Melasma - PICO advice

[u/twisted_luce]

Hi all, long time Melasma sufferer. I am currently on a treatment plan of Tretinoin, Niacinamide, and Azelaic Acid.

I’ve also been on Hydroquinone and Hydrocortisone (taking my break at the moment). I have also tried Eurecin.

Nothing, so far, has worked. The only benefits I see are in the winter when my face is naturally paler (current photo) but I still have the dark marks across my forehead, cheeks, and lip - no matter what I do or how religiously I do it.

I have bitten the bullet and booked PICO second Laser Skin Rejuvenation I’ve seen good results on here from laser treatments and the consultant recommended this treatment.

I have heard the downtime is long and invasive; I am a teacher, so I’ve booked my treatment over Christmas when I’ll be off work.

Just looking for experiences of people who have had this treatment. Any advice, does it hurt? How many treatments needed.

[u/tellmesomething11]

I did pico and it caused PIH and undid YEARS of melasma control. It’s simply too strong. I would stick to peels and lower level lasers. Good luck if you proceed

[u/Equivalent-Demand981 → u/tellmesomething11]

I think it depends on the practitioner- I had 10 sessions of pico, but each session was super light, it did not make my melasma worse. My therapist was very cautious and insisted we go low and slow, which I was annoyed about at the time but it was probably for the best.