Melasma Treatment In Chennai: Cost, Diagnosis, Procedure & Prevention

Melasma is a common skin pigmentation disorder that occurs when melanocytes become sensitive to estrogen and progesterone levels and stimulate excess melanin production, especially after prolonged sun exposure.

Although it affects men, women are nine times more at risk of having melasma.  It commonly occurs in women during their reproductive years between 20 and 40 years, especially those using oral contraceptives and hormonal medications.

Melasma is a chronic pigmentation disorder and may appear on different body parts including:

• Brachial or upper arms and shoulders
• Centrofacial pigmented patches affect both sides of the nose, upper lip, forehead and cheeks
• Lateral cheek pattern of discolouration
• Malar pigmentation affects the cheek and nose
• Mandibular melasma appears on the jawline
• The neck may be a site of melasma among older women

Dermatologists use a Wood’s lamp to analyse the depth of pigmentation and categorise melasma into three main types –

• Epidermal Melasma: This superficial type of pigmentation characteristically has defined borders and is most responsive to treatment.
• Dermal Melasma: The depth of this bluish or brownish blurry discolouration goes to the dermis layer. This type of skin pigmentation may be challenging to treat.
• Mixed Melasma: It is the most common type of melasma that causes both blue and brown patches and may or may not be treatable.

Melasma often causes an uneven skin tone as it leads to the appearance of dark patches. Here are some signs of melasma that you can watch out for-

• Brownish or bluish patches on the skin
• Spots that look like freckles
• Occasional redness and inflammation in the patches
• Discoloured skin with defined or diffused borders
• Pigmented patches that occur symmetrically on the face over the chin, cheeks and forehead

Since skin discolouration could signify several underlying health disorders, visiting a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis is critical.

Melasma occurs primarily due to hormonal fluctuations and prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Apart from these, here’s a list of other known triggers that may cause melasma-

• 50% of melasma cases report a positive family history
• 15 to 50% of pregnant women may have melasma due to the increased progesterone and estrogen levels during the third trimester of pregnancy
• Hypothyroidism can trigger this pigmentary disorder
• Use of oral contraceptives can increase the risk of melasma
• Post-menopausal hormonal therapy may result in melasma
• Use of antibiotics, retinoids, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hypoglycaemic, targeted therapy, antipsychotic, anti-seizure medications and diethylstilbestrol (artificial estrogen) can cause melasma
• Melasma can also be due to exposure to LED lights on your mobile devices, TV, laptops and tablets
• Skincare and makeup products and soaps that contain harmful chemicals may induce a phototoxic reaction resulting in melasma
• Prolonged exposure to UV radiation due to frequent use of tanning beds too may cause melasma

The dermatologist will examine your skin using a Wood’s lamp that uses blue light to identify the depth, severity and type of pigmentation. At times, melasma can also be mistaken for other skin disorders. To rule out this possibility, the dermatologist may also recommend a skin biopsy in some cases.

At Oliva, our leading medical experts do not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Before starting the melasma treatment in Chennai, the dermatologists at Oliva begin with an initial consultation and a detailed diagnosis. The experienced dermatologists at Oliva, Chennai, customise the treatment option depending on the underlying cause, type, location and severity of melasma. Here are the treatment options available at Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic, Chennai, as a standalone or combination treatment for melasma-

• Topical Medications: Your expert dermatologist at Oliva may recommend topical medications to treat superficial melasma or prevent it from getting worse. Creams containing 2-4% of hydroquinone can help reduce the dark patches if used for 3-4 months as prescribed by your dermatologist. Tretinoin is a topical retinoid that also proves effective in bleaching pigmented skin and minimising melasma. The doctor may also prescribe creams, gels or lotions containing skin lightening or brightening ingredients like vitamin C, kojic, glycolic and azelaic acid, and arbutin for melasma treatment. They work by reducing melanin synthesis and reducing discolouration.
• Oral Medications: The dermatologist may also prescribe tranexamic acid to be taken orally along with topical medication for the best results of melasma treatment. Apart from that, the doctor may also ask you to discontinue or change your hormonal medicines that may be triggering your melasma after assessing your hormonal health.
• Chemical Peel Treatment: Experienced dermatologists at Oliva minimise melasma by using plant-based extracts for controlled exfoliation of the top layer of skin. Glycolic and kojic acid peels help to treat epidermal melasma, but you may need multiple customised sessions to see the expected results.

Watch Oliva’s expert dermatologist talk about chemical peel treatment at our clinic:

• Laser Treatment: Top dermatologists at Oliva perform laser treatment using the latest USFDA-approved Q-switched Nd:YAG laser technology to minimise melasma. It is ideal for treating deeper melasma that does not respond to medications or chemical peels. Our trained dermatologists use laser beams of a specific wavelength to penetrate the deeper layers and break the excess melanin pigment causing discolouration down into debris with precision. This targeted treatment ensures that the surrounding skin remains unharmed and has no downtime. The body’s immune system removes the melanin remnants as you achieve a flawless skin tone within a few sessions of laser treatment.

Learn about laser treatment at Oliva from one of our best dermatologists:

Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic is a wise option if you want the best melasma treatment in Chennai. Here are some important facts you should consider while choosing the best clinic for melasma in Chennai:

• Oliva has an experienced team of 100+ renowned dermatologists specialising in providing customised treatments with a comprehensive approach.

Click here to find the best dermatologists for Melasma Treatment.

• Cutting-edge USFDA-approved technology is available in the form of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at all our clinics in Chennai for optimal safety and results.
• We provide extensive pre- and post-care support to all clients to minimise side effects and downtime and ensure long-lasting satisfaction.
• Oliva’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and trained clinic staff ensure we offer unmatched quality of care with adherence to stringent safety and hygiene protocols.
• Over 6,00,000 happy clients rated Oliva services an unparalleled 91% on the satisfaction scale.
• We are the No.1 dermatology clinic in the country, as per the Times of India.
• The most trusted brand in India for advanced dermatology treatments, Oliva has speciality clinics across the country’s top cities.

Here are a few tips our dermatologists recommend that can help in reducing the risks of melasma:

• Avoid sun damage due to direct exposure: Using sunscreen and protective gear like hats, umbrellas and scarves are a must before stepping out during the day.
• Use sunscreen: Never step out of the house without applying sunscreen at least fifteen minutes before, even on a cloudy day. Remember to reapply after every three hours.
• Adopt healthy skincare and dietary habits: A diet rich in essential nutrients and a daily skincare regimen will help you improve your skin health.
• Use hormonal pills under medical supervision: If you have a family history of melasma, it is imperative to use hormonal or birth control pills after consulting a doctor.

You can find us in Chennai at the following locations:

• Adyar

  New no 53, Old no 26, Sai Bhavanam,
  2^nd Cross Street, Ground Floor, Gandhi Nagar,
  Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600020

• Alwarpet
  

  2^nd Floor, Flat no Äôs: 2A & 2B,
  KG Business Centre No 65,
  TT Krishnamachari Road,
  Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600018

• Anna Nagar

  No 221, TBR Tower Avenue, Above Starbucks,
  Near Ayyappa Temple, Y Block,
  2^nd St, Y Block Anna Nagar,
  Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600040

Now you know all about the best melasma treatment in Chennai. If you are looking for the best dermatologist near you, fill out the Book Appointment form on our website or dial 📞82978 82978