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Tag: IPL

Melasma

Dr. Jean Louw 15 Comments

Melasma is a light to dark brown pigmentation that can appear on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip and chin of mostly woman. Melasma is caused by an increase in melanin production. It most often occurs in women over 25.

Three broad factors influence the development of Melasma:

1. Genetic susceptibility
2. Hormonal factors, like taking the Oral Contraceptive Pill and pregnancy
3. Sun exposure

Severe melasma of cheeks and forehead

There are quite a few treatment options for Melasma, but whatever treatment option is chosen the regular application of a sunblock combined with minimizing sun exposure is essential. If possible also stop the Oral Contraceptive Pill.

One good way to treat Melasma is the application of a specially mixed Hydroquinone containing cream plus good sunblock for at least one month. This is followed, if required, by treatment with an IPL or laser. The specially mixed Hydroquinone cream, if it is working well enough, can be continued for as long a the Melasma improves. The IPL or laser treatments can also be repeated.

Melasma is prone to recurrence so maintenance treatment is important. Once an acceptable level of improvement is achieved the patient must continue with sunblock during the day and a milder melanin suppressing cream, like Differin or Skinoren cream, at night.

IPL vs laser

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IPL vs laserIPL vs laser – what is the difference?

a Laser emits a single wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum. an IPL emits a band of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. The energy waves that a laser emits is coherent whereas an IPL emits incoherant energy waves. Coherant means the peaks and throughs of the waves are the same in time and space.

IPL vs laser – which works better?

No. The indications for the use of IPL and laser overlap to a great extent. For certain indications laser might be better and for other indications IPL might be better. The so-called 2nd generation IPL’s are however superior to the 1st generation IPL’s. 2nd Generation IPL’s do not heat water and emit the energy waves in a more controlled manner. These characteristics make it safer. An example of a 2nd generation IPL is the Ellipse Flex. Probably the biggest factor influencing the efficacy of any piece of equipment is the operator of the equipment!