What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark patches on the face and areas of the body that are exposed to a lot of sun.

What Causes Melasma?

Sun exposure and hormones are the most obvious triggers of these melasma patches, but dermatologists haven’t been able to identify the exact cause. Women who are pregnant or who are taking birth control are the most common sufferers of melasma. Sometimes, after birth or after birth control pills are stopped, the dark patches of skin will fade. Unfortunately for many women, this doesn’t happen and it can last forever.

Melasma Treatments

For women who don’t want to have dark patches on their skin forever, there are treatments available. Typically dermatologists use creams, topical medications, and sometimes chemical peels to reduce melasma. O’Neill Plastic Surgery offers a solution to melasma with our PicoSure laser!

The PicoSure laser targets the cells of the skin patches with ultra-short pulses of photomechanical light energy. The laser breaks apart the pigmentation of the affected skin and signals cells to create new, healthy pigmentation. Our treatment is gentle on the skin and won’t harm the surrounding cells while removing the patches.

PicoSure Appointments Available in Charleston, SC

If you are interested in this breakthrough laser melasma treatment available at O’Neill Plastic Surgery — don’t wait! Call our Charleston plastic surgery office today to schedule your first PicoSure appointment to remove those ugly, dark patches for good. Call 843-881-2130 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and appointment.

We are conveniently located in Charleston, SC on luxurious and private Daniel Island.

A picture of Patrick J. O’Neill, MD wearing his doctor attire.

About the Author

Upon completing medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC, Dr. O’Neill completed nine years of residency training. These nine years included a full general surgery and a plastic surgery residency, both at the Medical University of South Carolina, and a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery. Dr. O’Neill has extensive certifications, training, skills, and knowledge that make him a successful physician who can carry out your next plastic surgery procedure. His expertise and technique will result in the beautiful and natural look you desire post surgery.

Board Certified:
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Sub-Certification in Hand and Microsurgery

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