Condition Overview
Melasma appears as symmetrical brown or grey‑brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. It is driven by hormones and light, which is why it is common in pregnancy and with contraception, and why it flares every summer. It is stubborn and easily worsened by the wrong treatment.
Our melasma protocol is deliberately conservative: brightening HydraFacial™ boosters and gentle facials to lift surface pigment, low‑density CO2 laser when appropriate, and a strict topical and sun‑protection plan, because control between treatments matters more than any single session.
Understanding Melasma
Melasma is chronic and triggered by anything that stimulates the pigment cells:
- UV and visible light, including through windows
- Hormonal changes: pregnancy, contraception and hormone therapy
- Heat, which can trigger pigment even without sun
- Genetics and darker skin types
- Irritating skincare and aggressive treatments
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Corrective Treatments
Laser TreatmentsCO2 Laser – Scars & Pigmentation
For acne scars, surgical scars, melasma and sun spots
Facials & WellnessHydraFacial™
Cleanse, extract and hydrate in one visit
Facials & WellnessCustom Facials
A facial built around your skin, not a menu
SkinChemical Peel
Controlled exfoliation for tone, pigment and breakouts
Lightens patches gradually and safely
Evens overall skin tone
Reduces the risk of rebound darkening
Combines in‑office care with a home protocol
Physician‑guided for hormone‑related cases
How We Treat Melasma
Our step by step process
- 1
Step 1: Assessment and sun strategy
We identify triggers, review hormonal factors with Dr. Iskander and start daily tinted mineral SPF, the single most important step.
- 2
Step 2: HydraFacial™ with Britenol booster
Gentle exfoliation and a brightening booster lift surface pigment without heat or irritation.
- 3
Step 3: Low‑density CO2 laser where appropriate
For stubborn patches, conservative fractional settings are used alongside a topical protocol to keep pigment from returning.
- 4
Step 4: Maintenance at home
A brightening regimen and consistent sun protection keep melasma controlled between visits.
Cheeks and forehead
- The most common melasma sites
Upper lip and chin
- Often hormone‑related patches
Who is a good candidate for Melasma treatment?
Anyone with brown patches that worsen in summer or appeared with pregnancy or hormonal changes. Patience is essential: melasma is managed, not cured, and we will be honest about that.
Consultation
Let's create a treatment plan that's right for you
Your consultation is complimentary. Book online or call weekdays 9 to 5.
- Call (703) 435‑0901
- Visit 13890 Braddock Rd, Suite 201, Centreville, VA 20121
- Hours Mon–Fri 9 am – 5 pm · Sat by appointment
Want to know more?
Send us a message
Get treatment now and pay over time with CareCredit
Flexible financing for treatment plans, with promotional periods on qualifying purchases.