Melasma often presents as brown patches on both side of the cheeks, and is fairly common amongst Asian women and the darker skin types.
I can totally understand that patients can be quite disturbed by its appearance, especially if they cannot even conceal with makeup.
Melasma is one of the more challenging pigmentations to treat since the causes are a complex interplay of factors including age, genetic, hormonal, vascular, and sun exposure.
Having said so, there are available effective treatment options that include topical lightening creams, chemical peels, oral medications and pigmentation lasers. Sun protection measures are equally as important as well. Thus you may not even need lasers treatments.
In my years of practice treating many patients with various types of pigmentations and difficult melasma, I can say to you is that melasma can still be treated quite well with good results.
So Lizlee, I would recommend you to speak to an experienced doctor whom you are comfortable with to first verify on the type of pigmentation that you are having and the most suitable treatment options for you.
For more information on the treatments of melasma, you can read more about them in my "Ultimate Guide to Pigmentation Treatment in Singapore".
Hope this helps!
Cheers!
Dr David Ng C H
