Can I Go For Treatment Without A Doctor’s Advice?

As melasma is a chronic, long-term condition which can worsen if approached with the wrong course of treatment, it is best to consult a medical professional who can personally analyze your condition to combine modalities for optimal results.

Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches on the skin, usually on the face. It is more prevalent in women and individuals with darker skin tones.

The exact cause of melasma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic factors, hormonal changes, sun exposure, and skin irritation. Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone therapy can also contribute to melasma.

How Can I Prevent Melasma?

To prevent melasma, it is crucial to use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, avoid excessive sun exposure, and wear protective clothing. Avoiding harsh skincare products and treatments that irritate the skin can also help.

What Treatments Are Available For Melasma?

There are a range of treatments for melasma, including topical medications, oral medications, chemical peels, laser therapy, and microneedling. These treatments target the pigmented cells and help to lighten the dark patches, improving skin tone and texture.

How Effective Are Laser Treatments For Melasma?

Laser treatments can be effective for melasma, especially when combined with other treatments. They work by targeting and breaking down the pigmented cells. However, melasma can be a recurring condition, so maintenance treatments and proper skincare are essential for long-term results. Laser treatments also require multiple treatment sessions to see a good result.

Can Melasma Fade Over Time?

This depends on the cause or trigger of melasma. For example, melasma may fade over time, especially if it is triggered by pregnancy or hormone therapy that has since ended. However, without treatment, it often persists or recurs.

How Long Does It Take To See Results From Melasma Treatments?

The time it takes to see results from melasma treatments varies depending on the treatment method and individual skin type. Generally, patients may start to see improvements within a few weeks to months. Consistent treatment and proper skincare are essential for optimal results.

Melasma Treatment Singapore at VIDASKIN

Melasma is a chronic pigmentation condition commonly seen in Singapore due to sun exposure and hormonal changes. VidaSkin provides several melasma treatment options depending on severity and skin type.

What is Melasma?

Fillers restore lost volume to areas such as the lips, cheeks, and chin.

Natural fat and support gradually diminish over time, contributing to changes in facial shape and definition.

Smooth out mild folds or fine lines.

By replenishing volume in a controlled manner, dermal fillers can also smooth out mild folds or fine lines that develop as skin laxity increases. This support helps soften transitions between facial areas rather than altering surface skin texture alone.

Enhance facial contours for a more balanced appearance.

When placed with anatomical consideration, fillers can enhance facial contours for a more balanced appearance, supporting natural proportions and facial harmony.

Injections are targeted and tailored to each individual's facial structure.

At VIDASKIN, injections are targeted and tailored based on individual facial structure, ensuring that treatment plans are personalised, measured, and aligned with each patient’s facial anatomy and ageing pattern.

Possible Triggers

Melasma Treatment Options

Effective melasma treatment requires a multi-modal approach tailored to pigment type, depth, and skin tone.

Sun Protection

Strict sun protection is essential, as UV exposure stimulates melanocytes and worsens melasma. Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen with physical filters such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or iron dioxide is recommended, along with sun avoidance measures like hats and umbrellas.

Topical Medicated Treatments

Prescription hydroquinone remains the gold standard for melasma treatment, often combined with tretinoin and hydrocortisone to improve pigment clearance and reduce irritation. Triple combination creams are more effective than hydroquinone alone. Other evidence-based options include tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, and vitamin C, which help inhibit melanin production with better tolerability.

In-Clinic Melasma Treatments at VIDASKIN

For resistant melasma, clinic-based treatments may be recommended. These include medical-grade chemical peels (retinoic acid, TCA, amino fruit acids), customised depigmentation treatments, and conservative laser therapy for deeper or mixed pigmentation. All treatments are personalised based on skin type and pigment depth to reduce recurrence risk.

Oral Medications

Oral tranexamic acid may be prescribed for more severe or persistent melasma, offering higher efficacy than topical treatments alone. It is used under medical supervision due to potential side effects, with studies showing low recurrence rates during treatment.

Consistent home care and sun protection remain crucial to maintain results and prevent melasma recurrence.

Melasma Laser Treatment

Can lighten deeper pigment when performed conservatively by a professional.
Often requires ongoing home care, including rigorous sun protection and topical agents.
Results are gradual and may vary depending on individual skin type and severity; multiple sessions are typically needed.

Why Melasma Requires Consistent Management

Recurrence is common due to external factors like sun exposure, internal hormonal changes, or inconsistent maintenance.
Continuous care and strict sun protection are essential for long-term management and maintaining results.

Who is Suitable for Melasma Treatment?

Patients with persistent pigmentation who have undergone professional assessment.

Most skin types can receive treatment after consultation and a thorough skin evaluation.

FAQ for Dermal Fillers here in Singapore

General / Safety

Am I at Greater Risk of Developing Melasma?

You may be at a higher risk of developing melasma if you fall into one or more of the following groups:

Women in their 20s to 40s
Hormonal changes involving estrogen and progesterone are believed to contribute significantly to melasma, making it more common during reproductive years.
Individuals with medium to dark skin tones
People of Asian, Latin, or African descent have a higher incidence of melasma due to increased melanin activity.
Family history of melasma
Genetics plays a role. Studies show that up to 48% of melasma patients report having a blood relative with the condition, indicating a strong hereditary link.

How Does VIDASKIN Accurately Diagnose Melasma?

Melasma is typically diagnosed based on its clinical appearance, but accurate assessment of pigment depth is essential for effective treatment.

At VIDASKIN, our doctors use the VISIA skin analysis system, a specialised clinic-based imaging device that evaluates pigmentation across different layers of the skin. This allows us to accurately determine the type and depth of pigment involved, enabling a targeted and personalised melasma treatment plan for optimal results.

Can melasma be completely cured?

No, but it can be managed effectively and kept under control with consistent treatment and rigorous sun protection.

Is melasma treatment safe for all skin types?

Most patients can undergo treatment after a professional assessment, where trained professionals adjust settings to ensure safety and efficacy.

Procedure / Experience

Is Pico laser effective for melasma?

Yes, it is one of the available treatments and is effective when performed by trained professionals using correct settings.

How many sessions are needed?

The number of sessions required depends on the severity and skin type; typically, a course of multiple sessions is necessary.

Does treatment hurt?

Most patients feel mild tingling or warmth during the procedure; numbing options may be applied if needed.

Results / Expectations

When will I see improvement?

Improvement is gradual, with lightening of pigmentation typically occurring over several weeks to months, especially as you progress through the recommended treatment plan. Results may vary based on individual factors, lifestyle choices, and adherence to ongoing care.

Can melasma return after treatment?

Yes, recurrence is possible; sun protection and continuous maintenance care are crucial for sustained results.

Melasma Treatment Singapore at VIDASKIN

What is Melasma?