Before and After

The StarWalker Melasma Treatment is different than other existing treatments, is a laser treatment designed specifically to break apart the pigments without damaging any other healthy cells. This means that pigment destruction can take place without ablating the skin – a unique feature of this technology. The StarWalker is so powerful that it can easily treat many other pigment related issues such as complex, multi-colored tattoos and Nevus of Ito (a colored birth mark).

Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder that causes brown or gray patches to appear on the skin. The most common area for melasma to appear is on the face. However, due to sun exposure it may appear in other areas such as the forearms, neck, and shoulders. When appearing on the face the most common areas are cheeks, forehead, the bridge of the nose, chin, and upper lip. Melasma is not cancerous, a sign of cancer, or a skin condition that “turns into” cancer.

There are three types of melasma and they have to do with the depth of the pigment.

1. Epidermal:  Epidermal melasma has a dark brown color, a well-defined border and appears obvious under black light.

2. Dermal:  Dermal melasma has a light brown or bluish color, a blurry border and appears no differently under black light.

3. Mixed melasma: Mixed melasma, which is the most common of the three, has both bluish and brown patches and shows a mixed pattern under black light.

The best way to prevent melasma from coming back or getting worse is to avoid the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) rays act on certain cells in your skin to actually increase pigment production which, in turn, makes your melasma worse. Because of this, daily usage of a high quality Sun Block is highly recommended. It is also important to properly evaluate and maintain balanced hormone levels, stress levels and thyroid disease.