What are the Different Types of Lasers for Melasma Treatment?

Updated on: 6th November, 2022

Do you suffer from stubborn melasma? Are you tired of trying countless skincare products with little to no results? 

Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that typically appears on the face and is caused by the overproduction of melanin in the skin. It’s often triggered by hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetics and can be difficult to treat with topical creams alone.

However, laser technology has come a long way in recent years, and several different types of lasers can safely and effectively treat melasma. 

In this article, we will explore the different types of laser treatment for melasma, their benefits and drawbacks, and what you can expect from each type of treatment.

Let’s get started!

Types of Lasers for Melasma Treatment

Laser therapy is a popular and effective treatment option for melasma, as it can target the excess pigmentation in the skin without damaging surrounding tissue. The specific mechanism of action varies depending on the type of laser used, but in general, laser therapy for melasma works by using focused light energy to heat and break up the pigmented cells in the skin.

Here are some of the most common types of laser treatment for melasma: 

Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser therapy is a highly effective and safe treatment for hyperpigmentation. With 532nm and 1064nm wavelengths, this laser can treat pigmentation at both superficial and deep levels below the skin surface.

Q-switched laser for melasma emits high-energy pulses of light in the near-infrared spectrum, which are absorbed by the excess melanin in the skin. The melanin then heats up and is broken down into smaller particles, which the body’s natural processes can eliminate.

When used in low energy or fractional mode, this laser can be used for skin toning and improving skin texture with minimal downtime and side effects. In addition, the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser can be used in quasi-long-pulsed mode, delivering longer laser energy pulses. This mode can target both pigmentation and blood vessels, which can help improve and lighten melasma.

According to the studies, combining Q-switched laser treatment with other therapies, such as chemical peels or oral medications, can produce even better results. However, a person with darker skin tones is at a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma recurrence.

Picosecond laser is a newer type of laser technology effective in treating melasma. Pico lasers emit ultra-short light pulses delivered in picoseconds (trillionths of a second). This allows the laser to target pigmented cells more effectively without damaging surrounding tissue.

Pico laser treatments for melasma are typically spaced out over several sessions, each lasting about 20-30 minutes. The number of sessions required will depend on the melasma’s severity and the patient’s individual needs and goals.

Picosecond lasers are an efficient and safe therapy for melasma in persons with dark skin, with a low risk of adverse effects such as hypopigmentation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Fractional resurfacing lasers are a non-invasive treatment option for melasma that involves creating tiny, controlled injuries in the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. By targeting the epidermis and dermis, fractional resurfacing lasers release hyperpigmented cells and stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin cells.

Fractional laser for melasma delivers controlled pulses of light energy to the affected areas of the skin. The energy is absorbed by the excess melanin in the skin, causing it to break down and be eliminated by the body’s natural processes. Over time, the treated skin is replaced with new, healthy skin cells, which can help reduce melasma’s appearance.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a non-invasive laser therapy that can effectively treat melasma. IPL laser for melasma uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths to target and breaks up pigmented cells in the skin without damaging the surrounding tissue. IPL is frequently advised for those with treatment resistant melasma. 

During an IPL treatment, a handheld device is placed on the skin and delivers pulses of light energy to the treatment area. The light energy is absorbed by the excess melanin in the skin, causing it to break down and be eliminated by the body’s natural processes. 

Ultimately, the best type of laser for your melasma treatment will depend on your individual needs and goals. Consult a qualified dermatologist or laser specialist for laser treatment because if not used with caution, lasers can cause melasma to worsen.