Melasma Treatment in NYC
Improve the look of your aging skin without invasive surgery
- Last Updated: November 10, 2023
- By Lujan Delgado
MELASMA® at Wall Street Dermatology
Navigating skin conditions like melasma can be emotionally exhausting, affecting one’s confidence and sense of self. You’re not alone, and there are treatment options available for you.
Led by founder and Medical Director Dr. Julia Tzu, Wall Street Dermatology specializes in skin cancer treatments, reconstructive skin surgery, laser surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Tzu graduated at the top of her class at Stanford University, and with over 15 years of experience in dermatology, she founded Wall Street Dermatology to deliver excellence in all aspects of dermatologic care.
We will thoroughly evaluate your needs so that you can start seeing the results you want and boost your self-confidence. To learn more about melasma treatment in NYC and kickstart your journey toward clearer skin, contact Wall Street Dermatology today.
Causes of Melasma
Melasma develops when the melanocytes, or the cells that give color to your skin, are more active. Several causes can contribute to this skin disorder, including sun exposure, hormones, thyroid diseases, and genetics.
Sun Exposure
Exposure to UV light can hyperactivate your melanocytes, which produce melanin to protect your skin from UV damage. Spending a lot of time outside in the sun can exacerbate your melasma and result in patchy skin discoloration.
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in hormones like progesterone and estrogen are also associated with melasma. That’s why melasma is particularly common among people who are pregnant, taking oral birth control pills, or on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause.
Thyroid Diseases
If you experience thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, that can contribute to the development of melasma. Thyroid diseases can result in an imbalance in hormone levels like TSH, anti-thyroid peroxidase, and antithyroglobulin, which have been linked to melasma.
Genetic Predispositions
Your genetic makeup can play a role in whether you develop melasma. This skin disorder can run in families and is especially common among populations with darker skin. Additionally, sex can determine your susceptibility to melasma, as it more frequently affects women.
Types of Melasma
There are several different types of melasma, and each requires its own unique treatment. The three types of melasma are: dermal, epidermal, and mixed.
Dermal Melasma
Dermal melasma is when the pigmentation is found in the deeper layer, or dermis, of your skin. With dermal melasma, you’ll see bluish or light brown pigment with a blurry border.
Epidermal Melasma
Epidermal melasma occurs more superficially on the upper layer, or epidermis, of your skin. Epidermal melasma typically presents as a darker brown color with a well-defined border.
Mixed Melasma
Mixed melasma is a combination of dermal and epidermal melasma where skin pigmentation occurs on both the surface and the deeper layers.
Excess Melanocytes
If you overproduce melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH) or have an abnormal adrenal function, it can result in more diffuse hyperpigmentation.
Melasma Treatment
If you’ve tried all the over-the-counter options, from creams to supplements to treat melasma, and nothing is working, laser treatments could be the next best step. In general, lasers, microneedling, and chemical peels have been used to treat melasma.
At Wall Street Dermatology in NYC, we use Q-Switch laser toning, which is an extremely safe and effective option for treating melasma. This laser penetrates the top layer of your skin in short pulses to break up and remove melanin from the affected areas. The risks of rebound hyperpigmentation, or worsening of melasma, from Q-switched laser toning are significantly lower than other laser treatments such as the Fraxel laser.
Do you want to speak with a dermatologist about your melasma concerns? Contact us today for a thorough consultation!
Melasma Treatment Cost
You can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $3000 on average per laser treatment session. Multiple laser treatment sessions are required for optimum outcomes. That being said, the cost of melasma treatment in NYC will vary based on your type of melasma, the size of the areas you’d like to treat, the laser used, and the number of sessions.
Melasma Laser Treatment Recovery
After undergoing melasma laser treatment, patients commonly experience some mild redness and mild swelling, similar to the sensation of a mild sunburn. These symptoms typically subside within a few hours to a couple of days.
It’s crucial to avoid direct sunlight during the initial recovery period, as your skin will be especially sensitive to UV rays, which can cause hyperpigmentation. Using a high-SPF sunscreen and wearing sun protective clothing are highly recommended to safeguard the treated areas. In addition to these immediate post-treatment considerations, patients may also notice some mild flaking of the skin within the first week. This is a natural part of the skin renewal process and should not be a cause for concern.
However, if you experience severe discomfort, itching, or signs of an infection, it is advisable to contact Dr. Tzu promptly for a follow-up evaluation. Following the specific aftercare guidelines provided will optimize your results and minimize any potential side effects.
When Do You See Results From Melasma Treatment?
Some people see improvements from melasma treatment as early as several weeks after treatment. That said, you’ll often see the best results with three to six months of treatment sessions. At Wall Street Dermatology in NYC, we’ll conduct a thorough consultation to determine the best treatment and number of treatment sessions to meet your needs.
Schedule a Consultation at Wall Street Dermatology Today
Dr. Tzu will be there for you to answer any questions and identify the right path to get you one step closer to your aesthetic goals.
When you’re ready to learn more about your treatment options and make a move toward clearer skin, book a consultation through our secure platform today.
Melasma Treatment FAQ
Because melasma is a cosmetic condition, insurance companies do not cover melasma treatments.
The best treatment for your melasma depends on the severity of your condition. For milder epidermal melasma, topical medications or chemical peels could be helpful. However, laser treatment is likely your best option for most cases of melasma.
There is currently no known cure for melasma, but under the guidance of an experienced dermatologist, you can optimally manage your hyperpigmentation.
A good candidate for melasma treatment is generally someone who has noticeable, uneven pigmentation on the face or other parts of the body, usually as brown or gray-brown patches. Candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results. While melasma is more common in women, particularly those who are pregnant or taking contraceptives, men can also be affected and may seek treatment.
It’s essential for potential candidates to have a thorough consultation with a dermatologist to determine the severity of their condition and to discuss various treatment options. Factors like skin type, the extent of the melasma, and any previous treatments will be considered when assessing your suitability for treatment. If you have a history of skin infections, extreme sensitivity, or other skin-related medical conditions, these could impact your eligibility for certain types of melasma treatments.