New Study Highlights Better Treatment Option for Melasma Patients

April 28, 2010 - PRLog -- PHOENIX, AZ, April 28, 2010 ― Treatment with the Q-Switched YAG Laser provides new hope for the more than six million American women suffering from melasma, according to a new study by Dr. David J. Goldberg, a leading dermatologist and director of Skin & Laser Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey.  The study found that treatment with the Q-Switched YAG Laser is gentler and can provide dramatically better results than have been achieved by current melasma treatment protocols.   The results of the study were presented at the 30th annual American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) Conference in Phoenix on April 15, 2010 and will be submitted for publication.

Melasma is a common condition in which large brown patches and spots form on the face and other sun-exposed skin.  Melasma most often affects women and is more common in those with darker skin tone.    

According to Dr. Goldberg, “Until now, many traditional treatment options for melasma have failed to measurably improve the condition, and in some cases, may even make it worse.  But now, there’s new hope for people who suffer from melasma.  Our study shows that treatment with the Q-Switched YAG Laser provides a gentle and very targeted way to improve the appearance of melasma.  While it’s not a cure, this new treatment is a godsend for melasma sufferers because it’s easy, inexpensive and works dramatically better than current treatments.”

Since it’s estimated to affect between 50% and 70% of all pregnant women, melasma is often known as the “mask of pregnancy.” But melasma is not just a pregnancy issue.  For countless women, melasma can become a chronic condition that severely affects their quality of life and self-esteem.  Because even slight sun exposure can make melasma worse, chronic melasma can prevent some patients from going outdoors, while embarrassment over their appearance can cause significant emotional distress.  
 
Dr. Goldberg’s study followed 10 women with chronic melasma that had been resistant to traditional treatment.  The women were treated with the Q-Switched YAG Laser over a 10-week period.  All ten patients showed dramatic improvement in their condition after weekly treatments of less than five minutes each.  The Q-Switched YAG Laser has been FDA-approved and used for decades for tattoo removal and to treat liver spots but, until recently, has not been widely used to treat melasma in the United States.  Dr. Goldberg’s study confirms the results of similar studies in Thailand, where the Q-Switched YAG Laser has shown promise in treating melasma in recent years.  

The Q-Switched YAG laser works by emitting specialized light that passes gently through the skin and specifically targets unwanted pigment changes caused by melasma.  The laser energy causes the pigments to break up and fade, leaving skin smoother and clearer.  

Dr. Goldberg said, “This new study is very exciting because it allows us to offer melasma patients a new treatment option that uses gentle and time-tested laser technology to achieve superior results. “

Dr. Goldberg is currently offering this new melasma treatment option for patients at the Skin & Laser Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey offices.  For further information about melasma, visit http://www.skinandlasers.com or call 561-367-9101.  

About David J. Goldberg, M.D.

Dr. David J. Goldberg is recognized nationally and internationally for his innovative work with cosmetic dermatology, skin lasers, and facial rejuvenation techniques. A board-certified dermatologist who has been in practice since 1985, he has treated patients and taught doctors throughout the world in the use of these cutting-edge technologies. Under his direction, Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey has been a pioneer in making cosmetic dermatology and skin laser technologies available to the public.  For more information about cosmetic dermatology or Dr. Goldberg, visit http://www.skinandlasers.com or call 561-367-9101.  

Contact:
Kimberly Winkler
Marketing Manager
Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center
Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New and New Jersey
4800 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, Fl 33431
561-367-9101 x264
kimberly@smacboca.com

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One of the premier laser and cosmetic dermatology treatment, research and training centers in the US, Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey is a state-of-the-art facility using advanced laser and cosmetic dermatology approaches.