Melasma Treatment: Cost, Procedure & Results

Melasma is a skin condition characterised by flat brownish or bluish grey patches on the skin, especially on the face. While the primary causes are genetics and hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure can aggravate it further

Hyperpigmentation is the broad classification of skin discolouration, and it can include acne spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, freckles, age spots, sun spots, tan, and melasma. Melasma is one kind of hyperpigmentation and requires expert diagnosis and treatment.

The most common areas where melasma develops include, the cheeks, chin, forehead, nose, and the area above the upper lip. In rare cases, some people may develop melasma on their jawline, necks and arms too.

How can you identify melasma? Only a qualified dermatologist can confirm it, but melasma usually appears as patchy discolouration, spots and freckles. The colour gradient varies for everyone based on the person’s natural skin tone. It ranges from different shades of brown to bluish-grey.

Here are some signs that your skin discolouration may be melasma:

• The first noticeable sign is that the patches and the spots are darker than your natural skin tone.
• Melasma usually appears on both sides of the face.
• Compared to other kinds of hyperpigmentation, melasma covers significant areas of the skin.
• It also has the tendency to appear unevenly. For example, it can be darker than others areas on the skin. Sun exposure may result in melasma like this.
• Melasma also becomes more prominent when you spend time in the sun.
• Though less common, people with light skin and men, too, can develop melasma.

Whenever you see the signs, please make sure that you consult a dermatologist.

Dark-skinned people are more prone to melasma as their skin tans easily.  This skin condition is more common among women (20-40 age groups) during pregnancy and is also known as the mask of pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations can also cause melasma. Rarely, it also occurs among men.

No studies show that certain foods or drinks contribute to melasma. However, foods rich in vitamin D, like almond milk, eggs, meat, mushrooms, oily fish, orange juice, and yogurt, can improve overall skin health.

Oliva’s dermatologists can take a look at your skin and diagnose melasma. To identify the depth of your melasma, which is critical, they use a specialised device known as the Wood’s lamp or a dermascope. It helps them customise a treatment plan. In some people, melasma can resemble other skin conditions. To rule this out, our doctors may perform a biopsy in the affected area.

The cost of melasma treatment in India can vary widely depending on the type of treatment, the clinic’s location, and the dermatologist’s expertise. Here is a general breakdown of the cost of different melasma treatments:

Topical Treatments:

Over-the-counter creams: ₹200 to ₹1,500 per month

Prescription creams: ₹500 to ₹3,000 per month

Chemical Peels:

Single session: ₹4,500 to ₹6,000

Multiple sessions (3-6 sessions): ₹12,000 to ₹25,000

Laser Treatments:

Single session: ₹9,000 to ₹12,000

Multiple sessions (3-6 sessions): ₹23,000 to ₹40,000

Note: The prices mentioned above are general estimates and can vary based on the severity of the condition, the area to be treated, and the number of sessions required. It’s important to know these potential variations and consult a dermatologist for a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate tailored to your specific needs.

How To Prevent Melasma?