What Is Melasma—and Why Is It So Hard to Treat?

Melasma is a common skin condition that appears as dark, blotchy patches on the face—most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. It’s triggered by a combination of factors including sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations (like pregnancy or birth control), and genetic predisposition. What makes melasma especially frustrating is how persistent and difficult it can be to treat with traditional products or peels. It often resurfaces with sun exposure, and many conventional lasers can actually make it worse.

If you’ve tried creams, peels, or intense pulsed light (IPL) with little success—or worse, experienced rebound hyperpigmentation—you’re not alone. But there’s a groundbreaking solution that’s changing everything: the PicoSure® Pro laser.

Why Choose the PicoSure® Pro Laser for Melasma?

Unlike traditional lasers that rely on heat to break up pigment, PicoSure Pro uses ultra-short picosecond pulses of pressure, not heat, to shatter pigment beneath the skin’s surface. This unique approach makes it ideal for treating melasma, which is notoriously heat-sensitive and prone to inflammation.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Gentle on Skin: Minimal heat means a lower risk of inflammation and rebound pigmentation.
• Precision-Based Targeting: It breaks apart melanin clusters without damaging surrounding skin tissue.
• No Downtime: Most clients experience only slight redness for a few hours post-treatment.
• Promotes Skin Clarity and Brightness: Beyond pigment reduction, PicoSure Pro boosts collagen and overall skin radiance.

PicoSure Pro is FDA-cleared to treat pigment and is trusted by top dermatologists worldwide. It’s one of the safest and most effective ways to fade melasma—especially for those with medium-to-dark skin tones where heat-based devices can be too risky.

What to Expect from a Melasma Laser Treatment

At The Skin Chic, your treatment journey begins with a personalized consultation. During this appointment, we’ll assess the type and severity of your melasma, your skin tone, and your treatment history. Once we determine you’re a good candidate for PicoSure Pro, we’ll tailor a plan that meets your skin goals.

During the treatment:

• A numbing cream may be applied to ensure your comfort.
• The PicoSure Pro handpiece is passed over the affected areas in short pulses.
• The session typically lasts around 20–30 minutes.

After the treatment:

• You may experience mild redness or swelling, but this usually resolves within 24 hours.
• No significant peeling, crusting, or downtime.
• You'll be advised to use sun protection religiously, as UV exposure can cause melasma to return.

Results typically build over a series of treatments, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Many clients see a noticeable improvement in pigmentation clarity and evenness after just 2–3 sessions.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Melasma Laser Treatment?

PicoSure Pro melasma treatments are ideal for:

• Individuals dealing with stubborn brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip
• Individuals who’ve tried other treatments (topicals, IPL, peels) without success
• Medium to deep skin tones who are concerned about post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Brides or special-event clients looking for a radiant, even complexion
• Anyone seeking a non-invasive, no-downtime solution

If you’re unsure whether you have melasma or another form of hyperpigmentation, our expert team at The Skin Chic can help identify your condition and develop a treatment strategy that’s safe and effective for your skin.

Why Choose The Skin Chic in Virginia Beach?

At The Skin Chic, we take pride in being one of the only med spas in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads offering the PicoSure® Pro laser. We’ve helped countless clients reduce melasma and other pigment conditions safely and effectively—with minimal risk, minimal downtime, and truly remarkable results.

We also understand that melasma requires more than just a single treatment—it takes expert guidance, consistency, and a full-circle approach to skincare.

Book Your Melasma Consultation Today

If melasma has left you feeling self-conscious or frustrated with your skin, it’s time to explore a solution that actually works. The PicoSure Pro laser at The Skin Chic offers a safe, science-backed way to treat melasma with real, lasting results.

Book your consultation today at one of our Shore Drive med spa location in Virginia Beach, and take the first step toward clearer, brighter, more confident skin.