Melasma is a skin condition that causes dark discoloration that appears on areas of the face that are always exposed to the sun, and commonly affects the color on the apples of the cheeks, forehead, and areas around the jawline and mouth. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, and can affect anyone, especially young women who have brown skin tones. In addition, melasma is particularly a common occurrence for pregnant women hence the other name “mask of pregnancy”. It is also common in women taking oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications. Fortunately, the discoloration of the skin usually disappears over time after the women gives birth or stops taking oral contraceptives or HRT. Someone with a family history of the melasma condition is also more likely to develop the skin condition. Certified Los Angeles Dermatologist, Dr. Umar, can diagnose most patients by directly examining the condition their face and skin. Occasionally, a skin biopsy might be necessary in order to confirm that the brown colored skin abnormalities are indeed due to the effects of melasma.
Melasma can be difficult to treat, and therefore requires the attention of a dermatologist. Its treatment usually requires the usage of a combination of lasers, topical medicines, and strictly avoiding the sun and use of sun block daily. Resistance to treatment or recurrences of melasma will occur if the skin is continually exposed to sunlight. Therefore, treat your melasma condition today and find out the best advice there is for your skin care needs. Dr. Umar will consult with you and provide you with the best treatment plan for your melasma condition. Dr. Umar performs laser therapy to treat melasma. One type of laser that Dr. Umar uses is the Fraxel laser. The FDA approved the Fraxel laser for the treatment of melasma in July of 2005. The Fraxel laser works by utilizing a new laser technology called “fractional resurfacing.” Fractional resurfacing technology allows only a fraction of the skin to receive the laser light, therefore leaving other areas of the skin unaffected. Fraxel laser skin treatments systematically improve the skin by treating small sections of it at a time. He also uses the 1064 Q-switched laser for melasma with excellent results and minimal downtime.
After your very first Laser treatment with either Fraxel or Q-switched laser in his Redondo Beach office, you will notice how your skin becomes softer, smoother and fresher. Fine lines, uneven coloring, and the brown spots caused by aging and sun exposure will disappear or become significantly less visible. To set up an appointment for a consultation with a board certified Los Angeles dermatologist, please call FineTouch Dermatology at (310)318-1500, or visit https://www.finetouchdermatology.com/