At Derm.ca we have helped our patients remove or lighten age spots and brown spots using a variety of leading-edge laser technologies.
Melasma
FAQs
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Melasma is a skin condition that is much more prevalent in women than men. Although some individuals who have lighter skin can have the presence of melasma, it is much more prominent in those with darker skin. Additionally, people who have close relatives who suffer from melasma, have a higher probability of getting melasma themselves.
Melasma is initially identified by the appearance of gray or brown patches, typically on areas of the body which are exposed to the sun. Because melasma can resemble other skin conditions, a Dermatologist may have to perform a small skin biopsy in order to rule out other skin conditions.
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Although the exact cause in not entirely known, it is apparent that the cells which provide colour to the skin called melanoytes, produce more than is required.
However, we do know that there are certain triggers which contribute to the appearance of melasma which includes:
Exposure to the sun
Hormonal changes as with pregnant women
Low-quality skincare products
Whatever the cause, the team at Derm.ca has a high level of success in helping women and men fade or eliminate melasma.
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There are a number of ways to treat melasma including topical creams, chemical peels, light or laser therapy, or a combination of these methods.
LimeLight Laser is a painless, non-surgical, and non-invasive treatment which uses Intense Laser Light (IPL) technology, to drastically reduce brown spots, redness, and improve skin tone and surface imperfections associated with aging and photodamage.
PRP for Melasma
PRP is a revolutionary treatment which uses your own blood to help to treat the notoriously stubborn hyperpigmentation of melasma. Platelets are your body’s richest source of collagen promoting growth factors and for these reasons, we use PRP for conditions which require tissue rejuvenation. In platelet rich plasma therapy, we precisely and delicately place these peptides and growth factors into skin involved by melasma and helps improve fading of this stubborn condition and improves over subsequent six to eight weeks.
PRP for Melasma FAQs
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During the procedure, a vial of blood is removed and this is centrifuged to separate the cells from the platelets and serum. Then, the important peptides are released from platelets with refined sterile techniques in our certified laboratory. Afterwards, the platelet peptides and growth factors are delicately placed into melasma patches.
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No. It depends on your pain tolerance. If you have a low tolerance to pain YOU may apply a numbing cream at home 30 – 45 minutes before your appointment.
*Most patients do not require any numbing cream.
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For best results PRP can be combined with other laser treatments. Most clinical studies show 3 treatments are necessary for best results, each appointment is one month apart.
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This is a common question in our clinic. Melasma can be managed but not “cured” in the strict sense of that term. Thus it is essential that sun exposure be mitigated through use of zinc oxide sunscreens. We now know that visible spectrum light (i.e. not just ultraviolet light) – can exacerbate melasma. We recommend Venuceane containing zinc oxide sunscreens as this ingredient helps reverse damage to skin cells that is caused by visible spectrum light. Retinol is also recommended as this helps exfoliate out subtle pigmentation by acceleration of epidermal turnover. Finally, antioxidant peptides serum with a unique trans-epidermal carrier molecule is usually recommended. This 1-2-3 home therapy is ideal to prevent relapse and the need for more laser.
If you are interested in melasma therapies, please contact us. We would love to see you soon.
At-Home Solutions
Our exclusive Illuminous Serum and Age Defy Mineral Sunscreen were developed after years of hands-on experience with our clinic patients. Maintain your results with this revolutionary brightening serum and daily SPF protection.
Gently repairs skin from free radical damage (with resveratrol and ubiquinone).
An expertly curated daily skincare routine to combat dark spots and pigmentation.
A mineral, antioxidant-rich sunscreen that fights signs of photo aging.
“For years I had patches of discolored skin in my face and hands which seemed to get worse in the summer. I finally looked for a dermatologist and luckily found Dr. Alanen at Derm.ca. He explained to me that I had a condition called Melasma and recommended a few treatment options. I chose the laser method and now a few months later the spot are hardly visible. Thank you Dr. Alanen.”
Alanna P.
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DERM.CA
Get in touch.
Book a complimentary consultation by calling us at (403) 202-4038 (cosmetic) or 403-457-1900 (medical) or by completing the submission form on this page.
One of our skin specialists will assess your condition, and provide treatment options.
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