An acquired, symmetrical hypermelanosis driven by ultraviolet and visible light, hormonal influence and dermal inflammation. Clearance is achievable; holding it is the difficulty.
Melasma skin shows solar elastosis, increased dermal vascularisation, raised mast cell counts and an altered basement membrane alongside active melanocytes. The disrupted basement membrane is why pigment sits deeper than it should.
A sunspot is a discrete bounded lesion. Post-inflammatory pigmentation follows an identifiable injury. Melasma is symmetrical, patterned and characteristically persistent — and the three are not treated alike.
Fitzpatrick type, epidermal versus dermal versus mixed depth, the presence of a vascular component, hormonal and medication history, and what photoprotection is realistically in place.
Low-fluence 1064 nm laser toning, topical tyrosinase inhibitors, and oral options where appropriate — used together, because reviews report recurrence as high as 81% when laser is used alone.
Pregnancy, the immediate postpartum period, recently changed hormonal medication, and unmodified sun exposure are all reasons to wait or start with non-procedural components only.
An acquired, symmetrical hypermelanosis driven by ultraviolet and visible light, hormonal influence and dermal inflammation. Clearance is achievable; holding it is the difficulty.
A sunspot is a discrete bounded lesion. Post-inflammatory pigmentation follows an identifiable injury. Melasma is symmetrical, patterned and characteristically persistent — and the three are not treated alike.
Fitzpatrick type, epidermal versus dermal versus mixed depth, the presence of a vascular component, hormonal and medication history, and what photoprotection is realistically in place.
Pregnancy, the immediate postpartum period, recently changed hormonal medication, and unmodified sun exposure are all reasons to wait or start with non-procedural components only.
Every assessment is carried out personally by Dr Sin Yong, Medical Director. 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza.
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