Melasma Treatments
Melasma is a common chronic skin condition often triggered by hormones that affects vastly more women than men. Though it has no painful symptoms, melasma can make people feel self-conscious. Its symmetrical brownish or grayish patches on the face are commonly called the “mask of pregnancy,” because half of all pregnant women experience melasma. Women who tan easily or have darker skin tones are more likely to develop melasma. The longer the condition is undiagnosed, the longer it takes for melasma treatments to work. If you notice these types of patches, don’t wait to make an appointment with one of our dermatology clinics in the Twin Cities area.
- Causes:Triggers include lifelong sun exposure or skin inflammation caused by recent sun exposure, hormonal changes or treatments (such as pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy), irritation from scented skin-care products, and hypothyroidism. Those with a relative with melasma are more likely to be affected. It seldom affects people younger than 20 or older than 40 years. It’s important to evaluate the causes to determine the best melasma treatment and to know what to expect in general. Melasma may be a mild and temporary skin condition that simply needs to be managed for a discrete period of time. Some people struggle with melasma for years if not their entire lives.
- Symptoms: The brown/gray patches or freckle-like spots generally appear on the forehead, bridge of the nose, cheeks, above the upper lip, on the chin, and in some cases, the neck or forearms. Often, a dermatologist can diagnose melasma just from looking at the skin spots, but with an atypical presentation a biopsy may be necessary to rule out other skin conditions. A Wood’s Light/Lamp may also be used to help determine the depth and extent of the melasma spots.
- Treatment: There are plenty of ways to heal and show improvement. Melasma treatment options include a range of over-the-counter and prescription topical cream medications to lighten the skin. Hydroquinone is a popular first-line treatment, but tretinoin, corticosteroids, azelaic acid or kojic acid are also common choices for topical medications. Treatment of more advanced cases of melasma include gentle chemical peels, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and fractional laser or light-based treatments. To ensure the condition does not worsen with treatment, it is essential that only a board-certified dermatologist evaluate and precisely treat melasma for each person’s unique skin condition. Treatment may take a few months and maintenance therapy may be required, especially for long-term chronic conditions. Protection from the sun with sunscreen or clothing is absolutely essential in the management of melasma.
Why Choose Zel for Melasma Treatments
You don’t have to live with these unsightly skin blemishes. Get the expertise and guidance of a board-certified dermatologist who can provide relief with timely medical treatment.
Contact us to schedule an appointment or virtual visit today.
*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
Zel Skin & Laser Specialists – Plymouth ★★★★★ on Google5:27pm
Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.