Known as the “pregnancy mask,” melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that occurs most often in pregnant women, but men may have the condition as well. Dr. Keith Llewellyn offers melasma treatment for residents of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Solvang, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, and the surrounding areas of California.
Melasma is a unique type of hyperpigmentation that usually forms on the forehead, cheeks, chin, upper lip and nose. Melasma is caused by hormonal changes and exacerbated by sun exposure. While known as the “mask of pregnancy”, it is often seen in women who are not pregnant and may also be seen in men. For some women, melasma may improve after child birth or the removal of birth control pills. In other cases, the skin discoloration may be long-term or permanent. Some signs of melasma are:
Some of the recognized causes of melasma are:
Dr. Llewellyn specializes in advanced treatments for melasma, and he will help you determine the best treatment approach for you during your consultation. Once you decide how to treat your melasma, we can provide information about cost and our payment options, which include cash and major credit cards. You can learn more on our financing page.
Melasma is not a medical concern, so the benefits of treatment are cosmetic. Treatment of these hyper pigmented patches will lead to a more even skin tone.
If you have areas of dark patches of skin on your face or body, you should be examined by Dr. Llewellyn to find out if it is melasma or another skin condition. As a dermatologist, he can diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment approach for you.
Melasma usually responds to treatment but it may take several months of treatment to see optimal results. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, treatment options may be more limited. Dr. Llewellyn starts with the most conservative treatment options that he believes will correct the hyperpigmentation. Sometimes, blood work may be recommended to test your hormone levels. The most common treatments for melasma are:
If you have greyish, bluish or dark tan patches on your face, it could be melasma, a cosmetic condition that can be treated by a dermatologist. Aloe Dermatology offers melasma treatment for men and women in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Solvang, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, and the surrounding areas of California. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.