Melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation are characterized by the appearance of areas of skin that are darker than your natural skin tone. These conditions can have an impact on self-confidence. While sometimes difficult to treat, one approach continues to deliver consistent, highly effective results. Our internationally recognized dermatologic surgery practice, New York Laser & Skin Care, is proud to offer you Illuminase, a skin treatment that is clinically proven to safely treat melasma lesions in addition to other forms of hyperpigmentation.
Our team of skilled, compassionate specialists are eager to help you restore your beautiful natural complexion, and restore your confidence. Book a consultation with us today to learn more about how Illuminase can get you excellent results with no downtime.
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How We Treat Melasma and Skin Discoloration at NY Laser & Skin Care
Illuminase is a unique three-step treatment approach that works to dramatically reduce the appearance of melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation. This approach combines microdermabrasion, a nonablative laser treatment and a personalized skin care regimen to reduce or eliminate dark pigmented lesions and prevent them from recurring for up to 1 year.
The three steps involved in an Illuminase treatment are as follows:
- Microdermabrasion encourages cell turnover and allows the laser to better penetrate to the skin’s deeper tissues
- A nonablative laser treatment breaks up the dark pigment into tiny particles, which are later cleared through the skin tissue’s natural healing process
- A custom-formulated skin care regimen serves to support and maintain results
Why we use Illuminase to treat melasma and discoloration
Illuminase has been clinically proven to treat melasma more safely and effectively than any other treatment on the market, and offers fast, effective results with no pain and no downtime. What sets it apart is the gentleness of the laser used in the in-office procedure, as well as the at-home step of the treatment.
All forms of hyperpigmentation, including melasma, can be triggered by skin inflammation. Aggressive skin resurfacing treatments may cause the skin to become inflamed and lead to the production of even more dark pigmentation. However, Illuminase’s laser treatment is gentle enough to not cause this reaction.
Melasma is often caused by hormonal fluctuations within the body rather than external factors, and this is another reason why many in-office treatments are ineffective; while they can target and eliminate existing melasma patches, they will not prevent new patches from developing.
This is why the at-home step of an Illuminase treatment is key. Your uniquely formulated skin care regimen will continuously work to reduce hyperpigmentation and prevent new pigmented lesions from developing long after the initial in-office procedure.
Why Choose Us for Your Treatment?
Illuminase was first developed by New York Laser & Skin Care’s own founding director, Dr. Arielle Kauvar, a long-time innovator, leader and trusted authority in the field of laser surgery. Since then, we’ve performed this treatment on countless satisfied clients, delivering consistent, long-lasting results.
Join us for your Illuminase treatment, and take advantage of these benefits:
- Beautiful location with comfortable facilities
- Illuminase was first developed at this clinic
- Treatment custom-formulated for your skin’s needs
- Compassionate, dedicated, highly trained staff with top-tier skills and expertise
- Board-certified director with degrees from Princeton University and Harvard Medical School in addition to postdoctoral training
Ideal Candidates
If you’re concerned about downtime and side effects, rest assured; Illuminase carries zero risk of either. This virtually pain-free treatment is safe and effective for anyone looking to reduce the appearance of dark pigmented lesions on their face or body.
Illuminase has even been proven to effectively treat those who have responded poorly to other melasma treatments in the past. Patients who had previously undergone years of unsuccessful treatment have been amazed to see their complexions begin clearing up in a matter of weeks, after just one treatment.
Before and After Photos
The patients featured in these photos may have undergone additional treatments alongside Illuminase. This gallery does not guarantee that everyone who undergoes this treatment will obtain these or similar results.
The effects of an Illuminase treatment will not be immediately evident. Melasma and hyperpigmentation patches will begin to lighten about 2–3 weeks after the initial in-office procedure and will continue to do so over several weeks.
A series of 2–3 Illuminase treatments, spaced 1 month apart, has been clinically proven to effectively clear 75% or more of your pigmented lesions. By following the personalized skin care regimen included in the treatment, you can maintain these results for up to 12 months before a follow-up appointment is needed.
What to Expect from the Illuminase Procedure
Once you’ve been comfortably seated, one of our specialists will begin the microdermabrasion step of the procedure. With a handpiece that emits a stream of tiny crystals, they will gently strip away dead skin cells and debris from the treatment area. This activates your skin’s regenerative process and allows the laser treatment to more easily reach your skin’s deeper tissues.
Next, they will perform a gentle, nonablative laser treatment. They will move a handpiece over the treatment area and administer carefully placed, ultra-short laser pulses to break up dark pigment clusters. The remaining pigment particles will slowly clear away over the course of the coming weeks as your skin cells regenerate.
This concludes the in-office segment of the Illuminase procedure. For the final step, our specialist will prescribe a regimen of pigment-reducing topicals, custom-tailored to your skin type. By following this regimen daily, you will continue to see improvements in your complexion in the weeks to come.
Similar Treatments
Illuminase is by far the most effective treatment we carry for melasma, however, we offer a number of other treatments that are excellent for addressing other forms of hyperpigmentation. These treatments include the following:
- PicoWay is a laser treatment specialized for tattoo removal and hyperpigmentation. Its picosecond-length pulses vaporize pigment without heating and damaging healthy skin tissues, making this treatment minimally painful with little downtime
- The Gentle Pro Series is a versatile collection of laser treatments that emit multiple wavelengths of laser light in order to effectively target pigmented lesions of any color
- PiQo4 is a pigment and tattoo removal treatment with a wide array of customizable settings. Pulse duration, laser light wavelength and the size of the target area can all be adjusted to quickly and effectively treat pigmented lesions of any shape, size or color
Book Your Illuminase Consultation
If you’re looking for a reliable, time-tested, clinically proven solution for your hyperpigmentation, Illuminase will give you the results you need – even if you’ve already tried to treat it and found little success. Book a consultation with us today, and let’s get you started on the path to the clear, even complexion you’ve been searching for.
FAQ
Can laser treatments make melasma worse?
Some aggressive laser treatments can trigger an increase in dark pigment production because of the inflammation and irritation they cause. However, this is not the case with the laser used in the Illuminase treatment. This laser is extremely gentle, and can target and eliminate dark pigment without heating up, damaging or inflaming the surrounding skin tissue.
How doI prepare for a laser treatment for skin discoloration?
As with all laser treatments, you will need to avoid sun exposure prior to an Illuminase procedure. In the weeks leading up to your appointment, be sure to avoid spending prolonged periods of time in direct sunlight, and wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher anytime you go outside.
Can skin discoloration return after treatment?
The pigment-reducing skin care regimen you will be prescribed as part of the Illuminase treatment will prevent hyperpigmentation from recurring. By using these products daily, you can maintain a bright, even complexion for up to 12 months. After this point, discolored patches may begin to reappear; you will need to come in for a follow-up appointment to address them.
How should I care for my skin after the procedure?
To ensure a clear, even complexion in the long term, be sure to follow the at-home skin care regimen prescribed to you as part of the Illuminase treatment. Apart from that, no special aftercare is needed.