Cosmetic Dermatology, BIBI CLINIC, Bangkok, Thailand | 9.00 am. - 8.00 pm.
Melasma and spots
Characteristics of melasma
Characteristics of melasma
Melasma is characterized by a symmetrical, hazy spreading area around the upper cheekbones. Unlike common spots, the outline of melasma is not clear, and relatively pale brown spots appear over a wide area.
Another characteristic is that its density is not constant. It may appear thicker or lighter depending on the amount of UV exposure and changes in hormonal balance. It is mainly seen in women in their 30s to 50s. In some cases, it fades after menopause, but not all disappear spontaneously.
Causes of Chloasma
Causes of Chloasma
Unlike simple UV-induced spots, melasma is considered a pigmentary disorder that is closely related to the balance of female hormones. Pregnancy, childbirth, and taking oral contraceptive pills (the pill) are often triggers for the development of melasma.
In addition, daily irritants such as UV rays and friction can also aggravate melasma. For example, scrubbing when washing the face or giving a strong massage can also be irritating to the skin. Remember that melasma is very sensitive to irritation.
Melasma is something to control rather than take away.
Melasma is something to control rather than take away.
What is important in the treatment of melasma is not the idea of "erasing it once and for all," but rather the viewpoint of gradually adjusting it in stages. A high power laser or a stimulating treatment may activate melanocytes, and there is a risk of making melasma darker.
Therefore, the basic approach is to gradually correct the shades with a low-irritant and careful approach. Peels and other treatments are only supportive, and it is not realistic to try to cure melasma by themselves. Continuous management and a treatment policy that does not overstimulate the skin are important.

Spots that are often confused with melasma include senile pigmentation (common spots) and freckles (sparring spots). Although they may look similar, they have different causes and approaches.

Characteristics of age spots (senile pigmentation)
Many of what are commonly referred to as "spots" are these senile pigmentations. They appear as a result of the accumulation of UV damage over the years and disruption of skin turnover.
They have a relatively clear outline and are characterized by the appearance of small patches on the cheeks, temples, and other areas that are easily exposed to sunlight. They tend to increase in number and darken in color with age, and are most common in people in their thirties and later, but can also occur in younger generations such as those in their twenties.
Many people also find it difficult to tell the difference between melasma and freckles. Freckles (sparrow spots) are pigmented patches that appear as small brown spots scattered around the nose and cheeks and are often related to genetic factors. They are often noticeable from infancy to puberty. Like chloasma, they may appear symmetrical, but the difference is that chloasma spreads vaguely in an areal pattern, whereas freckles are numerous fine dots scattered around. Because they may look similar, it is important to determine the type of pigment.
Characteristics of age spots (senile pigmentation)
Differences in laser response
Melasma (senile pigmentation) tends to change relatively easily when irradiated with a laser of appropriate power. On the other hand, applying a laser of the same intensity to melasma, which is sensitive to irritation, risks aggravating the condition.
Therefore, even for the same blemish treatment, a professional diagnosis is required to accurately identify the type of pigment and use the appropriate wavelength and power settings for each.
Differences in laser response

Bibi Clinic offers Japanese-style cosmetic medicine in Thonglor, Bangkok, Thailand. Since melasma and spots are different in nature, we will propose a treatment based on the doctor's diagnosis of the type of spots and skin condition.
The treatment design will differ depending on your wishes, such as whether you want to take care of only the prominent pigment or the overall tone. We offer comprehensive proposals that include care from the inside as well as the outside.

Careful laser approach with consideration for melasma
Because melasma is very delicate, it is necessary to avoid strong irritation. Therefore, Bibi Clinic uses a gentle, gradual approach with a low-power laser.
Rather than aiming for a big change in a single treatment, we gently tone the skin through a series of multiple treatments. Even in cases where there is a combination of melasma and melasma, we will carefully assess each condition and adjust the output for each area.
Careful laser approach with consideration for melasma
High-frequency microneedling for dermal conditioning
Energy is delivered directly to the deeper layers of the skin (dermis layer) using a fine needle. This helps to improve the skin's internal environment and lead it to a healthy state.
By working not only on the surface of the skin but also on its foundation, we support improvement of the skin texture itself. The strength of Vivi Clinic's high frequency microneedling is that it can approach melasma while also taking into consideration problems such as pigmentation and inflammation.
High-frequency microneedling for dermal conditioning
Antioxidant and infusion approach to support from the inside
By directly introducing ingredients such as glutathione and various vitamins into the body through intravenous infusion, spots and melasma are approached from the inside. Combined with other treatments such as laser, a more stable skin environment can be achieved. In some cases, it is incorporated continuously as daily maintenance.
Antioxidant and infusion approach to support from the inside
Phased treatment design for mixed cases of melasma/spots
In many cases, there are multiple spots mixed together, with some of them (senile pigmentation) and the surrounding areas (melasma). In such cases, it is not appropriate to perform a uniformly strong treatment.
What is important is that the doctor accurately assesses the condition of each individual and approaches the area in a step-by-step manner using the appropriate method and output for each area. A customized treatment plan tailored to the skin is the key to successful melasma treatment.
Phased treatment design for mixed cases of melasma/spots
Can melasma disappear spontaneously?
Melasma is considered a pigmentary change influenced by hormonal balance and may fade after menopause. However, not all of them disappear spontaneously. It can become darker due to irritation from ultraviolet rays or friction, so it is important to receive a doctor's diagnosis and control it appropriately, rather than leaving it at one's own discretion.
How do you tell the difference between melasma and a blemish?
Melasma tends to spread symmetrically and has blurred borders. On the other hand, senile pigmentation (a common blemish) tends to have relatively clear boundaries and often appears as a single spot. In reality, however, there are many cases of mixed pigmentation. Since it is difficult to determine these spots by appearance alone, an accurate diagnosis by a physician is important.
Can I have laser treatment for melasma?
Laser treatment is possible for melasma, but careful consideration must be given to the power and settings. The approach should be low-irritation and careful, as strong irritation may worsen the condition. Not all lasers are suitable, so it is also important to determine the type of pigment before choosing a treatment.
Can melasma be improved by peeling?
Peeling helps to exfoliate and promote turnover, but it does not act directly on the underlying cause of melasma. Therefore, it is more of a supplemental treatment than a stand-alone treatment that aims for significant improvement. It is recommended to combine them according to the skin condition.
Can melasma get better with oral medications or supplements alone?
Internal medications and intravenous infusions may support care, but are not expected to make significant changes on their own. In many cases, they are considered in combination with external approaches.
What happens if there is a mixture of melasma and spots?
In some cases, part of the skin is stained (senile pigmentation) and the surrounding area is melasma. In this case, it is not appropriate to perform a uniformly strong treatment. A step-by-step approach is necessary to determine the nature of each area.
At what age does melasma start to form?
Melasma is mainly seen in people in their 30s to 50s and tends to fade with age. This is thought to be due to the effects of hormonal imbalance and living environment. In addition, new onset of melasma tends to be relatively rare after the age of 60s.
Does melasma recur?
Melasma is susceptible to irritation and hormonal fluctuations and may darken again. Therefore, after the treatment, daily management such as UV protection and avoidance of friction is important. To maintain a good condition for a long time, you should manage it continuously.

 
If you want to be treated for melasma and spots
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