Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is nationally recognized as a leader in melasma treatment and has offices in Los Angeles and internationally. He he has been featured as a keynote speaker at conferences and has authored publications on melasma Treatment. Our Santa Monica cosmetic dermatology office offers treatments for melasma and hyperpigmentation based on current research in melasma.
Melasma is a very common skin condition in which abnormal melanin pigmentation arises on some exposed areas of the face, including the forehead, cheeks, Jawline, and temples. The pigmentation can occur after intense sun exposure or as a result of pregnancy or hormones. Hormone exposure includes birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and even dietary intake of phytoestrogens.
The treatment of melasma begins with a thorough evaluation at our Santa Monica Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology Center to diagnose, manage, and maintain hyperpigmentation. We offer comprehensive skin evaluations followed by a topical skin regimen that can reduce skin pigmentation and melanin deposition. This can be followed by a mild or aggressive exfoliation and depigmentation protocol. Our office offers many different types of treatments ranging from lasers to chemical peels.
IPL photofacial: Intense pulsed light uses light -based thermal energy to heat up the skin and reduce signs of premature aging including hyperpigmentation, sunspots, age spots, fine wrinkles, and loss of collagen. This treatment is performed in clinic and has minimal to no downtime with mild redness and skin discoloration after treatment. IPL is a very popular cosmetic dermatology treatment for skin rejuvenation and can help you achieve a brighter glow to your skin.
Melarase: These creams are specifically developed to reduce hyperpigmentation and contain essential ingredients to reduce hypermelanin production, including hydroquinone, kojic acid, and Arbutin. We combine this with rapid exfoliation protocols to reduce pigmentation of the skin and overall melanin content this treatment is excellent for melasma.
Clear and Brilliant Laser: This treatment uses micro fractional laser to reduce hyperpigmentation and find wrinkles in the skin. It uses a two wavelength approach very similar to Frack sole Laser. There is minimal downtime with patient experiencing mild redness for several hours after the procedure. Clear and brilliant is excellent and reducing hyperpigmentation associated with melasma and chronic sun exposure, making it suitable for the face and neck areas. We also use clear and brilliant micro fractional laser for stretch marks on the body.
Chemical peels: Our Santa Monica cosmetic dermatology center specializes in various types of chemical peels for skin rejuvenation ranging from trichloroacetic acid to glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Combination protocols including the Jessner peel and Obagi ZO peel can help reduce pigmentation. We employed the Cosmelan peel and ZO peel in combination with lasers to further reduce and maintain a healthy complexion in patients who have melasma hyperpigmentation.
Schedule a consultation at Kare Plastic Surgery. We are leaders in melasma and hyperpigmentation treatments and our Santa Monica office serves the Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, and Beverly Hills areas of the Westside Los Angeles.