We all know that sun exposure and age can lead to unwanted dark spots, freckles, and blotches on the face, but those aren’t the only culprits. If you are relatively young, take good care of your skin, and avoid the sun, your hyperpigmentation may actually be hormonal. That’s right – melasma, or hormonal hyperpigmentation, is extremely common and most often affects women.
At Radiant Skin in Zionsville, IN, board-certified physician and aesthetic expert Dr. Marwan Mustaklem understands the frustrating nature of these concerns and is proud to help patients look and feel confident once again with cutting-edge melasma laser treatments. Keep reading to learn more about hormonal melasma, including where it may appear and what you can do about it.
What causes melasma?
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by a number of environmental factors, like sun exposure, but many cases of hyperpigmentation are actually hormonal. This condition is referred to as melasma. Most often, melasma is related to hormonal changes associated with:
- Age/menopause
- Pregnancy
- Genetics
- Stress
- Birth control
Where do you get melasma?
In most cases, melasma affects women’s faces. In particular, melasma tends to appear in the following places:
- Forehead
- Around the eyes
- Cheeks
- Upper lip
- Bridge of nose
Will melasma go away on its own?
When melasma is associated with a temporary change in hormones, such as during pregnancy or while taking birth control, it may become less noticeable once the patient’s hormones have rebalanced. However, it may not fade completely. In other cases, melasma does not improve at all on its own. Fortunately, there are certain skin treatments that can help to dramatically reduce hormonal pigmentation on the face.
What treatment helps melasma?
At Radiant Skin, Dr. Mustaklem is committed to using the most current and effective technologies available today to ensure patients achieve the best outcomes possible. For hyperpigmentation and melasma, Dr. Mustaklem utilizes the highly advanced Sciton Moxi laser for laser melasma treatment. This laser system is proven to reduce visible melasma that has been resistant to other treatment methods. Not only that, but laser melasma treatment with the Moxi laser helps to stimulate collagen production, meaning patients can also enjoy fewer lines and wrinkles, firmer and more youthful-looking skin, and an overall smoother and healthier complexion.
For patients whose hormone changes are unexpected, significant, or ongoing – or for those men and women who are experiencing more disruptive symptoms related to hormonal imbalance – Dr. Mustaklem may also recommend hormone replacement therapy to restore the hormones to their normal physiological ranges.
How many laser melasma treatments will I need?
While patients may notice mild improvements after a single treatment, it typically takes a series of multiple treatment sessions with the Moxi laser to achieve optimal results. During your initial consultation for laser melasma treatment, Dr. Mustaklem will evaluate your areas of concern and recommend the most appropriate treatment schedule to help you reach your goals and love your look once again.
Clear up your complexion with laser melasma treatment in Zionsville, IN
If pregnancy, birth control, or menopause have taken a toll on your skin tone, we can help. To learn more about the benefits of laser melasma treatment for hyperpigmentation, call Radiant Skin in Zionsville, IN to schedule your private consultation with board-certified physician and skin rejuvenation expert Dr. Marwan Mustaklem today.