Help to Restore Your Skin Tone

Melasma Treatment in Honolulu | Hyperpigmentation

Discoloration of the skin anywhere on the body can be upsetting, even more so when it happens on the face. Melasma is a hyperpigmentation condition that affects your skin tone with brown or blue-gray patches. It may also appear as spots that resemble freckles.

It can be brought on by the sun exposure that’s an inevitable part of life on Oahu or certain medications you take, such as birth control pills or pregnancy. For some people, it goes away naturally when the cause is addressed, or it may be long-term for others.

If your skin tone is affected and you’re searching for treatment for melasma in Honolulu, look no further than Dr. Tan at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery. Effective treatment for hyperpigmentation varies by individual and can include medical and cosmetic approaches. You’ll benefit from Dr. Tan’s years of expertise and careful, patient-centered approach. Because there isn’t a “gold standard” for treating melasma in Hawaii, success relies on your doctor’s knowledge and understanding of your unique needs.

Melasma can affect any skin exposed to sunlight, which means the face is most commonly affected – forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.

Successful treatment of melasma on Oahu improves your skin tone and reduces the appearance of discolored patches or freckles. It can work on your face, arms, neck, or back – wherever on the body you have been affected. Reducing sun exposure helps along with medical and cosmetic (surface) treatments.

Healthy, radiant skin and an even tone make you look healthier and refreshed. If you’re looking in the mirror and want to see an improvement, make an appointment to see Dr. Tan for an initial consultation. She can discuss your options and explain more about what will help.

How Does Melasma Treatment Work?

Medical: decrease the amount of excess pigment your body makes
Cosmetic: restore your skin’s natural color and even out the tone

Combination treatments that medically address the underlying causes while improving the skin’s appearance cosmetically are the most effective. You can help by keeping affected areas out of the sun. You can do it by wearing wide-brimmed hats and using high-SPF sunscreen (at least 30 SPF).

Many patients receive prescription topical medications that even skin tone, and others receive oral medications to reduce melanin production (skin pigment). Cosmetic procedures combined with medical treatments can improve the results you’ll see.

Improving Melasma Cosmetically

Several well-known cosmetic skin procedures can reduce the appearance of melasma, and having them with Dr. Tan or under her supervision can improve the results – especially when combined with prescribed medications.

Laser and Light Treatment

We have the Lutronic Hollywood Spectra, the only FDA-approved laser for treating hyperpigmentation at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery. Several studies have indicated that adding laser therapy for patients on medication can help.

Chemical Peels

Applying a gentle, carefully selected chemical peel to areas of the skin with melasma discoloration can help remove excess pigment.

Microneedling

Among the most talked about skin treatments today, it can help with melasma. As the name implies, the procedure intentionally causes microscopic trauma on the skin’s surface to promote rejuvenation and healing.

What are the Effective Medical Treatments?

Treatments for melasma on Oahu vary by individual, and Dr. Tan will take a personalized approach. It’s why seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist matters.

Also, no matter how effective the treatments are, it’s common for results to occur in three to 12 months – and potentially longer if you’ve had melasma spots for a long time.

Prescription Hydroquinone is a cream applied to the skin that helps make the tone more even.
Double-combination cream of tretinoin and a corticosteroid, which combines a retinoid with a corticosteroid
Triple-combination cream of hydroquinone, the retinoid tretinoin, and a corticosteroid to treat inflammation
Oral medications that help inhibit the production of excess skin pigment

Should I See a Doctor About My Hyperpigmentation?

If you’re unhappy with your appearance or bothered by an uneven tone in conspicuous places, there is every reason to seek treatment for melasma in Hawaii. While it does not affect your health, hyperpigmentation can be upsetting or embarrassing. Dr. Tan and the caring staff at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery are here to help.

You’ll receive a medical examination, an explanation of your options, and a personalized treatment plan.

Even if you’ve had melasma for many years, there are options to treat and reduce its appearance. The combined approach of medical and cosmetic treatments offers the chance to restore an even skin tone to the affected areas. Dr. Tan is realistic and will explain thoroughly what you can expect.

Before

After

Can I Get Rid of Uneven Skin Tone Myself?

Melasma patches go away on their own for some people, and it’s possible to wear wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen outdoors. But for many people, the spotty discoloration of hyperpigmentation does not go away on its own or with any home remedies.

A medical and cosmetic approach carefully considering your needs is the safest and most effective treatment. Dr. Tan combines medical knowledge and an understanding of cosmetic procedures to produce the best results.

Is Treatment Always the Same?

For some patients, a consistent treatment that remains the same over time produces results. For others, there may be things added or changed. Throughout, you’ll need to be aware of avoiding sun exposure.

How is the Lutronic Hollywood Spectra Helpful?

It’s notable that the Lutronic Hollywood Spectra is the first short-pulse laser to receive FDA clearance for treating melasma. Its advanced technology makes it an excellent choice to treat (and remove) unwanted pigmentation on all skin colors and types – and the downtime is minimal for all.

Reduces unwanted pigmentation
Restores glowing skin
Can perform a “laser peel”

Short-pulse lasers offer effectiveness, particularly for patients with longstanding or highly obvious hyperpigmentation patches. If you’ve tried other treatments for melasma on Oahu and they haven’t met your goals, ask Dr. Tan about the Lutonric Hollywood Spectra.

Finding Treatment for Melasma in Honolulu

Working with a knowledgeable and caring doctor who treats patches and freckles of hyperpigmentation means everything. Dr. Tan is among the best options for treating melasma in Honolulu. Also, getting to our Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery offices for your initial consultation and appointments is easy.

Dr. Tan’s double board certification proves her commitment to the highest medical and aesthetic standards. She takes time to listen and learn more about you and your goals.

Susan Tan, MD, offers melasma treatment in Oahu.

Making sure you understand your options and the expected outcome of your treatment is essential as part of Dr. Tan’s commitment to patient education. She will thoroughly review all your options and answer any questions you may have.

Melasma Treatment in Honolulu | Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Cure for Melasma?

Like some other skin conditions, there is no cure for melasma (hyperpigmentation), but there are treatments that can help. The first step is to see a doctor for an examination and diagnosis. Then, learn more about the available treatment options.

Many patients are successfully treated with a combination of prescription skin creams and cosmetic procedures.

Why is the Lutronic Hollywood Spectra Laser Helpful?

It is a short-pulse laser evaluated and cleared by the FDA for treating melasma. It can successfully treat stubborn skin tone pigmentations and leave skin looking brighter and more evenly toned.

Where Can I Get Treatment for Melasma in Honolulu?

For the best treatment for melasma in Honolulu, see Dr. Tan at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery. She is located at 1150 S. King St., Suite 504, Honolulu, HI 96814.

Ready to find out more about our facelift services in Honolulu? Reach out today.

Susan Tan, MD, Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery

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Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery is a concierge clinic offering surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation of the face and neck and advanced cosmetic treatments. Our Founder and Medical Director, Susan Tan, MD, is the only female double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Honolulu.

1150 S King St, Suite 504 Honolulu, HI 96814 | Tel: (808) 636- 9084

Parking is on Young Street, Eleven50 Parking; Atlas Building

By Appointment Only

(CLOSED on Tuesday and Thursday)