Melasma
Commonly known as the “pregnancy mask” (or chloasma), melasma is a condition that affects the skin, characterized by the appearance of dark spots.
There are three categories of melasma: epidermal melasma, which affects only the superficial layer of the skin; dermal melasma, which affects the deeper layer; and finally, mixed melasma, which affects both the upper and deeper layers of the skin.
These pigmented spots, which predominantly affect women, usually do not pose health risks. However, their appearance and location can be sufficient reasons to want to get rid of them. The medical-aesthetic health professionals at Victoria Park Medispa offer minimally invasive treatments that allow clients to feel good in their skin again.
Signs of melasma and its possible causes
Several factors can lead to the appearance of this category of pigmented spots known as melasma. What you need to know is that among the causes of melasma is an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes.
Although this overproduction is responsible for the appearance of brown spots, the scientific community has not yet determined the exact reason for this phenomenon. However, certain well-identified factors increase the risk of melasma.
Among these are: genetic predispositions, prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun without sunscreen, or hormonal changes. This is why women who take oral contraceptives, as well as pregnant women, are more vulnerable to the appearance of these spots.
Which areas of the body can be affected by hyperpigmentation?
Melasma usually appears gradually. The brown spots caused by it are most often located on the forehead, cheeks, and nose, as these areas are easily exposed to the sun. But they can also appear above the lip, on the chin, and more generally on the lower jaw, neck, and décolletage. They are recognized by their irregular and often extensive shape, and their pigmentation, which may darken over time.
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- Reduced pressure on veins
- Modern techniques
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How to treat melasma?
In the case of the “pregnancy mask,” melasma may resolve on its own after childbirth. If it does not disappear, it is possible to treat it at Victoria Park Medispa to reduce its appearance after evaluating the client’s condition.
First, it is necessary to determine the age of the melasma and identify the possible causes of its appearance.
In some cases, the health professional may perform a biopsy, i.e., a skin sample, to examine which layer of the skin is affected and which treatment would be most suitable. Several solutions can then be offered to the client: Halo laser, chemical peel, or DP4 microneedling. It should be noted that between each treatment session, clients are advised to apply a specific cream dedicated to maintaining the results, according to the health professional’s recommendations.
Chemical peeling is a non-invasive way to destroy the cells on the surface of the skin.
After cleaning the skin and protecting the client’s eyes, the health professional or qualified technician applies an exfoliating agent to the area to be treated. The product removes the superficial layer, including the cells that have developed a dark tint. The body then generates new cells to replace those that have been exfoliated. Depending on the depth of the melasma, several sessions may be necessary to eliminate it.
The Halo, on the other hand, is a hybrid fractional laser, meaning it penetrates deep into the skin and targets damaged cells.
In doing so, it stimulates the skin’s healing response, which secretes collagen to replace hyperpigmented cells with clearer, smoother skin. This minimally invasive treatment is performed under local anesthesia, and a sunburn-like sensation may persist for 5 to 7 days afterward. Results can be seen after about a week on average, but 1 to 2 sessions are needed for lasting results.
DP4 microneedling, on the other hand, is a treatment performed using a machine equipped with tiny sterile needles, penetrating to a controlled depth under the skin. This technique stimulates the production of elastin, the substance that keeps the skin supple, while increasing collagen production. It helps to smooth the skin and reduce damage caused by the sun or hyperpigmentation. The DP4 can be used alone, combined with the Halo laser, or as a complement to chemical peeling. On average, the professionals at Victoria Park Medispa recommend 3 to 6 treatments to satisfactorily reduce melasma.
HALO LASER
Give new life to your skin by improving its elasticity, eliminating fine lines and signs of aging, with the Halo laser treatment.
CHEMICAL PEEL
Chemical peeling can help you get rid of your skin problems, from fine lines to spots and acne scars.
MICRONEEDLING DP4
Reduce the appearance of wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars with DP4 microneedling, a technology that stimulates skin cell regeneration.
Melasma treatment:
some advice
Clients who wish to remove their pigmented spots at the Victoria Park Medispa clinic are encouraged to verify with their health professional that they are good candidates for the treatments mentioned above. Following this, they are invited to schedule a visit to Victoria Park Medispa to meet the health professionals and discuss the different options available to them.
During an initial meeting with the professional in charge of the treatment, the client’s skin is analyzed, and their goals are assessed. This is also a good time to share any concerns and ask questions about the chosen treatment process, as some treatments are more demanding than others.
Finally, it is important to follow the recommendations of the medical-aesthetic health professionals once the treatment is completed. For example, a recovery period may be indicated, during which sun exposure should be avoided, or the use of certain medicated skin products may be recommended.
In summary
Melasma is caused by an overproduction of melanin, often linked to genetic predispositions, excessive UV exposure without sunscreen, and hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or the use of contraceptives.
Common areas include the forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, chin, lower jaw, neck, and décolletage.
Generally, 3 to 6 sessions are required depending on the chosen method and the depth of the pigmented spots.
Treatments include chemical peeling (exfoliation of superficial cells), Halo laser (collagen stimulation to renew the skin), and DP4 microneedling (stimulation of elastin and collagen to smooth the skin).
Other aesthetic conditions that can be treated by medical-aesthetic health professionals
Medical-aesthetic treatments, by targeting skin, hair, or weight issues, offer those who desire it the opportunity to feel better and regain their self-confidence. Beyond skin spot issues, those who wish to be free from the concern of hair removal can benefit from laser hair removal treatments.
This technique, which is minimally painful, allows laser rays to penetrate under the skin, which, once in contact with the hair follicle, eliminates it. People who are more concerned about skin sagging can benefit from various treatments, either by laser or microneedling, to regenerate their cells and give a toned appearance to their skin.
Finally, those struggling with weight issues can consult one of the professionals at the Victoria Park Medispa clinic to assess the treatment for excess fat that would best suit them, all in a safe environment.
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