Is The Spectra Laser Effective For Melasma?

If you have melasma and want to get rid of the dark patches of skin that come with this condition, you may have heard about Spectra laser treatment for melasma. Read on to learn more about this type of laser.

What is Spectra Laser Treatment?

The Spectra laser is one brand of the Nd:YAG laser. This type of laser targets the melanin that causes dark patches to form on the skin and generates heat to destroy unwanted cells. This laser can use different wavelengths to target melasma at different layers of the skin as needed.

Is This Treatment Effective?

In general, lasers are considered second or third-line treatments that dermatologists may recommend when melasma doesn’t respond to other types of treatment. The Spectra laser can be effective at removing pigmentation that lies deep within the skin and can be used on patients with darker skin types (Arora).

Like other types of laser treatments, Spectra is most effective at removing melasma when combined with topical therapies.

What Side Effects Can I Expect?

The side effects following Spectra laser treatment are generally mild and go away within a few days of treatment.

The most common side effects of this treatment include:

• Pain during treatment
• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching

Less common side effects may include bruising, blistering, and rebound pigmentation (a darkening of the skin). It’s important to consult with your dermatologist before seeking treatment to determine if the Spectra laser is right for you.

Custom Prescription Melasma Creams Delivered To You

Melasma is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. However, it can be effectively managed with professional dermatologic care. Although the Spectra can treat melasma in the short-term, most patients will need ongoing treatment to prevent a recurrence.

That’s where Kirsch Dermatology can help. We offer ongoing care and prescription-strength custom creams to help you manage your melasma and keep your complexion bright for years to come. Whenever you have a question, just drop us a line – we’re always just an email away!

References

• Arora P, Sarkar R, Garg VK, Arya L. Lasers for treatment of melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2012;5(2):93‐103. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.99436. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3461803/.
• Ranaweera A. Neodymium YAG laser treatment. DermNet NZ. https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/ndyag-laser-treatment/. Published January 2014.

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Brandon Kirsch, MD

Brandon Kirsch, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in clinical drug development and medical innovation. He is the founder of Kirsch Dermatology in Naples, Florida and is also the Chief of Dermatology at the Naples Community Hospital.