Can melasma be permanently cured?

Melasma is a chronic condition, which means it cannot be permanently "cured" in the traditional sense. However, it can be controlled. With the right combination of preventative strategies and targeted treatments, you can significantly reduce pigmentation and maintain long-term stability. Your role in maintaining results, particularly with sun protection and medical-grade skincare, is just as important as in-clinic treatments.

Why does my melasma keep coming back?

Melasma tends to recur because the underlying triggers, such as UV exposure, hormones, heat, and inflammation, continue to stimulate melanocytes. Even after successful treatment, your skin remains biologically prone to producing excess pigment. This is why Dr Garara focuses on long-term management to help you stabilise these triggers and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

How long does it take to see results?

Melasma improvement is gradual. You may notice changes within a few weeks of starting treatment, particularly with topical therapies. However, more significant and stable results typically develop over several months. This reflects the time it takes to regulate melanin production and allow your skin to renew itself in a controlled, healthy way.

Do I need to avoid the sun completely?

You do not need to avoid the sun entirely, but you do need to be highly consistent with protection. Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF, reapplication, and additional measures such as hats or shade are essential. Even brief, unprotected exposure can reactivate melanocytes and undo progress, so protection becomes a key part of your long-term plan.

Can skincare alone treat melasma?

Medical-grade skincare plays an important role, particularly with tyrosinase inhibitors and retinoids, but it is rarely sufficient on its own. Melasma often involves deeper pigment and vascular components that require in-clinic treatments. Dr Garara combines both approaches to address the condition comprehensively, ensuring each layer of the problem is treated effectively.

Pigmentation - Melasma

Restore clarity and balance to your skin with advanced melasma treatment tailored to you. Dr Bhavin Garara offers highly personalised treatments using prescription topicals, chemical peels, microneedling with targeted inhibitors, Sylfirm X, and laser therapies. Each plan is carefully designed to regulate pigmentation pathways while supporting long-term skin health.

What is melasma?

Reduce stubborn facial pigmentation

Melasma is a chronic pigmentation condition in which excess melanin is produced and unevenly deposited in the skin, leading to patchy brown or grey discolouration, most often on the face. It is triggered by factors like ultraviolet exposure, hormonal influences, inflammation, and vascular changes, all of which can overstimulate melanocytes and disrupt normal pigment regulation. At Dr Bhavin's practice, your treatment focuses on identifying these underlying drivers and addressing them through a layered plan that restores skin health and balance.

Conditions

Signs and symptoms of Melasma

Patchy brown, grey-brown, or tan discolouration on the skinMost commonly appearing on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, and chinSymmetrical distribution, often affecting both sides of the faceFlat areas of pigmentation without raised texture or irritationGradual darkening over time, especially with sun exposureWorsening during hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or contraceptive usePigmentation that becomes more noticeable under heat or visible lightNo associated pain, itching, or discomfort in most cases

Quick Overview

Treatment at a Glance

Key facts about this procedure to help you understand what to expect before, during, and after your treatment.

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Treatment time

30 - 60 minutes

Recovery time

Mild peeling for 3-5 days

Anaesthesia

None required

Results duration

Long-lasting with sun protection

Discomfort level

Mild tingling

Aftercare

Strict sun avoidance. SPF 50+ daily. Follow skincare plan

Benefits of Treatments

The Real Benefits of Choosing Our Cosmetic Solutions

Gradual reduction in visible pigmentation and uneven skin tone

Improved clarity, brightness, and overall skin radiance

Regulation of melanin production at a cellular level

Targeting of both pigment and underlying vascular triggers

Strengthening of the skin barrier to reduce sensitivity and flare-ups

Enhanced effectiveness of medical-grade skincare products

Smoother skin texture through increased cellular turnover

Personalised, long-term approach to minimise recurrence

Improved confidence in your skin with a more consistent tone

Your melasma treatment with Dr Garara

Preventative strategies: Long-term control of pigmentation begins with reducing ongoing stimulation of melanocytes. Your plan will include daily photoprotection with broad-spectrum SPF, pigmentation supplements such as tranexamic acid, and tyrosinase inhibitors such as hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, and thiamidol to block the pathway responsible for melanin production.

Prescription topical therapy: Prescription-strength formulations, including retinoids and hydroquinone, are used to regulate pigment at a cellular level. Retinoids increase skin cell turnover, encouraging the shedding of pigmented cells, while hydroquinone suppresses melanin production. Together, they help fade pigmentation and prevent further accumulation.

Chemical peels and Microneedling: Chemical peels use carefully selected acids to exfoliate the upper layers of the skin, remove accumulated pigment, and stimulate regeneration. Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries while forming channels that allow tyrosinase inhibitors to penetrate more deeply, enhancing treatment efficacy for stubborn or deeper pigmentation.

Sylfirm X and Laser therapies: Sylfirm X combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to target pigment and vascular components of melasma. Picosure Pro delivers ultra-short pulses of energy that shatter pigment into microscopic particles. Vascular lasers such as Derma V target abnormal blood vessels that stimulate melanocytes, reducing signals that drive excess pigment production.