Who gets Melasma?
Although it can affect anyone, melasma is particularly common in women, especially
pregnant women and those who are taking certain oral contraceptives or hormone replacement
therapy medications.
Melasma is especially common in women aged 20-40.
Only 10% of those affected are men. Dark-skinned races, particularly Hispanics, Asians,
Indians, people from the Middle East, and Northern Africa, tend to have melasma more than
others.
What are the cause
of Melasma?
Melasma is most often caused by the hormonal changes or fluctuations of pregnancy, which
make your skin more likely to develop dark patches of pigment when exposed to sunlight.
However, melasma can occur independently of pregnancy and can even affect men.
Ultraviolet light from the sun, and even very strong light from light bulbs, can stimulate
pigment-producing cells, or melanocytes in the skin. People with skin of colour have more
active melanocytes than those with light skin. These melanocytes produce a large amount of
pigment under normal conditions, but this production increases even further when
stimulated by light exposure or an increase in hormone levels. Incidental exposure to the
sun is mainly the reason for recurrences of melasma.
Women with a light brown skin type who are living in regions with intense sun exposure are
particularly susceptible to developing Melasma.
Any irritation of the skin may cause an increase in pigmentation in dark-skinned
individuals, which may also worsen melasma. Melasma is not associated with any internal
diseases or organ malfunction.
Genetic predisposition is also a major factor in determining whether someone will develop
melasma.
The incidence of melasma also increases in patients with thyroid disease. It is thought
that the overproduction of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) brought on by stress can
cause outbreaks of this condition. Other rare causes of melasma include allergic reaction
to medications and cosmetics.
Our treatment:
Chemical Peels
There are various types of chemical peels there aim is to remove
pigmentation and resurface the skin. The result is a dramatically softer, smoother younger
look, so rejuvenating the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and scarring.
What do
you need to do before a peel?
You may be placed on a home care programme for at least 2-3 weeks prior to your first
peel. This is important, as your skin must be prepared for the peel.
The home care programme will consist of a selection of products, which
will introduce your skin to the program. This plays an important part of the overall peel
procedure, as continuous home care programme is important in the success of your peels.
A factor 30 sun block is always included in the home care programme.
How the treatment
is carried out
During the treatment you may experience a mild stinging sensation, which will disappear
quickly.
Some pinkness may occur depending on the sensitivity of the skin. In
some instances flaking of the skin after your peel is normal, this should subside during
the first few days post peel.
How much does it cost?
The exact price we quote is completely individual and depends on many factors and can only
be properly determined by our fully qualified Doctor or Nurse who will assess your
condition and guide you to the most suitable treatment options.
We have developed a policy to offer the best advanced treatments at the most competitive
and affordable prices. Our aim is to give Harley Street Service at High Street prices.
This consultation is completely free, our friendly and highly professional staff will
quickly put you at ease.
Before and After Pictures
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Before treatment, Erika was very conscious of the patches on her skin.
A few days after the peel her skin began to flake away, leaving a clear, glowing
complexion. |
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Now - Celebrity Health
I thought I'd developed age spots at 30. Three years ago, DJ Erika North developed
disfiguring brown patches on her face. She tells how it affected her confidence and the
treatment that's changed her life.
read more
You can hear Erika every weekday between 4-7pm on Heart 106.2 FM.
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before treatment after treatment
About us
Over the past 25 years The Private Clinic has established an outstanding reputation for
quality, care and innovation and has brought many of the most effective new treatments to
the UK.
The firm focus on safe, modern, non-invasive treatments has attracted some of the most
experienced medical staff in the UK to join the team at the Clinic.
Our large medical team includes Doctors, Surgeons, Dermatologists and Qualified Nurses.
We have treated more than 40,000 patients.
To make an appointment call 0800 599 9911
or fill this form
To request a brochure click here
ADDRESS
98 Harley Street, London W1G 7HZ
Nearest Underground stations are: Oxford Circus, Baker Street and Great Portland Street
Location map
St.James's Building, 79 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6EJ
Nearest British Rail Station: Oxford Road
Location map
FAX: London Fax: 020 7409 7854 - Manchester Fax: 0161 236 5094
EMAIL: data@theprivateclinic.co.uk
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