Until a few years ago, there was no cold laser for melasma that had been approved for this type of treatment. That is because most of the lasers available worked by heating the skin.
Heat causes inflammation, and inflammation further stimulates the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots. The result was the so-called rebound effect, when melasma returned even more intensely after treatment.
With technological advances, cold lasers emerged, making it possible to treat melasma safely, without heating the skin and without triggering inflammation.
Why are most lasers not recommended for melasma?
Melasma is an inflammatory condition. Anything that heats the skin activates this inflammatory process and stimulates melanocytes to produce more pigment.
For this reason, traditional lasers, which release a large amount of energy at once, often worsen the condition instead of improving it. This risk of inflammation and rebound effect is exactly why most lasers are not approved for melasma treatment.
What is a cold laser for melasma?
The cold laser is a type of technology that does not generate significant heat in the skin. It acts directly on the melasma pigment, physically destroying it without heating the surrounding tissues. In this way, the treatment is both effective and safe, as it does not cause inflammation or stimulate new melanin production.
In the clinic, a laser from the Italian brand Deka is used, one of the few in the world approved for melasma treatment precisely because it operates as a cold laser.
Difference between laser and chemical peeling
For a complete treatment, it is important to understand that laser and chemical peeling act in different and complementary ways.
Chemical peeling works on the cell that produces pigment, reducing the activity of this “melanin factory.” The laser, on the other hand, does not interfere with production; it only destroys the pigment that is already deposited in the skin.
That is why combining chemical peeling with cold laser usually offers much more consistent results in controlling melasma.
Depoimentos
Temos as melhores avaliações no Google
Depoimentos
Temos as melhores avaliações no Google
The advantage of fractional and pulsed laser technology
Most common lasers release all their energy at once, generating excessive heat. The Deka laser works differently because it uses fractional and pulsed technology. This means the energy is delivered gradually, in small pulses.
This slow release prevents the skin from heating up. The laser can target the melasma pigment without causing inflammation, which drastically reduces the risk of rebound effect. It is important to note that a pulsed laser is not the same as intense pulsed light (IPL), which is a different technology.
Deka models used for melasma treatment
There are two main devices from this brand used in treatment. The Deka Smart generates a minimal amount of heat, about half a degree, which is not enough to cause inflammation or rebound effect.
The more modern model, called DekaTouch, is completely cold, generating zero heat. In addition, it has a more advanced pulse mathematics, with a triangular pulse shape, allowing deeper action and even better results.
Both are approved by American, European, and Asian health councils precisely because they are safe lasers for melasma.
The importance of correct device calibration
Even an approved laser can become a problem if it is not properly calibrated. If the energy is set incorrectly and heat is generated, the skin reenters an inflammatory process, blood vessels dilate, and melanin production increases, favoring the rebound effect.
Therefore, the success of the treatment depends on the combination of technology and medical expertise. It is not enough to have the right equipment; the professional must know how to use it correctly.
Cold laser for melasma: how many sessions are needed?
On average, between three and six laser sessions are recommended. The interval is usually one to two months between each session, depending on each patient’s individual skin response.
Does the laser hurt?
One of the biggest concerns is pain, but the cold laser causes very little discomfort. Many patients report feeling very little or almost nothing during the procedure.
Even so, a topical anesthetic is applied to ensure maximum comfort. It is not a traumatic experience, and in most cases the patient leaves the clinic without significant pain.
What is skin recovery like? When do results appear?
Because the skin is not burned, recovery is fast. Usually, a light grid-like pattern appears on the face the day after the procedure.
Within about three days, this appearance starts to fade, and between four and five days the skin is almost fully recovered. During this period, healing medications are prescribed to help regeneration.
After about ten to fifteen days, the skin usually reaches its best appearance for that laser session. Patients typically notice improvements in texture and overall skin tone.
However, one session alone is not enough to fully treat melasma, and the protocol must be repeated.
Does cold laser for melasma cause rebound effect?
The cold laser itself does not cause rebound effect. What exists is each person’s natural production of melanin, which makes continued home treatment essential, including the correct use of prescribed medications and sunscreen.
The importance of home treatment
Melasma treatment is not limited to the clinic. The use of topical medications, and in some cases oral ones, is essential to control pigment production and maintain laser results.
These instructions are individualized and provided during the medical consultation.
Who can undergo laser treatment for melasma?
This type of laser can be used on almost all skin types. Patients can maintain their normal routine, leave the house, and work, as long as they avoid direct sun exposure and prioritize shaded environments. It is not a treatment that requires time off from daily activities.
Is the treatment safe?
Yes. When performed with a laser approved for melasma and by an experienced professional, the procedure is considered safe and effective.
Patients from different professions, including those who work outdoors, undergo the treatment without complications when they follow the guidelines correctly.
Conclusion
Cold laser for melasma represents greater advance in the treatment. It destroys existing pigment without generating heat, without inflammation, and without rebound effect.
When combined with chemical peeling and a well-guided home care routine, it offers longer-lasting and safer results.
Choosing a qualified professional is decisive for treatment success and for long-term skin health.
Contact
A Clínica de Pele has specialized in dermatological treatments in Rio de Janeiro for over 60 years, since 1969.
Dr. Szerman has more than 20 years of experience and also teaches other physicians.
