Melasma Treatment
Melasma can feel like an unwelcome visitor that refuses to leave. Those dark, patchy areas on your face can affect your confidence and seem impossible to shift with regular skincare. At Dr N Clinics, Dr Nugwa understands the challenges of treating melasma and offers proven treatment options that address this stubborn pigmentation. With a physician-led approach and personalised care, we help you take control of your skin’s appearance and work towards clearer, more even-toned skin.
What is Melasma Treatment
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that appears as dark, patchy discolouration on the face. It typically shows up as blotchy areas darker than your surrounding skin, usually on both sides of the face. You’ll most commonly see it on the cheeks, forehead, chin, and just above the lip, creating a mask-like appearance. Melasma occurs in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women due to its hormonal component. It affects people with naturally brown skin more frequently, particularly those with Fitzpatrick skin types three and above. The condition involves overproduction of melanin in affected areas, triggered by hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetic factors.
Treatment options
- Chemical peels to address excess melanin
- Tranexamic acid intradermal injections for stubborn cases
- Medical grade topical creams including kojic acid
- Hydroquinone treatments under careful supervision
- LED light therapy
- Laser treatments for targeted pigmentation
- Combination therapy approaches
Key benefits
Our melasma treatments target multiple aspects of pigmentation for comprehensive results.
- Reduces dark patches and evens skin tone
- Addresses the underlying causes of pigmentation
- Prevents recurring hyperpigmentation
- Works at multiple stages of melanin production
- Improves overall skin brightness and clarity
- Offers both in-clinic and at-home treatment options
- Provides lasting results with proper maintenance
How long does the treatment last?
Melasma treatment requires patience and commitment. This is not a condition that clears overnight, but with the right approach, significant improvement is absolutely achievable. The timeline depends on how severe your melasma is, how long you’ve had it, and which treatments work best for your skin.
Most clients begin to see improvement after several weeks of consistent treatment. For intradermal tranexamic acid injections, we typically recommend seven sessions spaced two weeks apart, with noticeable improvement becoming visible partway through the treatment course. Chemical peels and topical treatments work gradually, building results over months. The key to lasting results is ongoing sun protection and maintenance treatments. Melasma can recur if triggers like sun exposure or hormonal changes aren’t managed, so we work with you on a long-term plan to keep your skin clear.
Treatment Options for Melasma Treatment
Tranexamic Acid Intradermal Injections
Highly effective for stubborn melasma that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
- Targets melasma at a cellular level
- Shows noticeable improvement after several sessions
- Seven sessions protocol with excellent results
Medical Grade Topical Treatments
Professional strength creams and serums for daily use at home.
- Kojic acid reduces melanin production
- Hydroquinone offers gold standard results when used carefully
- Works continuously between clinic visits
Microneedling
Stimulates skin renewal whilst allowing better penetration of topical treatments.
- Enhances absorption of pigmentation-fighting ingredients
- Promotes collagen production for healthier skin
- Effective when combined with other treatments
Chemical Peels
Works to remove excess melanin and stimulate healthy skin renewal.
- Addresses pigmentation and skin texture together
- Promotes collagen production for brighter skin
- Can be tailored to your skin type
LED Light Therapy
Gentle, non-invasive treatment that supports skin healing and pigmentation reduction.
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- No downtime required
- Complements other treatment methods
Laser Treatments
Targeted approach for specific areas of pigmentation.
- Precise treatment of dark patches
- Effective for resistant melasma
- Must be performed by experienced practitioners
At a glance
Treatment time
Varies by treatment type. Tranexamic acid injections take around 30 minutes including numbing time. Chemical peels typically take 45 minutes to an hour. Topical treatments are applied at home daily as directed by Dr Nugwa.
Anaesthetic
Topical numbing cream (4% lidocaine) for injections
Recovery time
Minimal, varies by treatment
Duration of result
Months to years with maintenance
Sessions
Multiple sessions required, typically 7 for tranexamic acid injections
Results
Gradual improvement over weeks to months
Aftercare
Sun protection is essential daily, even on cloudy days. Use SPF 50 or higher and reapply regularly. Avoid triggers like excessive heat and hormonal fluctuations where possible. Continue prescribed topical treatments as directed. Gentle skincare only for 24-48 hours post-treatment.
Prices
Pricing information is available during your consultation. Dr Nugwa will discuss treatment costs based on your personalised treatment plan, the severity of your melasma, and the number of sessions recommended for optimal results.
| Dr Nugwa | |
|---|---|
| Standard Package (3 months) | from £550 |
| Advanced Package (3 months) | from £750 |
| Premium Package (6 months) | from £1200 |
| Membership (annual) find out more | from £3000 |
Frequently asked questions
If you would like to discuss any concerns with your provider or have any other questions regarding your medical history, please get in touch.
What causes melasma?
Melasma has multiple triggers. Hormonal changes are a major factor, which is why it’s common during pregnancy (called chloasma), when using oral contraceptives, or during HRT. Sun exposure and UV light also trigger melasma. There’s often a familial component too. If your mother had melasma, you’re more likely to develop it.
Can melasma be cured permanently?
Melasma can be effectively treated and managed, but it may recur if triggers aren’t controlled. With proper treatment, sun protection, and maintenance care, many clients achieve long-lasting clear skin. The key is ongoing management rather than expecting a one-time cure.
Why hasn’t my melasma responded to over-the-counter products?
Melasma is notoriously stubborn and often requires medical-grade treatments to see improvement. Over-the-counter products typically aren’t strong enough to address the deep pigmentation. Professional treatments work at multiple stages of melanin production for better results.
Is melasma treatment safe for darker skin tones?
Absolutely. Dr Nugwa has extensive experience treating melasma in skin of colour. However, treatments must be performed carefully by someone who understands how darker skin responds. Incorrect treatment can actually worsen hyperpigmentation, which is why choosing an experienced practitioner is crucial.
How is tranexamic acid injection different from other treatments?
Tranexamic acid injections work differently from topical treatments or peels. They’re injected directly into the affected skin, targeting melasma at a cellular level. This approach is particularly effective for stubborn melasma that hasn’t responded well to other methods.
Will my melasma come back after treatment?
Melasma can recur, especially if you’re exposed to triggers like sun, heat, or hormonal changes. However, with proper sun protection and maintenance treatments, many clients keep their melasma under control long-term. We’ll create a maintenance plan to help prevent recurrence.
Can I treat melasma during pregnancy?
Some treatments aren’t suitable during pregnancy. If you develop melasma whilst pregnant (chloasma), we recommend waiting until after you’ve finished breastfeeding to begin treatment. In the meantime, excellent sun protection is essential.
Why choose Dr N Clinics?
Dr Nugwa understands that melasma affects more than just your appearance. It impacts your confidence and how you feel every day. With extensive experience treating melasma in all skin types, particularly skin of colour, she knows what works and what doesn’t. Our approach combines proven medical treatments with realistic expectations and ongoing support. We don’t offer quick fixes or false promises. Instead, we create personalised treatment plans based on your skin type, the severity of your melasma, and your lifestyle. You’ll have direct access to Dr Nugwa throughout your treatment journey, ensuring you’re never left with unanswered questions or concerns.