AESTHETIC TREATMENTS
MaQX Clear: laser for melasma
A multi-faceted approach with long term results.
- Targets superficial and deep pigmentation
- Rejuvenates skin
- Treats vascular components of melasma
MaQX Clear is a laser procedure specifically developed for the management of melasma. It targets both the pigmentation and blood vessel components of the condition, as well as enhancing the development of new skin cells.
Although it produces excellent results which last many months, laser treatment for melasma must always be considered part of an overall treatment regimen which includes protection from sunlight and the use of topical skin care products such as retinoids and vitamin C which also help reduce pigmentation.
The MaQX Clear process
MaQX Clear treatments involve 3 or 4 phases, depending on the clinical features of melasma being treated:
- Step 1: Treating brown pigmentation.
- Step 2: Treating micro blood vessels that cause redness.
- Step 3: Fractional rejuvenation treatment to stimulate turnover of skin cells.
- Step 4: Visible vessels, i.e. “broken capillaries”.
Treatment is repeated every 4 weeks. Four to eight treatments are required.
MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci
How it’s done
Laser appointments usually last about 1 hour. The treatment area is cleaned, and you will be asked to wear glasses or goggles to protect your eyes. The treating doctor or nurse will systematically guide the laser over the treatment area.
The laser emits a pulse of light from 4mm to 8mm in diameter. The pulses are about 1 second apart. The laser light is guided across the treatment area in a “painting” motion, varying between up-and-down and side-to-side motions, making sure that the entire area is covered.
During treatment, your skin may feel warm, but there is usually minimal discomfort. Once the treatment area is completely covered, your skin will be cleaned, and a soothing balm or silicone gel and sunscreen will be applied.
How to prepare
Get better result and reduce downtime by following these steps.
Keep your skin as pale as possible.
Avoid unprotected sun exposure on the area to be treated. Wear sunscreen and a hat if your face will be treated.
Don’t apply fake tan or take supplements that promote tanning.
Don’t apply tinted cosmetics, tinted moisturiser or tinted sunscreen.
Don’t apply any of the following to the area to be treated:
- Topical products containing retinoids, tretinoin, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs.
- Perfume or essential oils.
If you are taking medication, check the list at Dermnet and if you are taking any of these medications, ask your prescribing doctor if it’s safe to stop taking it for 2-3 days before your laser procedure. If not, contact us, and our doctor or registered nurse will provide advice.
In the morning, wash your skin using a gentle, non-soap cleanser.
Don’t apply any skin products to the area other than low-irritant sunscreen with no pigment.
Please don’t apply make-up on the day of treatment.
For the first few days, you need to manage discomfort and inflammation. Melasma pigmentation should darken several hours after treatment and then lighten after 7-10 days. After this, it’s important to recommence topical skin care products for melasma to maintain the effect.
It’s essential to avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible.
Learn more about laser aftercare.
Side effects and warnings
Both laser and intense pulsed light can damage the eyes. Glasses or goggles must be worn at all times.
Intense treatments can cause skin irritation and redness, bleeding, burns, blisters or bruising. Before administering a treatment likely to cause such side effects, we will advise what to expect and provide information about aftercare.
Melasma is a long term condition which worsens easily on exposure to light. It’s common for it to reoccur after laser treatment, particularly in darker-skinned people.
Avoid known photosensitising drugs and chemicals before light-based treatments such as laser, IPL/BBL and LED light therapy. If you are taking these medications, be sun smart every day.
More infoCold sores are a known side effect of surgical, laser and IPL treatments. You can reduce the risk by taking antiviral medication before treatment, or immediately if you notice the onset of cold sore symptoms after your treatment.
More infoRedness, swelling, blisters and sores are often a common result of aesthetic and skin cancer treatments. In most cases, they can be managed easily and settle gradually over the following weeks. However, it’s important to notify the clinic if you are very uncomfortable or concerned about your reaction being abnormal.
More infoBruising is common after procedures involving bleeding. It appears as a blue or purple patch under the skin and gradually changes colour and fades over 1-2 weeks.
More info
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