Melasma Treatment with Clear + Brilliant® in Jackson and Dyersburg, TN

Melasma, also referred to as chloasma, happens when uneven patches of dark skin show up on the face or forearms. These tan or brownish patches normally occur evenly on the forehead, nose, cheeks, or upper lip. The appearance of melasma distinguishes it from other conditions that cause the darkening of the skin. Melasma is not at all uncommon and is found more frequently in females. It may be caused by sun damage or by hormonal fluctuations, such as with menopause and pregnancy. Those with darker skin types are far more inclined to melasma compared to those who have lighter complexions. Dr. Laura Dipuma treats melasma regularly at Nordstar Medical, Skincare & Laser Center in Jackson and Dyersburg, TN where we provide Clear + Brilliant treatments to minimize the appearance of the condition.

The exact source of melasma remains unidentified. Experts think that the dark patches in melasma could be triggered by several factors, including race, hormone fluctuations, family history of the condition, anti-seizure drugs, and other medications that make the skin more susceptible to pigmentation after exposure to UV rays. Uncontrolled sunlight exposure is recognized as the chief cause of melasma, especially in those with a genetic predisposition to this condition. Clinical studies have demonstrated that people normally develop melasma in the summertime when the sunlight is the most intense. In the winter, the hyperpigmentation will become less visible or milder.

Melasma is characterized by discoloration or hyperpigmentation mainly in the facial areas. Three forms of common facial patterns are recognized in those with melasma:

• Centrofacial – (center of the face) hyperpigmentation among the upper lip, nose, chin, forehead, and cheeks
• Malar – (cheekbones) melasma patterns near the top of the cheekbone
• Mandibular – (jawbone) hyperpigmentation along the jawline

At Nordstar Medical, Skincare & Laser Center, Dr. Dipuma and her team use Clear + Brilliant laser treatments to effectively reduce the appearance of melasma. As a gentle laser, Clear + Brilliant works to generate heat in order to stimulate the production of collagen and replace damaged skin with healthy tissue. Following the procedure, you may have some slight redness and swelling, but this should subside within 24 hours. You can expect to see results within a few days after your treatment and follow-up sessions may be recommended to help maintain your smooth, glowing complexion. 

If you are affected by melasma and are fed up with trying to cover it with cosmetics, or if you spend money on store-bought remedies that do not give you the results you desire, we welcome you to contact Nordstar Medical, Skincare & Laser Center to schedule a consultation. Melasma needs a proper diagnosis so that the ideal treatment can be provided. If the wrong remedy is implemented, the skin might become worse. Dr. Dipuma can correctly diagnose and treat melasma to provide you with an ideal outcome.