What about IPL for melasma?
Please, please avoid this one. IPL in most patients with melasma is more likely to worsen it than improve it. In very rare instances, if you have very light...
Confusion about melasma!
Please read this article on melasma before you do anything! And no, Thermage will not improve melasma. Dr. I
What is the most effective interval between Fraxel laser treatment?
The answer to this really depends on your goals and your timeline. If you have a wedding in 3 months it might change your planning. In general though, 4-8 weeks...
Does the new Elure Skin Lightening cream with ‘Melanozyme’ work for melasma?
So far, I think this is another triumph of marketing over substance/science – but time will tell. Elure’s patented ‘Melanozyme’ is the enzyme lignin peroxidase which is an enzyme produced by...
Is there a good over the counter hydroquinone cream for hyperpigmentation?
All of the over the counter “bleaching” products that contain hydroquinone are limited to a 2.0% concentration in the United States. Prescription creams are usually 4% and dermatologists will sometimes...
Can Thermage make melasma worse?
I never say never because we are all individuals but ……. in over 10 years of working with Thermage and several thousand treatments, we’ve not had a patient who’s melasma...
What didn’t the UV camera show sun damage?
You bring up a good point which is that lab tests, cameras, computer imaging, etc can all be in error sometimes or just not functioning well that day. Since almost...
If I have melasma starting on my upper lip, is it okay to stay on…
Please see your gynecologist (or whoever prescribed these)!! In general, if the melasma is being caused by hormones, whether it’s from pregnancy or from oral contraceptives, it will usually get...
Is there a difference between prescription “bleaching” creams?
The Triluma is very hard to find right now. We are having the equivalent specially compounded for our patients when we need it. The Epiquin micro is excellent. It doesn’t...
Is it ok to use the dual fraxel laser for melasma and brown spots
Okay – so this is a much more complicated question than you think which is why you need a good dermatologist to work with you. Here are the things I...
