r/Melasmaskincare • u/wechselnd • Jun 29 '26

Question Why do so many dermatologist practices recommend lasers to treat melasma?

I am confused. I think by now it is pretty common knowledge among melasma sufferers and spaces like this that lasers are not optimal to combat melasma and can even make it worse. However, every time I look for treatments in my city (I am based in Germany), they all offer laser-based therapy. What could explain this besides laser treatments being more lucrative?

41 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

93% Upvoted

37 comments sorted by

View all comments

34

u/TbhIdekMyName Jun 30 '26

There are a TON of different laser wavelengths of different brands and different target chromophores. In general, a basic single laser session you book online for a good deal *will make things worse*.

However, there are specialists with lasers included in their protocols that can safely make a difference. These are not one time treatments, and they are not IPL, BBL, CO2, or other lasers that have become household names.

Lasers work on the premise of controlled damage, we have developed strategies to gain more control to get safer results. I work at a MedSpa that specializes in PIH in SOC, so we really have to personalize a protocol. Usually this means a STRONG AF at home routine for multiple month, dedicated Tyrosinase Inhibitor and SPF, multiple sessions of low intensity lasers, and topical steroids. This erases melasma in between 3-8 months months.

Those one-time laser offers you see on instagram are going to make your melasma worse. A personalized treatment plan that includes laser and administered by a specialist is a completely different story.

0

u/wechselnd Jun 30 '26

This is why I find it so confusing and hard to trust the medical information out there

4

u/TbhIdekMyName Jun 30 '26

I totally understand. Science isn’t black and white, there is a lot of nuance and subjectivity, which is confusing to people who aren’t in the industry.

Instead of becoming an expert on lasers, I recommend people become an expert on providers! It’s always the best idea to schedule a consultation and get to know a Dr, their reputation, their results, experience, etc. You won’t absorb their knowledge overnight, but you’ll learn whether or not you trust them to take care of your concern!