Our Nurse Practitioners
Our highly respected nurse practitioners combine the training and experience of accomplished medical professionals with the warm, personalized service you expect at a luxury med spa.
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White Orchid Spa
3500 Ocean Drive
Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: (772) 231-1133
Monday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Melasma Treatments
If you are frustrated by irregular dark patches of discoloration on your face, you may be struggling with melasma. Once it develops, this stubborn condition requires special treatments that the providers at White Orchid Spa are well acquainted with; they understand the frustration and emotional toll melasma can bring. In fact, many of our providers struggle with melasma themselves. We welcome you to visit us in Vero Beach for a customized melasma treatment approach in a private and welcoming spa environment.
Melasma Treatment Before & After Photos
What Is Melasma?
Hyperpigmentation is an overproduction of pigment in the skin (melanin) that can be caused by an injury, sun exposure, or even the natural aging process. Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that forms patches of dark pigment in the skin. Although hyperpigmentation can develop all over the body, melasma is typically limited to the following areas:
- Forehead
- Cheeks
- Bridge of the nose
- Above the upper lip (sometimes called a “sun mustache”)
- Chin
Less commonly, melasma can develop on the neck and forearms.
What Causes Melasma?
While its cause is not entirely understood, melasma seems to be linked to genetics. If someone in your family has melasma, you are more likely to develop it. Melasma is more common in women than men and in people with darker skin types. We do know there are multiple triggers for melasma, which commonly include:
- Sun exposure
- Pregnancy (often called the “mask of pregnancy”)
- Heat
- Hormones
- Certain medications
What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Melasma?
Melasma does not respond to many of the treatments typically used for excess pigment—even worse, it can be aggravated by some treatments. For those reasons, it’s important to choose a provider who understands the condition and has successfully treated it. At White Orchid Spa, we have found that a combination therapy approach is the most effective way to treat melasma.
Depending on the melasma’s severity, we typically begin with topical skincare products for home use. We formulate our Custom Prescriptive White Orchid Spa products with skin-lightening ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide. We may also recommend one or more of the following medical spa treatments:
- Complexion Correction MD Peel
- VI Peel® (Precision Plus)
- Halo™ hybrid fractional laser
- NeoSkin® by Aerolase®
Melasma Treatment Comparison
| Treatment | What to Expect | Safe For | Social Downtime | Number of Treatments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complexion Correction MD Peel | Applied in the office & removed at home 6 to 12 hours later. Special cream applied at home for maintenance. | All skin types | 7 to 10 days | 1 plus a touch up |
| VI Peel | Applied in the office & removed at home 4 hours later. | All skin types | 3 to 4 days | A series of 3 to 4 |
| Halo Laser (Melasma Setting) | Office treatment performed with numbing cream. | All skin types | 1 to 3 days | A series of 1 to 3 |
Personalized Melasma Treatment Plans
Before recommending any treatment, we develop an individualized treatment plan during a complimentary consultation. Because there is no cure for melasma, it often requires a lifetime of continued maintenance treatments and precautions. Our practitioners often develop a trusting and supportive relationship with our clients who see us for melasma treatment over time.
Prevention Is Key
The most effective treatment for melasma is prevention, which includes:
- Using a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreen all year-round (such as IMAGE Skincare Prevention + Daily Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30 or ISDIN Clinical Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen SPF 50+ available in clear and tinted)
- Limiting sun exposure
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors
Treatment Planner
Our extensive menu of med spa treatments addresses a range of skin care and body contouring concerns. It’s not always easy, though, to know which procedure—or procedures—is the best option. The interactive treatment planner removes much of the guesswork. Select the condition you’re interested in treating, and you’ll see a list of possible treatment options with links to learn more.
Plan Your Treatment
Schedule a Consultation
White Orchid Spa attracts residents from the Treasure Coast and visitors from all over because of our proven success with treating melasma. Request a consultation with one of our nurse practitioners using the online form or call us at (772) 231-1133 to schedule an appointment.