Melasma Treatment in Pittsburgh & Bridgeville, PA

What Causes Melasma?

Melasma causes can include hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy or with birth control use, certain medications, and prolonged sun exposure. Genetics also play a role, since those with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop the condition.

How Is Melasma Different From Other Types of Hyperpigmentation?

While melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation, it is distinct because of its patterns and triggers. Unlike sunspots or age spots that occur due to localized sun damage, Melasma patches are often symmetrical, appearing on both sides of the face. Its connection to hormonal changes also differentiates it from other hyperpigmentations, which might be the result of injury, inflammation, or other external factors. Melasma tends to be more persistent and can be more challenging to treat compared to other forms of discoloration.

Treatments for Melasma

Lumecca IPL

For individuals battling melasma, Lumecca IPL treatments can be a good solution. IPL, which stands for intense pulsed light, is a technology used in various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin revitalization, and the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Lumecca is one of the most advanced IPL devices available today.

How Does Lumecca IPL Treat Melasma?

Lumecca IPL emits a broad spectrum of wavelengths that can be tailored to penetrate specific depths of the skin. When treating melasma, the light is absorbed by the melanin in the darkened patches, producing controlled thermal damage without harming the surrounding tissues. This process prompts the body’s natural healing response, breaking down the patches and leading to the gradual fading of the pigmented areas.

Microneedling

Melasma skincare requires techniques that can rejuvenate the skin from within. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, can break down pigmentation while restoring the overall quality of the skin. RF (radiofrequency) microneedling combines the traditional approach of microneedling with the power of radiofrequency energy. 

How Does RF Microneedling Treat Melasma?

The treatment involves creating microchannels in the skin using fine needles, promoting collagen production. The added RF energy further enhances this process by delivering heat into the deeper layers of the skin. This melasma skincare treatment can break up melanin clusters and promote even skin tone, addressing both surface-level and deeper concerns.

AquaGold® Fine Touch™

AquaGold® Fine Touch™ is a treatment for melasma that can be fully customizable to your particular aesthetic goals and concerns. The AquaGold® Fine Touch™ micro-injection device allows us to deliver treatments at an optimal depth for better absorption of the accompanying serums.

How Does AquaGold Treat Melasma?

AquaGold uses 24K gold-plated needles that are thinner than a human hair to infuse a cocktail of skin-loving ingredients directly into the skin’s dermal layer. For melasma, this can include pigmentation reducers, growth factors, and more. This precision delivery system ensures that the active ingredients are introduced exactly where they can have the most impact, offering a targeted approach to melasma management.

Combination Treatments

Combining treatments often amplifies the benefits and addresses skin hyperpigmentation from multiple angles. Pairing Lumecca IPL with RF microneedling, especially the advanced Morpheus8 device, offers a more comprehensive approach. While Lumecca IPL targets melanin directly and promotes fading of pigmented regions, the Morpheus8’s RF microneedling penetrates deeper into the skin’s layers, stimulating collagen and dispersing deeper melanin clusters, resulting in a more even and revitalized complexion.

What Are the Benefits of Combining Treatments?

More Comprehensive Results

When dealing with melasma, a multifaceted approach often yields the most noticeable changes. We can address both the superficial and underlying aspects of the condition.

Increased Collagen Production

Collagen, the skin’s main structural protein, plays a pivotal role in maintaining its integrity and resilience. Treatments such as RF microneedling stimulate the skin to increase its collagen production. This not only helps in diminishing skin hyperpigmentation but also enhances the skin’s overall texture and firmness.

Faster Cell Regeneration

The most effective melasma treatments promote the skin’s natural ability to heal and renew itself. By employing a combination of treatments, cell turnover and regeneration are expedited. This means that fresher, healthier skin cells come to the surface faster, accelerating the fading of melasma patches.

Longer-lasting Results

While individual treatments offer relief from melasma, combining them can extend the longevity of the results. By addressing the condition from multiple angles, the skin becomes more resilient to future melasma flare-ups, helping the results to be longer-lasting.