Melasma - Yokohama Yamate Clinic

Troubles with Melasma

Melasma is a brownish pigmentation that appears on the faces of women, especially symmetrically on the cheekbones, forehead, and upper lip. Some may also appear on the temples, around the mouth, and under the nose. Unlike regular pigmentation, melasma appears due to changes in hormonal balance.

If you are have these concerns
  • There are symmetrical pigmentation spots
  • Noticeable melasma is concerning
  • Want to take early preventive measures for future aging
  • The skin looks dull

Melasma can worsen with laser treatment for pigmentation. Therefore, when treating melasma, it is necessary to distinguish it from regular pigmentation (senile lentigines) and provide appropriate treatment tailored to the symptoms. Additionally, the essence of melasma is inflammation-induced pigmentation deposition on chronically damaged skin, requiring patient persistence in treatment.

Our Clinic’s Treatments and Features

Melasma

Fundamental Treatment Approach

We accurately diagnose regular pigmentation and melasma and conduct thorough counseling. Based on a fundamental treatment approach using medical devices grounded in scientific evidence, we provide meticulous counseling and propose a gradual treatment plan tailored to each patient’s symptoms./p>

High Safety Medical Devices

We use medical devices globally acclaimed for their safety and effectiveness in treatment.Those devices ensure safety by selectively destroying the melanin responsible for melasma, without stimulating the surrounding normal skin tissue,and by targeting the crucial point of delivering energy to the deepest layer of the epidermis.

Typical Symptoms and Causes of Melasma

Symptoms

Melasma
Around the cheekbones on both sides

The most common symptom is melasma occurring around the cheekbones and cheeks. Since it is in a prominent position on the face, it is a concern for many. Also, due to its susceptibility to the effects of ultraviolet rays, it is necessary to concurrently perform care to prevent worsening.

Extensive area under the eyes

Melasma can also spread extensively under the eyes. Since it often coexists with pigmentation due to sun exposure, treatment needs to be carried out carefully. When melasma or pigmentation extends over a wide area, it can make the entire face look dull, making it difficult to cover with makeup alone.

On the forehead, temples, under the nose, around the mouth, etc.

Although not as common, melasma can also appear on parts such as the forehead, temples, under the nose, and around the mouth. As it is in unusual positions for melasma, some patients have been using skincare products assuming it to be regular pigmentation for years, but with no effect.

Causes

The exact cause of melasma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a symptom caused by changes in hormonal balance, where melanin is excessively produced due to factors such as the influence of ultraviolet rays or skin irritation, leading to pigmentation deposition on the skin.
The color and intensity vary from person to person, and melasma can appear not only on the cheeks but also under the nose, forehead, and around the mouth. Generally, it is a symptom more common in women aged 40-50, known as the menopausal generation, where hormonal balance undergoes significant changes. It is also prone to occur during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills, with female hormones playing a significant role.

Additionally, those who have experienced childbirth tend to develop melasma more easily as they age. However, once menopause is reached, new cases of melasma are rare, and existing melasma gradually fades.

Furthermore, there are many cases where melasma on the cheekbone area intensifies due to friction from masks. Therefore, it is advisable to choose masks made of smooth materials with a good texture and suitable size.

General Treatment Methods for Melasma and Their Comparison

In addition to oral medication, melasma can be treated using medical devices such as lasers, high-frequency devices, and needles. It is essential to differentiate melasma from other types of pigmentation and proceed with treatment carefully to avoid excessive stimulation.

If melasma is mixed with other types of pigmentation, melasma treatment is prioritized. Following this, combination therapies such as IPL light therapy or peeling can be combined to not only treat pigmentation but also promote healthier skin, making it more effective. Note that melasma can worsen due to ultraviolet rays or friction. Therefore, it is crucial to continue UV protection and gentle skincare even after melasma improvement.

Each treatment method has its characteristics, including the number of clinic visits, treatment duration, and risk of recurrence. Choosing a treatment method tailored to your needs will lead to satisfactory treatment results.

Comparison of various melasma treatments

Side-scrolling
Needle RF Laser Toning Pico Toning Tranexamic Acid
Pain Almost none Almost none Almost none Mone
Swelling Almost none Almost none Almost none None
Downtime 1 day to 1 week 1 to 3 days 1 to 3 days None
Number of Treatments Approximately 6 sessions Approximately 5 to 8 sessions Approximately 7 to 10 sessions Semi-permanent
Treatment Frequency (per session) 2 to 4 weeks Approximately 2 weeks Approximately 2 weeks Daily intake
Treatment Time (per session) Approximately 60 min Approximately 30 min Approximately 30 min
Risk of Recurrenceク Almost none Approximately 1 year after treatment Approximately 1 year after treatment When medication is stopped

Treatment methods

Sylfirm X

Sylfirm X

o improve melasma, it’s essential to target the “basal membrane”, which is fundamental to skin cell regeneration.

Sylfirm X device allows for precise control of needle length and wavelength settings, enabling it to approach from the basal membrane, the lowest layer of the epidermis, to the dermis .This makes melasma treatment possible, even in areas traditionally difficult to treat with lasers.

Furthermore, to prevent melasma recurrence, fundamental improvement in skin quality is crucial. The Sylfirm X utilizes micro-needles and high-frequency to activate the skin’s cellular mechanisms during recovery, promoting rejuvenation of the skin. By regenerating healthy skin, the Silfurm X reduces the likelihood of melasma recurrence.

Features
  • Adjustable needle length and RF depth to suit treatment goals
  • Synergistic effect of high-frequency and fractional micro-needling
  • Minimal downtime
  • High safety profile
  • Treatment method that reduces the risk of recurrence
Advantages
  • Effective treatment for difficult melasma cases
  • Potential for improvement in skin quality
  • Treatment can reach delicate areas near the eyes
  • Minimal discomfort during treatment
  • Short downtime
  • Low risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Disadvantges
  • Patients who have undergone cosmetic procedures
  • Threads cannot undergo treatment
Treatment Time

Approximately 60 minutes (including anesthesia time)

After Care

  • 施Makeup after the treatment varies depending on the method, so we will explain it during the counseling session.
  • If redness or peeling occurs, it will subside within a few days.
  • Please avoid UV rays, use sunscreen, and ensure thorough moisturization.
  • After needle treatment, redness may persist for a few days. Please refrain from excessive alcohol consumption and vigorous exercise on the day of treatment.