If you notice greyish-brown spots appearing on your skin, especially in areas that have been exposed to the sun for many years, you may have melasma. These color changes are a natural part of aging. Dr. Riehm at Skin Deep Laser MD in Fort Worth, Texas, can improve skin tone with laser therapy treatments.
Melasma can occur in men and women, though it is more common in women. It usually shows up on your forehead, cheeks, the bridge of your nose, chin, or upper lip. You can also develop melasma on your forearms and neck if those areas were exposed to a lot of sun over the years.
Causes of Melasma
Doctors believe that melasma happens more in women because of hormone changes. It often happens with pregnancy, people with darker skin tones, and in those whose relatives have it. The cells that generate pigment—melanocytes—become overactive and produce too much pigment. Some doctors have attributed melasma to skin care products, though they don’t know all of the causes or reasons people develop it.
Treating Melasma with PicoSure
Melasma often has different layers of discoloration. The PicoSure laser is able to target the different layers of discoloration. The light energy from the laser targets the darker areas of your skin to break down the color particles, which are then disposed of by your body.
Results of Using PicoSure Laser Therapy for Melasma
Most people see immediate results after treatment. However, to get the best results, you’ll need follow-up sessions. With each session, the dark spots will lighten even more.
This technology is non-ablative and fractionated picosecond, which means that the treatment times are faster than other lasers. You’ll have less time under laser energy. For most, the PicoSure laser may cause some mild discomfort, though most people tolerate the treatments well.
After treatment, your skin may be pink or slightly red, but this usually fades after a few hours. You are able to return to your normal schedule immediately after treatment, so there is no downtime. However, the laser treatment makes your skin more sensitive, so you should wear sunscreen.
Where to Find Treatment for Melasma in Fort Worth, TX
Skin Deep Laser MD serves Fort Worth and the surrounding areas in Texas. To find out more about treating melasma, speak with a doctor at Skin Deep Laser MD. To schedule a consultation, please call 817-263-7546.
