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Melasma

At the Aesthetic Care Center in Lima and Celina, patients often arrive frustrated by persistent facial discoloration that cosmetics can’t adequately conceal. Many describe years of trying various products and treatments with disappointing results, leaving them feeling self-conscious about their appearance.

Dr. Manu B. Aggarwal and her experienced team understand that a condition known as melasma is often at the root of these problems and that it can affect more than just the skin—it can impact how patients feel about themselves in professional and social settings. Through customized treatment approaches utilizing advanced technologies, the center offers effective solutions for this challenging condition, helping patients achieve clearer, more even-toned skin.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by symmetrical patches of hyperpigmentation that typically appear on the face. These brownish-gray patches most frequently develop on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip, and chin. Unlike isolated sunspots, melasma presents as larger, more diffuse areas of discoloration with irregular borders.

The condition affects women far more frequently than men—likely due to hormonal influences—and often appears during pregnancy (when it’s sometimes called “the mask of pregnancy”) or while taking birth control pills. People with darker skin tones, particularly those of Latin, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or North African descent, have a higher predisposition to developing melasma.

What Causes Melasma?

Melasma develops from a complex interplay of factors that stimulate melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing skin pigment—to become overactive. While the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, several key triggers have been identified:

  1. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure stands as the most significant environmental trigger, with even brief sun exposure potentially worsening melasma or causing recurrence after successful treatment. Visible light, particularly blue light from digital devices and fluorescent lighting, has recently been recognized as another important trigger that can stimulate melanocytes.
  2. Hormonal influences play a crucial role, explaining why melasma often appears during pregnancy, while using hormonal contraceptives, or during hormone replacement therapy. The genetic component is evident in the condition’s tendency to run in families and its higher prevalence in certain ethnic groups with naturally darker skin tones.
  3. Heat exposure, certain cosmetics, and skincare ingredients that irritate the skin can also trigger or worsen melasma in susceptible individuals. The Aesthetic Care Center’s assessment process thoroughly evaluates each patient’s potential triggers, creating a foundation for both effective treatment and prevention strategies.

How Is Melasma Treated?

The Aesthetic Care Center offers several advanced treatments specifically designed to address the unique challenges of melasma:

01 /
LaseMD Ultra

This non-ablative fractional laser creates microscopic treatment channels that facilitate the delivery of specialized brightening compounds deep into the skin. Unlike more aggressive lasers that can potentially worsen melasma through excessive heat, LaseMD Ultra’s gentle approach gradually breaks down pigmentation while stimulating skin renewal. The treatment’s minimal downtime and low risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation make it particularly suitable for melasma patients.

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02 /
Laser Genesis and Pico Genesis

These complementary technologies offer a dual approach to melasma treatment. Laser Genesis delivers gentle heat that helps reduce redness and improve overall skin quality without triggering pigment production. Pico Genesis uses ultra-short laser pulses to shatter pigment particles while minimizing thermal damage, effectively addressing superficial pigmentation. Together, they provide comprehensive improvement with minimal risk of melasma worsening.

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03 /
Salt Facial MD

This multi-step treatment incorporates gentle exfoliation, extraction, and infusion of brightening and anti-inflammatory ingredients. For melasma patients, specialized solutions target hyperpigmentation while soothing irritation that could potentially trigger further pigmentation. Salt Facial MD’s gentle approach makes it an excellent maintenance option between more intensive treatments and provides immediate skin-brightening effects.

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04 /
SkinCeuticals

The Aesthetic Care Center recommends professional-grade SkinCeuticals products specifically formulated to address hyperpigmentation and prevent melasma recurrence. These advanced formulations contain powerful antioxidants, tyrosinase inhibitors, and gentle exfoliants that work synergistically with in-office treatments. Dr. Aggarwal works with each patient to develop a customized home care regimen that enhances treatment results and minimizes triggers.

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05 /
Microneedling with Cutera Secret PRO

This advanced treatment combines radiofrequency technology with microneedling to improve melasma at multiple skin depths. The microscopic channels created stimulate collagen remodeling while enhancing the penetration of brightening agents. The controlled delivery of radiofrequency energy helps improve skin texture without the excessive heat that could worsen pigmentation, making it suitable for melasma when performed by experienced providers.

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06 /
Dermaplaning

This physical exfoliation technique gently removes the top layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair, instantly brightening the skin’s appearance. For melasma patients, dermaplaning enhances the penetration of topical brightening agents and creates a smoother canvas for makeup application. When incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan, it helps maintain results between more intensive treatments.

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Treatment at the Aesthetic Care Center always begins with a thorough assessment of each patient’s specific pigmentation pattern, skin type, and potential triggers. Dr. Aggarwal’s experience with diverse skin tones allows her to develop safe, effective treatment strategies tailored to each individual’s needs. Most melasma management plans combine multiple modalities with strict sun protection and appropriate home care to achieve optimal results.

Given melasma’s tendency to recur, the center emphasizes ongoing maintenance and prevention. Patients receive detailed guidance on trigger avoidance, comprehensive photoprotection that addresses both UV and visible light, and signs that might indicate the need for proactive treatment adjustment.

If melasma is affecting your confidence and quality of life, the expert team at the Aesthetic Care Center is ready to help. Call (419) 227-4472 or contact us online for a consultation at our Lima or Celina locations, where your personalized path to clearer, more even-toned skin begins.

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Very courteous and friendly staff. Doctor – very knowledgeable about conditions & options for treatment.

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All of the staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Dr. Aggarwal was excellent and competent. I will recommend this office to others.

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Vein Care Center, our comprehensive vascular treatment facility headed by Dr. Aggarwal, offers state-of-the-art solutions for venous and lymphatic conditions using the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies available. From spider veins and varicose veins to more complex vascular issues, our medical team provides minimally invasive treatments focused on both improving your appearance and addressing underlying circulatory concerns. Schedule a consultation to discover how our personalized treatment approaches can help relieve your discomfort and restore healthy circulation.

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