Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Treatment in Peoria, AZ

When your skin has chronic hyperpigmentation, you may have a skin condition called melasma. The difference between sun damage, dark spots, age spots, and melasma is how each discoloration appears on your face. Our board-certified general surgeon and medical director, Dr. Matthew Lynch, would like to meet with you about your skin discolorations in a private consultation at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics in Peoria, AZ. Men and women of all ages can have these common patches of darkened skin, which may appear on the face. These tan or brown patches generally occur evenly on the brow, nose, cheeks, upper lip, or jawline. Because it can be triggered by hormones (especially during pregnancy or menopause), melasma is found more frequently to be on the skin of women. Dr. Lynch regularly treats patients using a combination of products and aesthetic skin treatments using his Harmony XL PRO platform by Alma. If you would like more information about treating your skin for hyperpigmentation issues and/or melasma, please reach out to our office by phone or online.

Hyperpigmentation and melasma can be annoying and keep you from the look you desire. Thankfully, though, Lynch Vein & Aesthetics offers hyperpigmentation and melasma treatment with the Harmony XL PRO platform. Benefits of this convenient treatment performed at our Peoria, AZ facility include:

• Reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation
• Jump-starting the production of collagen and elastin
• Repairing the skin
• Evening out inconsistent skin tones
• Noninvasive and nonsurgical
• Treatments take well under an hour
• Minimal pain and downtime

Candidates for hyperpigmentation and melasma treatment may be looking to:

• Experience clearer skin
• Eliminate dark and brown spots from areas of the face
• Have noticeable results with minimal downtime
• Undergo a customized treatment option
• Obtain results after trying other treatments that were not effective

The specific cause of melasma remains unidentified. Specialists feel that the dark patches in melasma may be triggered by various factors, including race, hormone fluctuations, family history of the condition, anti-seizure medications, along with other medicines that make skin more susceptible to pigmentation after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Uncontrolled sunlight exposure is recognized as the major cause of melasma, especially in those with a hereditary predisposition to the condition. Studies have shown that people generally develop melasma in the summertime, when the sun is the most intense. In the winter, the hyperpigmentation will be less visible or milder.

You may see dark patches of skin on your face, but this does not necessarily mean that you have melasma. However, when the patches are symmetrical in nature, this is a great indication that melasma is the source of the discoloration. Melasma can be recognized by three types of patterns: centrofacial, malar, and mandibular. These patterns will appear on both sides of the face.

• Centrofacial melasma
  Found mostly in the mid-face, centrofacial melasma is hyperpigmentation on the cheeks, upper lip, nose, chin, and forehead.
• Malar melasma
  Also known as "butterfly" melasma, these darkened patches of malar melasma are found on the top of the skin of the cheekbones.
• Mandibular
  Mandibular melasma (along the jawline) is one of the most challenging to treat. Generally, this type of melasma appears on the lower part of the cheek and can spread to the underside of the jawline (or "submental" chin area).

There are no known causes of melasma, but it can be triggered through medications, hormonal imbalances, and overexposure to the sun. Dr. Lynch can go over your medical history, your current medications, and your family's medical history to discern if you have this condition.

Since dark spots and skin discoloration can have a variety of causes, only a skilled dermatologist like Dr. Lynch can determine if it's melasma. During your consultation, Dr. Lynch will visually inspect your skin, and may use a Wood's lamp or dermatoscope. These noninvasive devices help gauge how deeply the pigment permeates the skin. If it's determined that your skin discoloration is in fact caused by melasma, Dr. Lynch can go over the various treatment options to help you achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Dr. Lynch may recommend several options for your melasma-prone skin. There may be medications or topical products that can help suppress the formation of excess melanin in your skin. Also, we have light-based options using our Harmony XL PRO laser platform to reduce the visibility of the hyperpigmentation on your skin. All of our treatments are management tools for your skin's condition. These treatments will not prevent new patches from forming or current spots from reappearing in the future. Dr. Lynch will provide you with a skin assessment before making recommendations on the next steps to your skin repair.

If your skin is prone to hyperpigmentation issues, like melasma, you may need to manage your skin's condition. This can include follow-up sessions. Dr. Lynch will want to see you as needed to continually assess your skin for pigmentation issues. When you choose to have aesthetic treatments at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics, he will also make recommendations on how often you may need to have recurrent or maintenance sessions.

Our team also advises you to avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Uncontrolled sun exposure is regarded as one of the leading triggers of melasma, particularly for people with a genetic predisposition to the condition. It is always a great idea to wear sunscreen and limit overexposure to the sun to prevent damaging your delicate skin.

Is hyperpigmentation treatment safe?

Our procedures are considered safe if you follow the proper pre-and post-care instructions. Lynch Vein & Aesthetics is proud to offer top-notch hyperpigmentation treatments to patients in the area. We understand the importance of feeling confident in your own skin, and we are here to help you achieve that goal in the safest way possible.

How do I prepare for the Harmony XL PRO laser?

Patients in Peoria, AZ, should wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors and avoid sun exposure for a few weeks prior to treatment. This will help ensure that the skin is not too sensitive and will minimize complications. In addition, it is important to avoid any other kinds of skin treatments during this period, as they could interfere with the results of the Harmony XL PRO laser.

Will my results from hyperpigmentation treatment seem natural?

Dr. Lynch works closely with each patient to ensure their results seem completely natural. After an initial consultation, we will develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals. The Harmony XL PRO laser can be used to target specific areas of pigmentation, so you can feel confident that your outcomes will look great.

How much does hyperpigmentation treatment cost?
The total price of your hyperpigmentation treatment depends on a variety of considerations including the spot being treated, the nature of scar, and the proportion of the scar. At the appointment, Dr. Lynch can go over a potential cost of the procedure. Lynch Vein & Aesthetics accepts numerous types different kinds of payments and we will assist you with obtaining low-interest payment plans.

Can hyperpigmentation treatment be combined with another procedure?
hyperpigmentation treatment could be performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as a skin resurfacing treatment. Laser treatments are optimal if you are worried about other skin concerns, such as dark spots or rough texture. During the first appointment with Dr. Lynch, it’s ideal that you discuss all of the questions in order to address your cosmetic needs with an individualized rejuvenation plan.

Does hyperpigmentation treatment hurt?
No. Thanks to our modern equipment and experienced staff, the vast majority of our patients do not report feeling any pain or discomfort during their hyperpigmentation treatment.

How you decide to treat your melasma skin is up to you. We can understand if you choose to conceal it with cosmetics or continue to spend money on over-the-counter products that do not give you the results you want. However, we can offer you an anti-aging solution for melasma, age spots, and darkened skin patches with our laser and other aesthetic treatments at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics. Dr. Lynch can diagnose and address your melasma with our Harmony XL PRO technology for a terrific outcome. Contact our office today for an appointment to get started.