Melasma Treatment

Melasma Treatment Cost Starts At INR 4,500/- Per Session

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Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder that affects the skin’s tone and appearance and shows up as premature ageing in adult women. It is benign, but a persistent condition that makes it challenging to treat. Oliva’s experienced dermatologists offer the best treatments for melasma. Their advanced, customised US FDA-approved solutions help you regain your original, flawless complexion with no side effects.

melasma treatment
melasma treatment

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    Why Choose Oliva For Melasma Treatment

    Experienced in-house team of Certified Dermatologists

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    What Is Melasma?

    Melasma is a skin condition characterised by flat brownish or bluish grey patches on the skin, especially on the face. While the primary causes are genetics and hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure can aggravate it further

    What is The Difference Between Melasma And Hyperpigmentation?

    Hyperpigmentation is the broad classification of skin discolouration, and it can include acne spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, freckles, age spots, sun spots, tan, and melasma. Melasma is one kind of hyperpigmentation and requires expert diagnosis and treatment.

    Where Does Melasma Commonly Occur?

    The most common areas where melasma develops include, the cheeks, chin, forehead, nose, and the area above the upper lip.

    In rare cases, some people may develop melasma on their jawline, necks and arms too.

    Signs And Symptoms Of Melasma

    How can you identify melasma? Only a qualified dermatologist can confirm it, but melasma usually appears as patchy discolouration, spots and freckles. The colour gradient varies for everyone based on the person’s natural skin tone. It ranges from different shades of brown to bluish-grey.

    Here are some signs that your skin discolouration may be melasma:

    • The first noticeable sign is that the patches and the spots are darker than your natural skin tone.
    • Melasma usually appears on both sides of the face.
    • Compared to other kinds of hyperpigmentation, melasma covers significant areas of the skin.
    • It also has the tendency to appear unevenly. For example, it can be darker than others areas on the skin. Sun exposure may result in melasma like this.
    • Melasma also becomes more prominent when you spend time in the sun.
    • Though less common, people with light skin and men, too, can develop melasma.

    Whenever you see the signs, please make sure that you consult a dermatologist.

    Who Gets Melasma?

    Dark-skinned people are more prone to melasma as their skin tans easily.  This skin condition is more common among women (20-40 age groups) during pregnancy and is also known as the mask of pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations can also cause melasma. Rarely, it also occurs among men.

    What Are The Types Of Melasma?

    Epidermal Melasma

     The melanin deposit in the topmost layer of skin, i.e., the epidermis, leads to dark brown patches with well-defined borders. Its appearance is prominent under the Wood Lamp. In a dermascan, it shows up as clusters of brown web-like patterns with dark specks. This superficial type of melasma responds best to treatment.

    Dermal Melasma

    The pigment build-up in the dermis, the deeper layer of skin, and is not well defined. It appears in light brown to blue-grey shades. Unlike epidermal melasma, it does not become more prominent under the Wood Lamp, while under a dermascan it shows up as a meshy, network –like formation, and you will notice tiny, widened blood vessels. This type of melasma responds poorly to any of the treatments.

    Mixed Melasma

    This is the most common type and appears in bluish or greyish colours and in mixed patterns when you see through a Wood Lamp or a dermascan. With treatment, you can see partial improvement.

    What Causes Melasma?

    Genetics

    This is a primary factor, where studies show that the family members of almost 50% of people with melasma also have the condition.

    Excessive Exposure To UV Rays

    Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone contribute to the appearance of melasma. If you are not pregnant, but you have hormonal fluctuations, it can lead to melasma. An underactive thyroid results in a condition called hypothyroidism, which also causes melasma.

    Pregnancy And Other Hormonal Conditions

    Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone contribute to the appearance of melasma. If you are not pregnant, but you have hormonal fluctuations, it can lead to melasma. An underactive thyroid results in a condition called hypothyroidism, which also causes melasma.

    Hormonal Therapies

    If you are taking any medications to change your hormonal condition, make sure that you are under medical supervision. Hormonal disruptions can affect melanin production and may result in melasma. Birth control pills are one example.

    Certain cosmetics And Phototoxic Drugs

    Certain medications, including antibiotics, antipsychotics, anti-seizure medications, retinoids, diuretics etc make you sensitive to the sun, thus vulnerable to melasma. Some cosmetics can also be phototoxic.

    Tanning Beds

    Tanning beds produce excessive UV light, which damages your skin to a large extent. It also worsens your melasma.

    Do Certain Foods Affect Melasma?

    No studies show that certain foods or drinks contribute to melasma. However, foods rich in vitamin D, like almond milk, eggs, meat, mushrooms, oily fish, orange juice, and yogurt, can improve overall skin health.

    How To Diagnose Melasma?

    Oliva’s dermatologists can take a look at your skin and diagnose melasma. To identify the depth of your melasma, which is critical, they use a specialised device known as the Wood’s lamp or a dermascope. It helps them customise a treatment plan. In some people, melasma can resemble other skin conditions. To rule this out, our doctors may perform a biopsy in the affected area.

    Medical Treatment For Melasma

    Topical or Oral Medications

    Medications, especially topical creams, are often the first line of treatment and an essential part of post-care. It may include

    Hydroquinone

    Our doctor may recommend hydroquinone with a concentration of 2-4% as the primary treatment for melasma. She may advise you to apply it at night on the patches for 3-4 months. Prolonged use may aggravate pigmentation.

    Retinoids

    Medical experts often use tretinoin at night in conjunction with hydroquinone or other bleaching agents to boost the results of melasma treatment.

    Bleaching Agents

    Skin-lightening agents like kojic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, arbutin and Vitamin C can reduce melanin synthesis and help lighten the pigmented patches. Your doctor may add it to your post-care regimen as long-term maintenance therapy to minimise the chances of the recurrence of melasma.

    Tranexamic Acid

    Our dermatologists use this newer molecule in oral, injectable, or topical form to treat melasma. It is quite effective and may be part of a combination treatment.

    Hormonal Medications

    The dermatologist will assess your hormonal health and decide if you should continue or stop any hormonal medications.

    Chemical Peels

    Applying different concentrations of natural extracts like glycolic acid and kojic acid on the discoloured skin for controlled exfoliation of top layers inhibits melanin formation. Chemical peels are the most effective in reducing epidermal melasma. However, you may need multiple sessions of chemical peel treatment at regular intervals of a few weeks to attain visible results.

    Laser Treatment

    Dermatologists at Oliva are best known for performing laser treatment for melasma. They use the latest USFDA-approved Q-switched Nd:YAG laser technology and treat deeper melasma that does not respond to topical medication and peel treatment. The laser beam penetrates the deeper layers to break down the excess melanin without adversely affecting the surrounding skin. However, the precise treatment may require multiple sessions based on the type and severity of your skin condition to provide the best results and for regular maintenance.

    How Much Does Melasma Treatment Cost In India?

    The cost of melasma treatment in India can vary widely depending on the type of treatment, the clinic’s location, and the dermatologist’s expertise. Here is a general breakdown of the cost of different melasma treatments:

    Topical Treatments:

    Over-the-counter creams: ₹200 to ₹1,500 per month

    Prescription creams: ₹500 to ₹3,000 per month

    Chemical Peels:

    Single session: ₹4,500 to ₹6,000

    Multiple sessions (3-6 sessions): ₹12,000 to ₹25,000

    Laser Treatments:

    Single session: ₹9,000 to ₹12,000

    Multiple sessions (3-6 sessions): ₹23,000 to ₹40,000

     

    Note: The prices mentioned above are general estimates and can vary based on the severity of the condition, the area to be treated, and the number of sessions required. It’s important to know these potential variations and consult a dermatologist for a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate tailored to your specific needs.

    How To Prevent Melasma?

    Do Not Skip Sun Protection

    Avoid sun exposure during the peak hours unless absolutely necessary for you to step out, as it triggers melasma. Pick a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more and apply it on all exposed parts every day. Re-apply at least once every 3 hours. Stay in the shade as much as you can and also use scarves, sunglasses, and umbrellas to protect yourself. There are now hats available with UV protection, see if you can get one of those.

    Build A Holistic Lifestyle

    If you have melasma or not, make sure you have nutrient-rich meals, sleep well and be physically active. This will also help maintain your hormonal health. Have enough water and avoid aerated drinks with empty calories, as they can affect your skin health.

    Choose Gentle And Appropriate Skincare Products

    There are numerous products available in the market. Skin care trends are also plenty. Make sure that you pick products that suit your skin type and address your concerns, rather than going with products that are popular. Consulting a dermatologist to select the products that work for you can help.

    Use Make-Up Wisely

    If you have the habit of using make-up products, then there are several tricks and tips to cover up uneven skin tone. Try them. (Please note that this is only a suggestion for those who like to use make-up products. While this is an option, don’t hesitate to consult an experienced dermatologist to treat the root cause of your melasma.)

    Use Medication Only Under Supervision

    Avoid the use of medications that can affect your hormones unless there is medical supervision as indiscriminate use can affect your hormonal health negatively.  

    How To Get Started?

    If you think you have melasma, then don’t wait any longer!

    Fill out the Book Appointment form or call us on 📞82978 82978 to book an appointment at a time, date and location convenient for you.

    FAQs

    A leading team of over 100+ dermatologists power advanced evidence-backed skin and hair treatments at Oliva.

    Melasma is a common concern among Indians, considering that our skin tones are prone to hyperpigmentation. Studies show that 90% of the pregnant women experience melasma. It is also common among women using oral contraceptives in their reproductive years. Meanwhile, the prevalence of melasma in men in India is 20.5%, while up to 10% of the cases are men worldwide.

    Pregnancy causes hormonal changes, especially an increase in estrogen and progesterone that triggers melanin production, causing melasma.

    Melasma appears as flat, brownish patches on the skin. If you experience discolouration that also affects your skin texture, consult a dermatologist.

    Any individual wNo, they are not. Melasma occurs due to hormonal changes, while age spots, sun spots and liver spots result from sun damageho is 18 years or above can opt for skin lightening treatment at Oliva. However, our doctors do not recommend that pregnant and lactating women undergo this treatment. Also, it is advisable to avoid opting for this treatment if you have an active infection in the target area.

    Yes, professional diagnosis can help identify and rectify the underlying cause, thereby giving you the desired results. There are medical treatments for melasma that help manage the condition.

    If the cause of your melasma is pregnancy or birth control pills, there is a chance that it go away once the hormone levels normalise. If it persists, make sure you consult a dermatologist.

    Most people start noticing changes in 3-12 months, but this varies for every individual based on their skin type and the severity of the condition.

    Vitamin C can help with melasma to a certain extent. Including vitamins A, B5, B12 and E can improve overall skin health. It is best to consult a dermatologist for the best melasma treatments