How to Know If You Have Melasma
&srotate=0)
Have you noticed any dark, patchy spots on your face? If so, you may be dealing with melasma, also called the "mask of pregnancy." While melasma is harmless, it can take a toll on your appearance and confidence.
So, what is melasma, and how do you know if you have it? And most importantly, is there a way to treat it? At Everest Medspa, we provide education and resources for people with melasma and proudly offer laser melasma treatment with the cutting-edge Harmony XL PRO. Call now to book an appointment with Dr. Xiaobin Li in Havertown, PA. We'll guide you through the process and help you achieve a clear, even skin tone again.
First, what is melasma?
You may have had dark spots on your skin before, but melasma may be different. So, what is melasma? Melasma causes brown or grayish-looking patches to appear on the face. These patches usually have defined edges and range in size from small freckle-like spots to larger patches.
Melasma occurs due to an increase in melanin production, or the pigment responsible for giving our skin color. This overproduction is triggered by hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy, menopause, or when taking hormone-based birth control pills.
What are the symptoms of melasma?
The main symptom of melasma is dark spot areas on the face. These spots can be seen on the forehead, cheeks, chin, bridge of the nose, and just above the upper lip. In other cases, they appear on sun-exposed areas like the neck and arms. While there are no other additional symptoms of melasma, it can cause some people to feel self-conscious about their appearance.
Here are some additional ways to recognize melasma:
- Your skin has developed dark, patchy spots that resemble a butterfly shape on the face
- These spots appear symmetrically on both sides of your face
- You may experience an increase in pigmentation during summer or after sun exposure
Over-the-counter creams are not always effective with melasma, so if you want to achieve an even skin tone, see a professional like Dr. Li in Havertown, PA.
How is melasma diagnosed?
At Everest Medspa, we can perform a comprehensive skin exam to diagnose the "mask of pregnancy." During this appointment, Dr. Li will perform an assessment and ask about any changes in your medical history, including pregnancy or menopause. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, we'll discuss options like laser melasma treatment with the Harmony XL PRO. This powerful laser can help reduce the appearance of melasma and give you a glowing complexion.
How does laser melasma treatment work?
The Harmony XL PRO uses advanced technology to target the excess melanin in the skin. The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment, which breaks it down into smaller particles that can be naturally removed by your immune system. With each treatment session, you'll notice a gradual improvement in skin tone and texture. While results vary, and multiple sessions may be needed, our patients have seen significant improvements in their complexion.
Get an even skin tone with laser treatment
The "mask of pregnancy" doesn't have to be a lasting feature on your face. With laser melasma treatment at Everest Medspa, you can achieve clearer skin and regain your confidence. Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Xiaobin Li in Havertown, PA, and let us help you say goodbye to melasma.