Melasma Treatments in Rockford, IL

CHEMICAL PEEL

---

Price Range $100 - $1,000

---

Recovery Time 1 - 2 Weeks

---

Chemical peels can target any different concerns in the skin, including hyperpigmentation like melasma. Options typically include glycolic acid peels, TCA peels, and phenol peels which can remove the upper layers of old skin cells, and promote cell turnover to reveal healthy new skin underneath. Chemical peels come in mild, medium, or deep. Deeper peels carry more risk and require longer downtime, but penetrate deeper and can deliver more dramatic results.

INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL)

---

Price Range $1,000 - $3,000

---

Recovery Time 1 - 7 Days

---

Intense pulsed light is made to target brown pigment in the skin. The approach delivers an arc of broad-spectrum light that penetrates deep into all the layers, allowing dual treatment of both surface and dermal melasma.

IPL laser will cause pigmentation to darken as part of the healing process. Over time, it rises further to the surface before ultimately peeling away. The process takes a couple of weeks from the time of your initial appointment. A microdermabrasion procedure can help speed up the results.

LASER RESURFACING

---

Price Range $1,000 - $3,000

---

Recovery Time 1 - 2 Weeks

---

Laser resurfacing comes in many forms with different innovative techniques behind them. Some options include Fraxel and the CO2 laser, which can help reduce melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation in the skin. All lasers work slightly differently, but the general result is more even-toned, brighter skin with less visible blemishes and imperfections.

Laser treatments are ablative or non-ablative. Ablative lasers target the upper layers of skin, while non-ablative lasers penetrate deeper to target the lower layers. The discomfort level, downtime, and risks are typically higher for ablative laser treatments, so it is important to discuss all the options with your physician before making a decision.

SKINCARE

Aside from cosmetic treatments, patients can take extra precautions with their skin to help keep melasma flares to a minimum. Because hyperpigmentation occurs most often due to sun exposure, one of the best forms of treatment and prevention is sun protection.

The first step is ensuring you apply sunscreen before going into the sun and multiple times throughout the day if you have extended exposure. including reapplication throughout the day. From there, using protective layers, hats, and avoiding the sun altogether can all help prevent melasma from forming.