than regular pigmentation. While pigmentation can often be improved with diligent sunscreen use and topical creams, melasma is more stubborn. The extra melanin deposits are deeper in the skin and continue being produced internally.

So in summary, melasma is a symmetrical facial hyperpigmentation with internal causes, while uneven pigmentation has external triggers. Melasma also tends to be more difficult to resolve than other forms of hyperpigmentation. Recognizing the differences between the two is important for determining the right treatment approach. At Lumi Clinic, our experienced professionals can help you to identify your skin problems, and offer the best approach for any skin condition!

Melasma Treatment Options

Melasma can be challenging to treat and often comes back even after successful treatment. There are several treatment options available:

Topical creams – Prescription creams containing ingredients like hydroquinone, tretinoin, azelaic acid, and kojic acid can help lighten melasma. These are usually used for a few months at a time. They help fade dark spots but don’t completely eliminate the root cause.

Chemical peels – Light chemical peels with glycolic acid or salicylic acid can aid in exfoliating the skin and gradually fading melasma. Repeated treatments are usually needed. Medium-depth peels like TCA peels also help but may initially cause melasma to get darker before improving.

Laser therapy – Laser treatment like Pico lasers can destroy melanin pigment and help to eliminate melasma.

Lumi Pico Laser for Melasma

The Lumi pico laser is an effective treatment option for melasma and pigmentation issues. This advanced laser works by targeting the melanin in the skin that causes discoloration. 

The pico laser uses photoacoustic effect to shatter the pigment into tiny particles. The body’s natural healing process then eliminates these particles, leading to a reduction in stubborn pigment and melasma.

Some key benefits of Lumi pico laser for melasma treatment:

– Precise targeting of pigment without damaging surrounding skin

– Low downtime and minimal side effects

– Improved skin tone and clarity  

– Long-lasting results with few touch-up sessions needed

For optimal melasma removal, most patients need 2-6 pico laser sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the severity of pigmentation. More sessions may be required for stubborn, deeper melasma.

With its pinpoint approach, the Lumi pico laser can successfully lighten melasma and pigmentation without negatively affecting the skin. Patients see a visible reduction in dark spots and brighter, more even complexion. Book a consultation with us to strategize your way to fight melasma!

Pico Laser Side Effects

The Pico Laser treatment is mostly safe, with minimal side effects. Here are some of the commonly reported side effects:

Redness and Swelling

It’s normal to experience some redness and swelling around the treated areas. This usually resolves within a few hours after the treatment. Applying ice packs can help reduce swelling. 

Downtime

Pico laser is associated with minimal downtime.Most patients are able to return to their normal activities right after the treatment. However, some patients may want to avoid makeup for at least 24 hours. It’s advisable to avoid sun exposure for a few weeks after treatment.

Aftercare 

Patients are advised to keep the treated area clean and moisturized. Avoid picking or scrubbing the area. Use a gentle cleanser and apply moisturizer regularly. Avoid direct sun exposure and use SPF 30 sunscreen. This helps the treated skin heal faster. Any crusting or scabbing should heal naturally within 5-7 days.

Let your doctor know if you experience excessive swelling, bleeding or any other concerns after the treatment. Follow all post-procedure instructions carefully for best results.

Who is a Candidate for Pico?

When considering pico laser treatment, it’s important to have realistic expectations about results. This advanced laser works well for certain skin types and melasma conditions.

The best candidates for pico laser have lighter skin tones on the Fitzpatrick scale, around types I-IV. Those with darker complexions are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and need to take extra precautions. Always consult a dermatologist first about skin type suitability.

In terms of melasma severity, mild to moderate cases tend to see better results with pico lasers. For more stubborn, dermal melasma, multiple treatments are usually required. Complete removal of melasma is difficult, so improvement is a more realistic goal. Still, many patients find their complexion and self-confidence greatly improves after pico treatment.

The key is going into pico laser with an open mind. While melasma is unlikely to disappear entirely, most patients experience substantial fading. When performed properly by an experienced dermatologist, pico lasers can make a significant difference in reducing the appearance of melasma and hyperpigmentation.