How effective is picosecond laser treatment for melasma?

Melasma is influenced by pigment-producing cells and can be affected by sunlight, visible light, heat, hormones, and skin irritation. Picosecond pulses can break up pigment, which may soften the appearance of facial patches. They do not remove the tendency to develop melasma, so colour can return after improvement. Excessive energy or inflammation may also make the patches look darker, especially in deeper skin tones.

For that reason, laser is often considered alongside daily light protection and a clinician-guided pigment plan. The goal is controlled improvement, not a promise that the condition will stay away.

See a dermatologist to confirm melasma and discuss whether laser fits your skin and history. Mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormonal medicines, recent tanning, sensitive skin, and products that have caused irritation. Use the recommended broad-spectrum protection and gentle skincare, and follow preparation and aftercare instructions closely. Avoid scheduling treatment over inflamed or recently tanned skin. A cautious test area may help the clinician judge your response before treating a larger region.

Contact the clinic for blistering, severe pain, worsening swelling, pus, spreading redness, or darkening that continues rather than settling. A new or changing single spot should be examined separately, because not every facial brown patch is melasma and it should not be treated blindly with a laser.

Ask whether the pattern is melasma, how deep the pigment appears, what will be used to reduce relapse, and how your skin tone affects the plan. Ask what to stop before treatment, how to protect against sunlight and visible light, and when a review is needed.