For years women with melasma have been frustrated not being able to find safe or effective treatments. The problem with older lasers is that they removed the melasma pigment but also removed normal pigment in the surrounding skin, or worse, caused burns.
At Olsen Aesthetics, Dr. Olsen uses state-of-the-art fractional lasers that are sage and effective – no risk of burns or loss of pigment!
In this guide, we’ll explain what melasma is, how our laser treatment works, and what you can expect before, during, and after your sessions. Our goal is to make this simple and easy to understand, so you can feel confident about your skincare journey.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma causes patches of skin to become darker than the rest of your face. These patches are usually brown or gray and often appear on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Melasma can affect anyone, but it’s more common in women, especially during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills. It can also be triggered by sun exposure, heat, and even stress.
Melasma is not dangerous, but it can be frustrating. It doesn’t hurt or itch, but it can affect how you feel about your appearance. The good news is that there are treatments that can help lighten these dark spots—and one of the most effective options is fractional laser treatment.
How Does Fractional Laser Treatment Help?
A fractional laser is a special kind of laser that targets only small parts of the skin at a time. It works by creating tiny, invisible holes in the skin’s surface. This helps your body produce more collagen (a protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy) and replace old, darkened skin with fresh, new skin.
When used for melasma, the fractional laser breaks up the pigment that causes the dark patches. Over time, the spots fade, and your skin looks clearer and brighter.
This treatment is great because:
- It’s precise: It targets only the problem areas.
- It’s gentle: It doesn’t harm the skin around the dark spots.
- It’s effective: Many patients see results after just a few sessions.
What to Expect Before Treatment
Before starting laser treatment, you’ll meet with Dr. Olsen or one of our trained professionals. We’ll look at your skin, ask about your health, and make sure this treatment is right for you. Some people may need to use special creams before their first laser session to help prepare the skin.
It’s also important to avoid too much sun exposure before your treatment. The sun can make melasma worse. We’ll give you tips on how to protect your skin with sunscreen and hats.
What Happens During Treatment?
Each laser session usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Here’s what you can expect:
- Cleansing – We clean your skin to remove makeup, oils, or dirt.
- Numbing Cream – We apply a special cream to help you feel more comfortable. Most patients say the treatment feels like a warm prickling feeling.
- Laser Time – We use the fractional laser on the areas with melasma. You may feel a little warmth or tingling, but it’s not painful.
- Cooling Down – After the laser, we’ll apply a soothing cream or mask to help calm your skin.
After the session, your skin might look red, like a mild sunburn. It could also feel a bit dry or tight for a day or two.
Healing and Recovery
One of the best parts about fractional laser treatment is that it doesn’t need a long recovery time. You can usually go back to your normal activities the same day or the next day.
Here are some simple tips for improving and speeding up healing:
- Stay out of the sun – Always wear sunscreen and a hat.
- Be gentle – Don’t scrub or pick at your skin.
- Moisturize – Use gentle lotions or creams to keep your skin soft. Our team can advise you on the right products for your skin
- Follow our instructions – We’ll give you easy-to-follow steps to take care of your skin after each session.
Most patients start to see results after 2 to 4 treatments. The number of sessions you need depends on your skin type, how dark the melasma is, and how your skin reacts. Dr. Olsen or a member of our team will be able to advise you on how many sessions are right for your skin concerns.
Is Fractional Laser Safe?
Yes! At Olsen Aesthetics, your safety is our top priority. Our team is highly trained and uses the latest equipment to make sure each treatment is safe and effective. We take special care with all skin types and always test your skin before doing a full treatment.
Fractional laser is a good option for people who have tried creams or other treatments without success. It’s a non-invasive way to improve melasma and get your skin looking its best.
Will Melasma Come Back?
Sometimes melasma can come back, especially if you get a lot of sun. But the laser helps fade it, and with the right skincare, you can keep your skin clear for a long time.
We’ll help you build a skin care routine that protects your skin and keeps you glowing for years to come!
Why Choose Shirley Olsen Aesthetics?
Our team is here to support you every step of the way. We understand how melasma can affect your confidence, and we’re here to help you feel better in your skin. When you choose us, you get:
- A caring team that listens to your needs.
- Customized treatments based on your skin.
- Modern technology that’s gentle and effective.
- Ongoing support for long-lasting results.
We’re proud to offer advanced fractional laser treatments in a calm, comfortable setting where your beauty and wellness come first.
Ready to Treat Your Melasma?
You don’t have to live with dark patches forever. With fractional laser treatments, you can brighten your skin and feel more confident. You can rest easy knowing that Dr. Olsen is highly rated by clients and has over 18 years of experience and is one of the few hands-on physicians who personally perform laser treatments. If you’re ready to take the first step, contact Olsen Aesthetics today.
