Melasma Treatment Roswell, GA

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a non-cancerous, common skin disorder that causes light brown, dark brown, and/or blue-gray patches on your skin. These patches are commonly found on the cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead; however, melasma can affect any part of the skin that is exposed to sunlight, which means it can sometimes also affect your arms, neck and back. Women are more susceptible to melasma than men due to pregnancy or oral contraceptives and hormones. 

What types of Melasma are there?

There are three types of melasma, which all vary and are related to depth of pigment. 

• Epidermal melasma has a dark brown color, a defined border, appears obvious under a black light, and responds well to treatment. 
• Dermal melasma has a light brown or blueish color, a blurry border, does not appear differently under a black light, and does not respond to treatments. 
• And finally, the most common, mixed melasma has both bluish and brown patches, shows a mixed pattern under a black light, and has a slight response to treatment. 

Each type of melasma affects what type of treatment plan will be needed, so it is important to speak with your doctor to receive the correct diagnosis first. 

Can Melasma be treated?

Melasma is difficult to treat, making it important to see a dermatologist who can help you determine what type of melasma you have and why. What is causing it? Too much sunlight? Birth control? Hormone medications? Genetics? Your skincare products?

Here at AR Roswell, we offer many different treatment options. Our Brown Spot Removal services can help in this case and includes lasers, light therapy and chemical removal treatments. Since brown spots exist only on the very top layer of skin, brown spot removal usually leads to great results and very happy patients.