For many years we carried and used Cosmelan and CosmelanMD, but many importation laws and prescription laws have changed making it illegal in Nevada to carry this brand with hydroquinone. Several years ago we worked with a local compounding pharmacy in Las Vegas to develop our own Meslasma Mask, which is fresher, stronger, and more effective than what we used to use. We are proud of this treatment and have people travel internationally to us for this effective melasma treatment. Melasma and hyperpigmentation have historically been some of the toughest skin conditions to treat because discoloration lies so deep within the skin’s layers and is hard for medications to target. However, with our innovative Melasma Mask, these conditions can be greatly improved.
What is a Melasma Mask and what does it do?
Our Melasma Mask contains an exclusive blend of depigmentation agents which act by decreasing melanin from the skin. Melanin is responsible for the darkening of the skin and contributing to such factors as melasma and other skin discolorations. Melanin is increased by sun exposure, acne, aging, and hormone fluctuation.
Our Melasma Mask has the ability to inhibit an enzyme (tyrosinase) that is involved in the process of causing skin darkening. This mask leads to a decrease in melanin synthesis and hence to a decrease in darkened skin color. We have found that our Melasma Mask effectively reduces skin discolorations by up to 90% if used appropriately.
Our Melasma Mask contains compounded prescription medications that contain an in-office peel application and home care products. The bonus with our Melasma Mask is that the products are made fresh each visit for you – we don’t have these products sitting on shelves for months at a time. Each mask is freshly made by the pharmacy and sent to us for use on you. That means the ingredients are stronger and more effective.
Your initial treatment includes one in-office topical cream application (Melasmas Mask) and the home care regimen for approximately two weeks (Melasma Emulsion Plus). Additional home care products can be purchased for ongoing maintenance, at a lesser cost.
Where is Melasma Mask used?
Melasma Masks are most often applied to the face, but can also be used on other parts of the body. It is applied in a topical cream form in the office, followed by a post-peel home care regiment. We can treat the full face, or do smaller application amounts only in targeted areas. Precise locations will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.
How is a Melasma Mask different than lasers?
Laser, IPL, Frax, and FotoFacial treatments can be extremely effective at treating minor melasma and skin discolorations. Most often we suggest that patients who have more excessive melasma or deeper hyperpigmentation undergo a series of laser treatments in conjunction with a Melasma Mask as we are able to target melasma lying at different depths this way.
Most often the patients will undergo a few laser treatments, then do the Melasma Mask, then do a few more laser treatments. Some patients do opt to do the Melasma Mask procedure as a stand-alone treatment. For patients who do both a laser series and Melasma Mask, the Melasma Mask portion is offered at a discounted rate.
What is a Melasma Mask treatment like?
We will always start with an initial consultation to review your specific melasma and discuss expectations and steps. Remember that treating melasma is an ongoing process and needs continual addressing. One bad sun exposure or trip to the Bahamas can set everything back. Daily sunscreen is a must!
Before beginning, a consent form for the procedure will be signed and all steps of the procedure will be covered for your home care regimen.
For the in-office portion, your face will be cleansed with acetone by a Medical Assistant. This allows the skin to be thoroughly cleaned and gives a good surface for the Melasma Mask, which is then applied.
The mask will be applied to the affected areas must remain on the skin for 8 hours. It has a light greenish-white hue and the mask will dry to the skin. It is suggested that you return home after the peel is applied. After 8 hours you will remove the peel with a light cleanser and the home care steps begin.
For your home care, you will be given instructions for daily use of the Melasma Emulsion Plus. It is important that you follow these instructions and use the products appropriately. As well, you must use sunscreen daily (which you should do anyway!). After a few weeks, you will return to the office to meet with the staff and assess your results and next steps.
What kind of results can I expect from a Melasma Mask treatment?
You should expect some peeling and flaking of the skin, as well as some redness. Make-up can be applied daily and light moisturizers and sunscreens should be used throughout the treatment.
No glycolic peels or other lightening agents should be used while you are using our melasma products. You should not experience pain, but some stinging and pinkness of the skin can be expected, particularly at night when the home care products are used.
Some people are allergic to hydroquinone; although this is rare. If you use hydroquinone products and are allergic, it can result in additional hyperpigmentation and discoloration. You should not use our melasma products if you have this allergy.
During the two weeks and post-treatment, you will notice a lightening of the treated discoloration and a “breaking up” of the melanin. These results will increase over time. You should use daily sunscreen and can purchase additional home care products, to help keep the melanin from reappearing or developing new areas of pigmentation. If needed, additional partial or full Melasma Mask treatments can be performed.
How much does a Melasma Mask cost?
- Freshy compounded and aggressive for deeper melasma and pigment problem, contains hydroquinone
- Price with laser package – $450.00
- Stand-alone treatment – $750.00
To see if our Melasma Mask right for you, call (702) 869-6667 to schedule your consultation today.
