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Melasma, or patchy pigmentation of the face, is one of the most stubborn and distressing skin concerns among Australian women. It can arise

for the first time during the oestrogen surge of pregnancy and usually fades after birth, although in some women it persists. In other cases it’s caused by factors such as the oral contraceptive pill, UV damage or a combination.

It’s occasionally seen in men, especially those with olive or darker complexions from southern Europe, the Middle East or Asia.

Melasma is notoriously frustrating to treat and can recur, especially in a sun-drenched climate like ours (thus sun protection is vital all day, every day, rain or shine). Many options are available to combat the stubborn discolouration – from topical lightening products, peels and microdermabrasion to light and laser technologies, with varying degrees of efficacy.

Cosmetic physician Dr Buddy Beaini, of MD Cosmedical Solutions in Sydney, says he has achieved outstanding results on melasma patients using the new Fraxel re:pair 600nm laser. ‘This is a new device that is particularly effective on melasma, as well as fine lines and other forms of pigmentation such as freckles,’ he says.

‘I have found it very effective for patients who have tried many different treatments for melasma, that have either not been effective or have actually made the condition worse. This is primarily because the Fraxel re:pair 600nm

doesn’t create heat in the skin. It’s not painful and there is no downtime. In seven days the pigmented skin dusts off, leaving the patient with a clearer, brighter, far more even-toned complexion. It can be used on any part of the body – for instance, décolletage, hands and arms.

‘I recommend two treatments within three months but I had one patient with chronic melasma, who’d tried absolutely everything, achieve outstanding results after just one treatment with the Fraxel 600nm. She is thrilled.’

Non-surgical anti-ageing treatments are highly sought after by patients who want to combat signs of ageing, sun damage and skin laxity without going under the knife, as well as address conditions such as acne scarring. Patients are increasingly requesting treatments that involve minimal discomfort and little downtime so their daily routines continue without interruption.

Dr Beaini says Fraxel lasers and the skin-tightening system, Thermage CPT, can be an ideal treatment team.

Thermage CPT (Comfort Pulse Technology) is a non-invasive procedure that tightens and renews the skin’s collagen in all three layers. ‘It involves the use of radiofrequency technology to effectively tighten existing skin collagen and stimulate the production of new collagen within all skin layers, as well as the collagen strands within the subcutaneous tissue,’ explains Dr Beaini.

By renewing the skin’s collagen, Thermage improves the skin’s texture and helps to reduce sagging skin, as well

skin skin

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Two months AFTER Thermage treatment. Photos courtesy of Bonnie Straka, MD.

Two weeks AFTER two Fraxel re:store treatments. Photos courtesy of Solta Medical.

One month AFTER three Fraxel re:store treatments. Photos courtesy of Dr E Rostan.

One month AFTER three Fraxel re:store treatments. Photos courtesy of Dr D Cohen

Two months AFTER Thermage treatment. Photos courtesy of Martin Safko, MD

as helping to recontour the jaw line and under the chin. It softens wrinkles around the mouth, eyes and forehead, and many patients report an overall improvement of fine lines and wrinkles.

‘One Thermage treatment can make a patient look and feel years younger and can last three to four years in most individuals,’ Dr Beaini says. Thermage can also be used on other parts of the body. ‘By far, the most popular area is the face and neck for non-surgical brow lifting, face lifting, jowl tightening and neck tightening. The next most popular is tightening skin on the tummy, although other suitable areas include under the arms, above the knees, the buttocks, thighs, and hands.’

Fraxel laser treatment uses microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into the dermis to create tiny wounds, triggering the body’s natural response system to heal those wounds. This process expedites the body’s remodelling of collagen and elastin, resulting in tighter, fresher, more youthful-looking skin.

The laser columns target only a fraction of skin at a time, leaving the surrounding tissue intact – but the areas the laser doesn’t touch are just as vital to skin rejuvenation. This ‘fractional’ treatment allows the body to heal the skin faster than if the whole area was treated at once.

Fraxel laser treatments vary in strength, downtime, the amount of procedures needed and the final results. ‘I use Fraxel re:store for fine lines, pigmentation, acne scars, sun-damaged skin, stretch marks, keloid scars and large pores,’ says Dr Beaini. ‘I find the Fraxel CO2 Dual Laser is the best option for skin tightening, improving deep lines, smokers’ lines, deep scars and severely sun-damaged skin.’

Dr Beaini recommends using Thermage and Fraxel in a synergistic way. ‘When combined, further skin tightening and face lifting can be achieved to maximise results,’ he says. ‘Whether you have sun damage, wrinkles or other signs of facial ageing, I believe Fraxel and Thermage treatments deliver remarkable results with relatively quick recovery. They can offer an effective solution to improve the appearance of the skin, postponing or even negating the need for more invasive procedures.’ csbm

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CLEAR SMOOTH

SYDNEY COSMETIC PHYSICIAN DR BUDDY BEAINI SAYS THE NEW FRAXEL RE:PAIR LASER CAN SUCCESSFULLY TREAT STUBBORN MELASMA AND PIGMENTATION JENNI GILBERT REPORTS.