Melasma/Skin Pigmentation Sydney

What causes melasma/skin pigmentation?

There are many skin pigmentation conditions, ranging from melasma to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and from superficial pigmentation to pigmentation that lies deep within the skin.

Melasma (also known as chloasma) refers to a chronic skin condition in which pigment is located within the superficial and deeper layers of the skin. This skin condition has a distinct ‘mask’ of pigment that can be spread across the forehead, cheeks and above the top lip or be isolated to just one facial area.

While the exact cause of melasma is unknown, the stimulation of hormones by the contraceptive pill, pregnancy and stress appears to be a common trigger. In addition, sun exposure can accentuate the appearance of melasma. It is also important to note that, in most cases, a vascular component of the skin pigmentation is found.

What can I expect from the treatment?

At Bella Plastic Surgery, we use state-of-the-art laser technology designed to target melasma and other skin pigmentation conditions precisely without causing damage to the surrounding skin tissue. This is important because skin prone to melasma and other pigmentation conditions will not tolerate direct heat. Therefore, heating the skin with traditional laser devices can lead to the pigmentation condition worsening.

The laser technology used by Bella Plastic Surgery works by breaking down the pigmentation within the deeper layers of the skin. There is typically no pain associated with this treatment—simply a warm feeling experienced during the treatment.

Once the skin pigment has been broken down into small particles, these are reabsorbed into the bloodstream and eliminated. In addition to breaking down the pigmentation, the blood vessels will also be treated by the laser device to reduce the underlying redness.

Skin needling is recommended as a complementary treatment performed immediately after your laser treatment. Skin needling causes light trauma to the skin, which facilitates the production of cells in the treated area to accelerate the reduction and elimination of pigmentation.

How many treatments are required?

For pigmentation that resides superficially within the skin, most of the pigmentation can be removed in just one treatment.

When pigmentation is located within the deeper layers of the skin (in melasma, for example), multiple treatments are required. The treatment regime will depend on the rate of reduction, which will be assessed following each treatment.

Is the treatment painful?

This treatment is generally termed comfortable and tolerated well by patients.