Do you think this works to treat melasma?

IPL sometimes effectively treats Melasma. It depends upon the type of Melasma (Epidermal, Dermal or Combination). Epidermal Melasma usually responds very well; the dermal pigmentation of Dermal and Combination Melasma does not respond. Furthermore, darker skin types may develop darkening (hyperpigmentation) in response to IPL so it is important consider this prior to treatment.

IPL (Intense Pulse Light) is a type of light-based device that generates a bandwidth of non-laser light - basically a very bright flash of light in which filters can select a band of wavelengths that actually leaves the device's handpiece to treat the skin. It is most valuable for treating Epidermal Pigmenation (Epidermal Melasma, Lentigines, Freckles) but is far less effective for treating redness or any vascular lesions compared to a vascular laser (single wavelength of light).

'Fotofacial' refers to the use of IPL to treat the face. It does not refer to any specific IPL device. Some IPL manufacturers have trademarked the names of their particular IPL devices - but whatever it is called is simply remains IPL.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Typically in my practice we do not treat melasma with IPL lasers because it can aggravate the condition and make it come back darker. Melasma is a hormonal condition which means that you can treat it but cannot cure it. We typically treat Melasma with either ViPeels or the Palomar non-ablative 1540 resurfacing laser and a proper skin care regiment is highly recommended for maintenance.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

IPL treatments will NOT work for Melasma and will likely make the
condition worse. The only two laser technologies with any value for
Melasma are Fraxel and q-switched lasers. In each of these cases, the
response rates that we have found are fairly low (below 50%).

We would suggest you consider high strength hydroquinone treatments
(between 6% - 8%). We use the Cosmelan (MD) brand masks and also have a
proprietary HQ bleaching program. With these two programs, we have
achieved over 90% response rates for Melasma.

Published on Jul 11, 2012