What should you know about laser Nd:YAG melasma?

Melasma causes brown or grey-brown patches, commonly on the face, and can be influenced by sunlight, visible light, hormones, heat, and skin irritation. An Nd:YAG laser targets pigment with a selected wavelength. Low-energy laser toning is sometimes used as part of a treatment plan, while other settings can cause more inflammation. Irritation itself may deepen pigmentation in some skin types, so technique and patient selection matter.

Melasma is a recurring condition rather than a mark that can simply be erased. A clinician may combine light protection with topical care, a chemical peel, microneedling, or another skin-brightening treatment. Dark patches and uneven tone can have causes other than melasma, so the diagnosis should be checked before laser treatment.

Have the pigmentation assessed by a clinician experienced with your skin tone and melasma. Ask whether pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormonal medicines, recent tanning, or active irritation changes the plan. Use broad-spectrum sun protection as advised, consider protection from visible light when recommended, and avoid picking or harsh products. Follow the treatment schedule and aftercare exactly; adding unapproved bleaching products or frequent laser sessions can aggravate the skin.

Contact the clinic for severe burning, blistering, crusting, increasing swelling, or pigment that becomes markedly darker after treatment. Seek urgent care for eye pain, vision changes, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty. Arrange a diagnostic review for a single rapidly changing, bleeding, or very different patch, because not every dark patch is melasma.

Ask how the diagnosis was made, why Nd:YAG is being considered, which settings and number of sessions are planned, and how recurrence will be managed. Clarify the chance of temporary darkening or lightening, sun and visible-light protection, alternatives such as topical care or a peel, and when to stop treatment if irritation develops.