Facial treatment
Dermamelan®
Price
550 CHF / session
outpatient treatment covers and home cream
What is it for
Dermamelan is one of the few non-invasive treatments with proven efficacy in the treatment and management of melasma. It is a topical skin-lightening procedure reserved for physicians to reduce or completely eliminate the excess pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) that often characterises certain areas of the face, particularly the upper lip, forehead, cheekbones and cheeks. Melasma, in fact, does not yet have a treatment that is definitely effective and free of side effects. Lasers and peelings have shown their limits over time and in some cases have even proved counterproductive, worsening the initial situation. Through the targeted action of the active ingredients contained in Dermamelan, the effect obtained is that of a considerable reduction in the intensity of skin blemishes, while at the same time improving their tone and radiance. The treatment is particularly suitable for all skin types, even for darker phototypes, because its effectiveness has been proven even in those cases that are considered particularly difficult to manage. During the treatment period with Dermamelan there is also a clear improvement in any acne-related manifestations. Some patients in fact present with melasma mixed with acne-prone skin and already after just a few weeks of treatment overall improvements in skin texture are not slow to appear.
How it works
Melanin is deposited in skin cells (keratinocytes) by tiny particles, smaller than a cell, called melanosomes. These are in turn produced by melanocytes (the cells that actively produce melanin in our skin). Through their migration within the cells of the epidermis, melanosomes determine the natural colouring of the skin, the tan but also many of the dark spots that appear on our face, including melasma. Dermamelan does not act on melanin but on the melanosome, thus inhibiting the production of melanin, the cause of the appearance of spots, at its origin. Its action is gradual over time. The treatment involves an initial outpatient session with an initial application of a cream that must be left on the face for about 4-6 hours (the patient returns home and removes the product at the time agreed with the doctor). The home treatment then follows, which involves applying a cream in the evening, widely over the face, following the instructions given by the doctor, which will vary from case to case so as to customise the procedure as much as possible. The home treatment will last a few months and the whole procedure will be carried out during the autumn/winter period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is not only indicated, but in the case of particularly sensitive skin it is the treatment we recommend, as compared to other treatments, it does not involve any particular side effects or risks.
The entire Dermamelan treatment process lasts 4 to 6 months and is carried out at home by the patient on the precise instructions of the dermatologist. After a preliminary examination, the subsequent treatments and check-ups are scheduled. After completion of the initial cycle, the evolutionary state of the spots must be monitored with less intensive treatments and regular check-ups.
Redness of the skin may appear in some cases after removal of the outpatient mask or in the days following application of the home cream. These rednesses are very manageable and resolve spontaneously or after applying a soothing cream suggested by the doctor. With the first few treatments, some exfoliation of the skin is possible, which tends to gradually decrease over the weeks.
On average, the results are very noticeable. The patient will spontaneously notice the benefits, especially if she has already tried other treatments in the past to remove this type of blemish without success. Effectiveness is however variable from case to case, so it is not possible to make a pre-treatment estimate of the degree of improvement. The only guarantee one has is that improvement is visible in all cases and no pictures of worsening melasma are possible following the use of Dermamelan.
No, Dermamelan acts as a melanosome inhibitor but does not completely suppress its activity. So interrupting the application partially reactivates melanin production which could trigger new hyper-pigmentation. This is why it is necessary to monitor the evolution of the spots over time and to set up a maintenance protocol that is as effective as it is easy to carry out.