Melasma Treatment In Pune: Cost, Diagnosis & Procedure

Melasma, also known as ‘chloasma’ or the ‘mask of pregnancy’, is a skin condition characterised by dark and discoloured patches on the skin. It occurs when melanocytes are impacted by fluctuating estrogen and progesterone, resulting in increased melanin production. This worsens with continual sun exposure. Though the condition predominantly affects women (in their reproductive years – 20-40 years – mainly those using medications that affect hormones), men are also at risk.

It appears on body parts most exposed to sunlight, including the upper arms, shoulders, nose, upper lip, forehead, cheeks, jawline and neck (among older women). It is also often mistaken for freckles.

Dermatologists classify melasma into three types based on the depth of pigmentation that they determine using Wood’s Lamp testing:

1. Epidermal Melasma: This appears on the top layer of the skin with defined borders and responds well to treatment.
2. Dermal Melasma: This appears slightly deeper in the dermis layer of the skin, blurred and in brown or blue shades. It can be challenging to treat.
3. Mixed Melasma: While this is the most common type of melasma, there is no guarantee that it can be completely treated. You will notice blue and brown patches in this type of melasma.

The common causes of melasma include:

1. Positive family history
2. Extreme and continual sun exposure
3. Pregnancy, hypothyroidism and the use of oral contraceptives
4. Use of antibiotics, retinoids, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucose deficiency, targeted therapy for cancer, antipsychotic, anti-seizure medications, and artificial estrogen
5. Over-exposure to LED lighting from electronics
6. Unsuitable skincare and makeup products
7. Frequent use of tanning beds

Top dermatologists at Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic, Shivaji Nagar, Kalyani Nagar and Aundh in Pune offer personalised solutions for melasma for every client. The treatment starts with an extensive consultation with our expert dermatologist, who will study your skin type, tone, the severity and the spread of your skin discolouration, and the location of the melasma.

Following this detailed assessment, they will recommend one or a combination of the below-listed treatment options:

1. Laser Therapy: Using USFDA-approved Q-switched Nd:YAG laser technology, our doctors treat deep melasma that generally doesn’t respond to any other treatments. They customise the laser beams to the required wavelengths to target and break down the unwanted melanin deposits that get eliminated by the body’s immune system. After a prescribed number of sessions, you will achieve an even skin tone.

Watch this video by Oliva’s top dermatologist to better understand laser toning treatment for melasma:

2. Chemical Peels: Oliva’s doctors customise chemical peels based on the severity of your melasma. These chemical peels create controlled exfoliation of your skin, which gently eliminates dirt, dead cells, and concentrated melanin content. They will recommend multiple sessions for the best results.

Check out this video where our top dermatologist explains all about the chemical peel procedure at Oliva:

3. Topical Medications: These are generally the first line of treatment effective in treating superficial melasma. They also prevent it from worsening. In this treatment range, Oliva’s doctors prescribe creams that have 2-4% hydroquinone used consistently for at least 3-4 months. They also recommend tretinoin, which works to clear up pigmented skin and minimise melasma. Other topical applicators like creams and gels with vitamin C, glycolic acid, kojic acid, azelaic acid, and arbutin that help lighten melasma are part of this treatment option.
4. Oral Medications: Along with topical medications, the doctor might prescribe tranexamic acid, an oral medication for the best treatment of your melasma. The doctor might recommend changes to your hormonal medicines if hormonal fluctuations may be contributing to your melasma.     

Oliva’s dermatologist will study your skin using a Wood’s lamp equipped with a blue light. It helps identify the depth and spread of your pigmentation and the type of melasma. Besides this comprehensive approach, our doctor may also recommend a biopsy to rule out the risk of a misdiagnosis.

Here are other reasons why you should choose Oliva for your pigmentation treatment:

• Oliva’s doctors have a proven track record of performing 73,500+ melasma treatments successfully.
• The Times of India named Oliva the no.1 skin and hair care clinic in the country.
• Our expertise spans across major cities in India.
• Our state-of-the-art clinics are equipped with modern facilities with sophisticated USFDA-approved technology. They are powered by more than 100+ top dermatologists, well versed with advanced procedures. Our doctors are supported by rigorously trained clinic staff.

Click here to find the best dermatologists for Melasma Treatment.

• Our world-class care and support before, during and after the treatment procedures, following global standards and protocols, ensure customer satisfaction. We have more than 6,00,000 happy clients with a 91% satisfaction rate.

We trust that you now have the clarity to make the right decision for your melasma treatment. Don’t delay anymore and walk into Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic in Shivaji Nagar, Kalyani Nagar or Aundh for the best dermatologist to treat your skin concern. You can also fill in your contact details in the Book Appointment form or call us at📞82978 82978 and our customer care team will get back to you with an appointment at a time, date and place convenient for you.