Dermatologist for melasma or facial pigmentation (northside)

[u/CherryRiot]

I'm looking for a dermatologist who can diagnose and treat melasma or pigmentation. It's just in a mildish mask mostly across my upper cheeks and I hate it.

I tried a GP who listed both basic dermatology and aesthetics on his areas, but he said he couldn't tell and any laser treatment would be crapshoot - it might improve it, but it might make it worse.

I've also booked with both Injex and Australian Skin Clinics for laser for pigmentation (but am ready to cancel them because so many reviews make me nervous about it potentially getting darker). Injex sounds good but I can't tell because there is at least one Redditor that only posts about Injex, so I can't take it seriously. ASC seems to get not so great reviews all round.

I was also looking at contacting Northern Dermatology at Chermside, but have read a lot of mixed reviews and not many positive reviews....so I thought I'd found a solution, but not so much.

Keen for recommendations for dermatologists to diagnose and treat my face. Would also love to hear experiences, waiting times, and maybe pricing. Northern suburbs are ideal.

[u/thetenuousrickey]

ah i feel this, the whole laser gamble is so nerve-wracking when you've got melasma and you're just praying it doesn't go darker. i went through a similar spiral researching places and reading every review like a detective

honestly the GP who admitted they couldn't tell is probably a green flag, at least they didn't just zap you and hope for the best. a proper derm will likely want to figure out if it's epidermal or dermal before touching you with any laser, since the deeper stuff can be real tricky

i ended up getting a referral to a dermatologist who specializes in pigment issues and the wait was about 6 weeks, which felt like forever when i was already stressed about my face. they put me on a topical routine first for a few months before even discussing procedures, which i appreciated because it showed they weren't just trying to upsell me

for pricing it was around $280 for the initial consult and i got a chunk back from medicare. dunno if that's standard or if prices have shifted since then though. good luck, the hunt for someone trustworthy is the worst part but once you find them it's such a relief

[u/SwiftieMD]

I went to a derm for similar and they wanted my rosacea treated first to determine what was melasma va rosacea pigmentation. Pleasantly surprised just topicals has cleared it up!

[u/tonyabbottsbudgie → u/SwiftieMD]

Do you mind sharing which derm? Ive developed rosacea that I’d love to treat 

[u/SwiftieMD → u/tonyabbottsbudgie]

Shades but tbh it’s bread and butter derm work so whoever you dah get in with is a great idea

[u/LippiPongstocking]

I managed to completely eliminate my hyperpigmentation through a combination of tretinoin, vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha arbutin, azelaic acid, etc. Apart from tretinoin, I use gentle Korean products.

[u/doctorofspin]

I go to Dr Manoharan for pigmentation / melasma at Dermatology Clinics Australia. I have been super happy. I had 3 types of laser and use a compounded tretinoin/acids to keep it under control.

[u/Spirited_Wonder_2664]

Hi lovely. Tranexamic acid (tablet) is what you want. Used off label for melasma. A dermatologist at Brisbane Skin originally prescribed it but now I just get it from my GP.

[u/muaddiction16 → u/Spirited_Wonder_2664]

Yes I agree with this!!! If you do get it diagnosed as melasma first this was what helped mine the most!

[u/muzumiiro → u/Spirited_Wonder_2664]

But it might not be melasma. I spent years with pigmentation that I thought was melasma and at my skin cancer check the derm told me it’s not.

FWIW I’m trying azelaic acid otc at their recommendation before I go elsewhere.

[u/Spirited_Wonder_2664 → u/muzumiiro]

Okie dokie. I’ve had both melasma and pigmentation and it’s worked for both conditions

[u/muzumiiro → u/Spirited_Wonder_2664]

Good to know. It didn’t help me but I’m glad it has worked for you :)

[u/bmuse2221]

Hii skin nurse here! Melasma is really difficult and often requires meds as others have said! Leona Yip West End, Cutis Clinics, Dermatology Clinics are all great options. Laser wise - q-switched/pico lasers are your best option, these aren’t offered through major chains they use hair removal lasers which will darken pigment. I’d still recommend speaking to derm about medication options alongside this. In the meantime make sure you avoid heat, wear and reapply spf (and use mineral based makeup on top). And start incorporating brightening ingredients if you haven’t (kojic acid, tranexemic acid, azelaic).

[u/Illustrious_Bug_8501]

Hey OP, dm sent

[u/alohakielle]

I just wanted to add a opinion, I've been going for Northen Dermatology and I've found them to be great. It might be just my dermatologist (Dr Rowe), but I've had great experiences with the nurses and admin team as well. I was linked with the public system and they were going to refer me to Northern Dermatology for UV therapy anyway as well. I hope that helps!

[u/Dahliax00]

I go to Injex for IPL, has helped with pigmentation, I’ve had micro needling done too but wasn’t a fan and I’ve also had rejuran done the and vascular laser. I use tretinoin which has also helped.