Pigmentation and Melasma

The high altitude of Colorado means that the sun’s rays are much more intense than at sea level. Due to chronic sun exposure, many people develop unsightly brown or pigmented lesions of their skin. Dr. Ort and staff specialize in the treatment of all types of pigmented lesions of the skin, including sun or liver spots, café au lait macules, Nevus of Ota, moles, and melasma. Our Medlite Q-switched YAG laser specifically targets and eliminates pigment within the skin without injuring surrounding skin. Photofacial treatments using intense pulsed light (IPL) are a gentle and ever popular way to lighten brown spots and sun damage on the face or neck.

Melasma

Melasma is a common type of facial pigmentation, particularly in women. It typically appears as a blotchy brown pigmentation on the central face. A cornerstone treatment for melasma is topical bleaching cream. It is also critical to wear a daily sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Our nV™ SkinCare product line with skin brighteners and physical sunscreens has proven highly effective in treating excess pigmentation.

We commonly perform chemical peels such as Jessner’s peel or TCA peels for melasma. A series of peels is performed to exfoliate the skin and lighten pigment. We also offer a unique laser treatment for melasma using the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Unlike aggressive laser treatments, which can actually make melasma worse, treatment with the Nd:YAG laser is gentle with minimal discomfort. A series of Nd:YAG laser treatments is often beneficial in lightening stubborn facial pigmentation.

Before and After Photos