Melasma responds poorly to heat — which is exactly why Pico Laser's low-heat mechanism makes it one of the safer, more effective options for this specific type of pigment.
Melasma isn't ordinary sun damage. It's a hormonally influenced condition, and one of its defining features is that heat — from sun exposure, saunas, or heat-generating treatments — can trigger flare-ups. That single fact rules out several common pigment treatments as safe first-line options for melasma specifically.
Pico Laser (PicoLazer) works differently from heat-based devices. Its picosecond pulses create a photoacoustic effect — shattering pigment mechanically rather than heating it — which generates significantly less thermal energy in the surrounding tissue. That distinction is the reason it's generally considered a safer starting point for melasma than heat-driven lasers like IPL.
It's a common and frustrating pattern: a heat-based treatment produces initial fading, then melasma returns darker than before a few weeks later. This rebound effect is a direct consequence of heat triggering the pigment-producing cells responsible for melasma. Choosing a lower-heat modality from the outset avoids this cycle entirely.
Melasma is one of the more misunderstood pigment conditions I treat. Patients often arrive having tried a treatment that made things worse, usually because it generated more heat than their skin could tolerate. Getting the mechanism right from the start matters more with melasma than with almost any other type of pigment.
Is Pico Laser safe for melasma?
Pico Laser's low-heat, photoacoustic mechanism makes it a safer option for melasma than heat-based lasers like IPL, which can trigger flare-ups. It still requires a physician assessment, since melasma can respond unpredictably to any energy-based treatment.
Why do heat-based lasers make melasma worse?
Heat is a known trigger for melasma, stimulating the pigment-producing cells responsible for the condition. Lasers that generate significant heat can worsen melasma even while appearing to fade it initially, leading to rebound pigmentation.
How many Pico Laser sessions are needed for melasma?
Melasma typically requires more sessions than isolated sun spots, often 4 to 8 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart, with ongoing maintenance sessions recommended afterward since melasma tends to recur.
Will Pico Laser cure my melasma permanently?
No treatment offers a permanent cure for melasma, since it is a chronic condition influenced by hormones, heat, and sun exposure. Pico Laser can produce significant improvement, but ongoing sun protection and periodic maintenance are typically necessary.
Dr. Mortazavi will confirm whether your pigment is melasma and build the right treatment plan around it.