Melasma
 Melasma is a common acquired condition that appears as irregular dark patches primarily on sun exposed areas such as the face, but may involve the neck and forearms. It most commonly involves the central face, namely the forehead, nose, chin and central cheeks. It is often referred to as "the mask of pregnancy", but can occur outside of pregnancy. It is most common in women, particularly those of Hispanic and Asian descent. This condition may last for years, with increased darkening during summer months due to increased sun exposure.
What Causes It?
The cause of melasma is unknown, but several factors are involved in its progression. These factors include:
- Hereditary causes, as it runs in family
- Sun exposure
- Pregnancy
- Hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone
- Oral contraceptive use
- Hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal women
What are the Treatments?
The depth of the pigment, which can be determined by a dermatologist, will dictate the appropriate treatment. Bleaching creams, such as hydroquinone, are the mainstay of treatment for "superficial" melasma. For more effective and expedient results, hydroquinone can be combined with other exfoliating agents such as prescription tretinoin or azelaic acid. Kojic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid and Vitamin C may also be used in treating this condition.
Premiére Dermatology and Surgery and Aesthetic and Laser Boutique specialize in the treatment of melasma, offering a variety of products and in-office procedures conducted in series of treatments weekly or bi-weekly. These products and procedures help to further enhance and expedite treatment. In-office procedures include:
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Chemical Peels use a chemical solution to gently peel away outer layers of dead skin cells in order to help facilitate penetration of bleaching creams, as well as to remove unwanted pigmented cells. The solutions are available in several strengths, depending on the degree of peeling desired. Healing can take 3 to 7 days. A new, smoother layer of normally pigmented skin is formed.
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Micro-Dermabrasions can be described as a superficial "skin polishing" using crystal-free solutions and brushes over the skin's surface to remove damaged or dead skin cells. At the same time, we infuse hydroquinone, kojic acid, lactic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, and/or salicylic acid deep into the skin. These gentle treatments can provide remarkable improvement to abnormally pigmented skin. The treatments are progressive, and are applied through a course of weekly or bi-weekly treatments.
- Laser Treatments that are non-ablative are also offered. These treatments in general do not require anesthesia, are not painful, and require no downtime. Most patients receive a series of five treatments. Improvement can be dramatic, depending on the intensity and depth of pigment. These treatments include such lasers as:
- Products: We offer a full line of PRODUCTS FOR EXCESS PIGMENT, including:
- Skin Tx by Vivier
- Nu Derm by Obagi
- Obagi-C Rx System
- Retin-A, Bleaching creams and Citrix C Sunscreen SPF 30.
Contact us to learn more about our Pigment Disorder treatment »
Hyperpigmentation
 Hyperpigmentation refers to excess pigment in the skin. It appears as asymptomatic, irregular spots or patches which appear tan, brown, or gray-blue. It is more common and more pronounced in individuals of darker skin complexion, such as African, African-American, Hispanic or Asian descent.
What Causes It?
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by several conditions following inflammation or injury. Almost any type of inflammation can produce hyperpigmentation, but certain diseases make any individual particularly vulnerable. These diseases include drug reactions, lupus erythematosus, eczema, severe acne, insect bite reactions, superficial burns, and allergic contact dermatitis.
What are the Treatments?
In many cases, hyperpigmentation will resolve spontaneously, but this usually takes several weeks or months. Deep dermal pigmentation can be long-lasting, or even permanent.
Premiére Dermatology and Surgery and Aesthetic and Laser Boutique specialize in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, offering a variety of products and in-office procedures conducted in series of treatments weekly or bi-weekly. These products and procedures help to further enhance and expedite treatment. In-office procedures include the following:
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Chemical Peels use a chemical solution to gently peel away outer layers of dead skin cells in order to help facilitate penetration of bleaching creams, as well as to remove unwanted pigmented cells. The solutions are available in several strengths, depending on the degree of peeling desired. Healing can take 3 to 7 days. A new, smoother layer of normally pigmented skin is formed. (Click here for more information on our chemical peels.)
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Micro-Dermabrasions can be described as a superficial "skin polishing" using crystal-free solutions and brushes over the skin's surface to remove damaged or dead skin cells. At the same time, we infuse hydroquinone, kojic acid, lactic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, and/or salicylic acid deep into the skin. These gentle treatments can provide remarkable improvement to abnormally pigmented skin. The treatments are progressive, and are applied through a course of weekly or bi-weekly treatments. (Click here for more information on our micro-dermabrasions.)
- Laser Treatments that are non-ablative are also offered. These treatments in general do not require anesthesia, are not painful, and require no downtime. Most patients receive a series of five treatments. Improvement can be dramatic, depending on the intensity and depth of pigment. These treatments include such lasers as: (Click here for more information on our laser treatments for acne.)
- Products: We offer a full line of PRODUCTS FOR EXCESS PIGMENT, including:
- Skin Tx by Vivier
- Nu Derm by Obagi
- Obagi-C Rx System
- Retin-A, Bleaching creams and Citrix C Sunscreen SPF 30.
Contact us to learn more about our Pigment Disorder treatment »
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