Erasing the Signs of Melasma with Laser Treatment

Updated on: 26th September, 2023

Laser treatment for melasma targets the melanin in the skin, breaking down the excess pigment that causes melasma. Laser treatment has been shown to effectively improve the appearance of melasma and provide individuals with a renewed sense of confidence.

In this article, we will explore how laser treatment work for melasma. 

Let’s get started.

Melasma is a skin condition that affects many people, particularly women. It is characterised by brown or grey patches on the skin, typically on the face, that are caused by an overproduction of melanin. While melasma is not harmful, it can be distressing for those who experience it, and it can be difficult to treat.

Melasma occurs when the melanin-producing cells in the skin produce too much pigment. While the exact cause of melasma is unknown, it is believed to be related to hormonal changes during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills, genetics, and sun exposure.

One treatment option that has shown promise for improving the appearance of melasma is laser treatment. Laser treatment for melasma targets the melanin in the affected skin, causing it to break down and be absorbed by the body. Over time, this can lead to a reduction in the appearance of melasma.

There are several different types of lasers that can be used for melasma treatment, including Fractional Q- switched laser, Pico laser, Quasi long pulse

Q-switched lasers have been more frequently used lasers to treat melasma for many years because of safety. These lasers emit high-intensity pulses of light that target the pigmented cells in the skin, breaking them up and allowing the body to eliminate them naturally.

Quasi long pulse laser emits the 1064 wavelength for a longer pulse duration. This helps to target the collagen and vascular components in the skin which have shown to reduce the skin irritation and triggers leading to melasma, thus reducing signs of melasma. 

Picosecond lasers are a newer type of laser technology that has shown promise in treating melasma. These lasers emit ultra-short pulses of light measured in picoseconds or trillionths of a second.

Picosecond lasers are considered safer than traditional Q-switched lasers.

The fractional non ablative resurfacing laser creates thousands of tiny micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing response and stimulates the production of new healthy skin cells. Fractional resurfacing laser treatment targets the epidermis and dermis while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue. Typically four to five treatment sessions are required, each lasting less than 30 minutes.

Is laser safe? While fractional resurfacing lasers have shown promise in reducing the appearance of melasma, it is used very rarely as they can cause an increase in melasma in Indian skin.

Melasma laser treatment is an effective option, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant melasma that hasn’t improved with traditional methods like chemical peels and skin-lightening creams. It shows promising results in treating this condition. Here are the pros of melasma laser treatment:

• Laser treatment for melasma helps to remove dark spots on the skin.
• The sessions are quick, with minimal downtime.
• It targets only the affected areas without impacting the surrounding tissues.
• Lasers help to improve overall skin tone 
• Increases self-esteem in those who have melasma.

Is laser safe for melasma is the major concern of people with this condition. While melasma laser treatment can be an effective and safest option for some individuals, like any medical procedure, there are also some potential drawbacks. 

Some of the melasma laser treatment side effects include the following:

• The procedure can be expensive, especially if multiple sessions are needed.
• Some individuals may experience side effects such as skin irritation, redness, and skin darkening.
• Not everyone is a good candidate for melasma laser treatment, especially people with dark skin tone
• Laser treatment may not eliminate melasma, and there is a risk of recurrence.
• The treated area may be more sensitive to sunlight following laser treatment and require extra protection.
• Although rare, there is a risk of side effects such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering, and scarring.

These melasma laser treatment side effects can be minimised by consulting  and getting treated from an experienced dermatologist.

If you are considering laser treatment for melasma, knowing what to expect is important. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and is typically outpatient.

Before the treatment, your skin will be cleaned, and a numbing cream may be applied to minimise discomfort during the procedure. You may also be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser.

During the treatment, the laser is shot on the affected areas of your skin, targeting the excess melanin that causes melasma. You may feel slight stinging or snapping as the laser is used, but it should not be overly painful.

After the treatment, you may experience some redness and swelling in the treated area, and this is normal and should subside within a few hours. You should avoid direct sunlight and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin.

While you may see some improvement after the first session, multiple sessions are usually required to achieve the best results. Your healthcare provider can give you a better idea of what to expect based on your situation and the specific type of laser treatment used.

Consultation with an experienced dermatologist is necessary for an effective and safest procedure. You can check your dermatologist review online and also check before and after photos of previously treated patients.