Melasma Treatment in Houston, TX
Melasma can occur in other places on the body besides the face. If you’re tired of dealing with persistent discoloration of your skin, wherever it may be, consider melasma treatment at Premier Plastic Surgery. Dr. Christopher Hankins and his staff proudly serve residents in Houston, Pearland, Lake Jackson and the surrounding areas of South Houston.
What is Melasma Treatment?
Often, women with hormonal changes can experience brown patches on the face and neck, simulating hyperpigmentation. It is thought that these symptoms may be caused by several factors such as genetics, sensitivity to the sun, certain birth control, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), and hormonal changes that increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. At Premier Plastic Surgery, our staff is highly skilled and trained to diagnose and treat these skin conditions with specific laser treatments and medical-grade topical skin bleaching creams.
Melasma and Mask of Pregnancy
During the later periods of pregnancy, more hormones are released in the body, making the skin much more susceptible to pigmentation from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This in turn can produce brown to grayish patches to appear on the face and neck when exposed to the sun. When this happens during pregnancy or immediately following, it is known as Chloasma or “Mask of Pregnancy.” Recent studies have indicated that increased levels of estrogen are not the culprit but rather, higher levels of progesterone may be the trigger in over-stimulation of melanocytes, leading to hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Melasma and Post-Menopausal Women
Since these studies are indicating that progesterone may be the stimulating hormone to trigger this hypersensitivity to the sun, it is recommended that post-menopausal women discuss all hormone replacement therapy and their risks for melasma with their treating physician.
Skin Care Recommendations
- Wear sunblock with UVA/UVB protection
- Avoid prolonged sunlight exposure
- Be conscious of sensitivity to creams and drugs that can increase risks
How much does melasma treatment cost? Premier Plastic Surgery proudly offers financing options for our patients – call our office for pricing information.
You don’t have to live with spots or large patches of hyperpigmentation anywhere on your body. To find out more about melasma treatment at our clinic, contact us today with your questions or to schedule a free consultation. We’re committed to improving the lives of the residents in Houston, Pearland, Lake Jackson and the neighboring communities of South Houston.