Q-Switched YAG for Melasma
Many women struggle to control dark—colored patches on their face.
Melasma is a common, disfiguring hyperpigmentation that many women struggle with. Hyperpigmentation is an excess of pigments within the skin layers. The amount of brown pigment, known as melanin, determines visible differences in skin color. If you have an abnormal excess of melanin in a particular area, then you have a condition called hyperpigmentation. A common type of hyperpigmentation is Melasma, which is a dark-colored patch that usually occurs on the face. Melasma can be challenging to treat and long term remissions are difficult to achieve. Dermatologists must work closely with patients to develop an effective treatment regimen.
At Olympic Dermatology and laser Clinic, we network nationwide to seek new and improved ways to meet your treatment needs. At the spring ASLMS (American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, our colleagues had some very innovative ideas to share.
This may not represent all outcomes of this procedure.
In the treatment of Melasma, recent studies showed improved success in the reduction of facial Melasma in all skin types with a combination treatment of Microdermabrasion, immediately followed by gentle Q-Switch Nd: Yag Laser treatment. The Q-Switched YAG laser creates an invisible beam of light that is pulsed at a billionth of a second. The pigment is fragmented and subsequently reabsorbed over a 6 to 8 week period. This combination treatment is a simple, non-invasive procedure with minimal risk and minimal recovery time. Most patients feel a mild "sunburn" feeling post treatment that quickly subsides.
Why does this combination treatment work better than other technologies or methods? The Microdermabrasion increases your cell turnover rate followed by the Q-switched Yag that effectively breaks up the pigment.
This is combined with a medical grade skin care regimen that lightens, stimulates and protects the cells. Our goal is to help you successfully treat and manage your Melasma.
On average, 3 treatments are given at 4 week intervals. This is followed by maintenance treatments as needed. Treatment packages are available to make this a very affordable option.
To find out more about Q-Switched YAG for Melasma, call the Olympic Dermatology and Laser Clinic at 360-459-1700 for a free consultation with one of our skin care specialists. We are the leading dermatology center serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, DuPont, Steilacoom, Centralia, Chehalis, Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Shelton and the South Sound.