There are several ways that you can successfully improve melasma; topically with physician prescribed skin care products as well as more aggressive treatments, such as chemical peels.

The “Gold Standard” for treating melasma topically is a combination of 4% hydroquinone bleaching cream and retinoic acids, as well as a dedicated use of broad spectrum sunscreens.

A comprehensive skin care regimen should be incorporated for optimal results. Active, physician-dispensed skin care products should include a glycolic acid facial wash to exfoliate the skin, and an antioxidant serum to help correct damaged cells.

Incorporating regular chemical peels can also help minimize the appearance of melasma. The Melanage Peel is a more aggressive peel that has been very successful in helping melasma patients achieve their goals faster.  There are several days of down-time but the results have been amazing. The Melanage Peel is suitable for all skin types.

Additionally, because UVA light will stimulate pigment, avoiding direct sun exposure is crucial in attempting to improve melasma, as well as in maintaining results.

-Susan Carey, L.E.

Light chemical peels are very common in treating mild acne and are the most superficial of all chemical peels. A chemical peel rapidly exfoliates the skin, allowing the dead skin cells to shed more efficiently, resulting in rejuvenated, glowing skin.  This will also help keep the dead skin and oil from clogging pores and thus acne can be greatly reduced.

Chemical peels are also used to even out skin texture and discoloration from acne scars, as well as to soften fine lines and wrinkles.

-Lauren Thompson, L.E.

-Allan Parungao, M.D.

-Lindsay Gerber, Patient Coordinator

-Susan Carey, L.E.

-Susan Carey, L.E.

Thermage is not a permanent skin tightening treatment but results can last anywhere from 12-24 months after the initial treatment (duration varies from patient to patient). Because results will continue to improve for up to six months, it is not recommended to proceed with any additional Thermage treatments any earlier than a six-month time frame.

I have been doing Thermage for over three years and I think it is a wonderful non- invasive, no down time procedure. I believe that Thermage works for everyone, but the extent of the result is different for every patient. Thermage is good for anyone who is looking to tighten, tone and improve the contour of their skin.  Sometimes, patients are referred to our plastic surgeon as surgery might be a better option, but Thermage is a good alternative for the person who is not quite ready for surgery, looking for no downtime, and who wants to slow down the aging process.

-Latoya Norman, C.M.A.

Dysport is a brand of Botulinum Toxin Type A, the same ingredient that is found in Botox. Though similar, they are not identical. Though we anticipate that Dysport will cost less per unit, one will likely require 2-3 times as many units to get the same result. 
At this point we are not certain of any real differences but we have not heard of any red flags with its use.  The hope is that now that Dysport is available, Allergan may choose to drop the price of Botox to compete. Dysport will start being dispensed in our office sometime in June after our experienced staff is trained by the manufacturer.

-Dawn Davidson, R.N.

-Zhanna Wolfman, R.N.

After rigorous review, the FDA can offer a “reasonable assurance” that today’s silicone implants are “safe and effective,” said Donna-Bea Tillman, director of the FDA Office of Device Evaluation. Studies have found no association between silicone implants and cancer or other life-threatening diseases, although the FDA is continuing to monitor for these risks.

The FDA is also requiring each of the two manufacturers of silicone gel implants, Inamed Aesthetics and Mentor Corp., to study 40,000 women for 10 years to assess potential health problems. These studies will help answer questions on the implants’ long-term safety.

-Allan Parungao, M.D.