Melasma Treatment in Portland, OR
A medical-grade plan built around the Aerolase Neo laser on conservative settings, so stubborn pigment fades without overheating the skin that produces it.
See Your Results Before You Book
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See Your PotentialMelasma Results From Our Treatment Room
Melasma fades in stages. Each of these patients was treated with a series of sessions, not a single visit.
Individual results vary. See more results in our gallery
What Melasma Is and Why It Returns
Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation. Pigment cells in the skin become overactive and lay down brown or gray-brown patches, usually in a matching pattern on both sides of the face.
It is one of the most stubborn pigment concerns because it is chronic. Treatment can lighten it a great deal, but the same triggers that started it can bring it back. Heat matters as much as sunlight, which is why a treatment that runs hot can leave melasma darker than before.
Where It Usually Appears
What Sets It Off
- SunlightUV and visible light darken existing patches quickly
- HormonesPregnancy, birth control and hormone therapy
- HeatWarmth stimulates pigment cells, including heat from aggressive treatments
- GeneticsMelasma often runs in families and is more common in medium and deeper skin tones
Melasma, Sun Spots or Post-Acne Marks
Three kinds of brown pigment look alike but need different care. Your provider confirms which one you have first.
| Concern | How it looks | Typical cause | How we approach it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melasma | Larger brown or gray-brown patches with blurred edges, matching on both sides of the face | Sun, visible light, heat, hormones and genetics working together | A gentle series: Aerolase Neo on conservative settings, peels, targeted skincare and strict sun protection |
| Sun spots | Smaller, sharply defined spots that build up with age | Years of cumulative sun exposure on the face, chest and hands | Targeted pigment treatment of individual spots after assessment |
| Post-acne marks | Flat brown marks exactly where a breakout or irritation healed | Inflammation from acne, picking or skin injury | Calm active breakouts first, then fade the marks left behind |
How We Treat Melasma Without Overheating Skin
Aerolase Neo leads every melasma plan we build. Its short-pulse energy targets excess pigment while limiting heat build-up in the skin, so we can work on the patches without provoking new ones.
- Conservative settings, adjusted to how your skin responds
- No anesthesia needed; the handpiece moves systematically over the treatment area
- A series of sessions spaced weeks apart rather than one aggressive visit
- Designed for a wide range of skin tones, assessed for your skin type first
Rejuv Perfect 10 Chemical Peel
A medical-grade peel exfoliates pigmented surface cells. Alternated with laser sessions, it keeps progress steady. Deeper peels are spaced at least a month apart.
SkinPen Microneedling
For some patients, SkinPen microneedling joins the plan to even out tone and texture, as in the six-session result above.
Our Own Skincare Line
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and a targeted routine from our medical-grade line protect each gain between visits.
Signs Melasma Is Behind Your Patches
Melasma treatment suits adults whose pigment fits the pattern below and who are ready to protect their skin from sun and heat between visits.
- Brown or gray-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or chin
- Patches that mirror each other on both sides of the face
- Pigment that appeared during pregnancy or after starting birth control
- Patches that darken every summer or after heat exposure
- Melasma that got worse after a previous laser or strong peel
- Medium or deeper skin that needs a laser chosen with care
When to Pause First
Many melasma treatments are postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Any spot that grows, changes shape, itches or bleeds needs a medical exam before cosmetic treatment begins.
Your Melasma Plan, Step by Step
Because melasma reacts easily, every step is planned to protect your skin.
- Visit one
Consultation
Your provider evaluates your pigment, asks about hormones, sun exposure and past treatments, and confirms whether Aerolase Neo suits you.
- Several weeks
Skin Preparation
Retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids or pigment-lightening creams may prime the skin at home first.
- Weeks apart
Treatment Series
The skin is cleansed and treated with Aerolase Neo on conservative settings, with peels alternated in when they help.
- Ongoing
Aftercare and Upkeep
Strict sun protection after every session. We adjust the plan to how your skin responds, then set a maintenance routine.
Patients on Their Melasma Progress
Emiko K., Google review★★★★★"I have been seeing Dr. Mesnier about my melasma. After three weeks I saw major changes. My melasma is much lighter and I continue to work with the staff at Ortho-Rejuv on treating my melasma."
Edna G., Google review★★★★★"From the beginning of summer until now, my acne has drastically improved, and my dark melasma/uneven tone has also noticeably faded."
Founded by Dr. Natalie Mesnier, MD
Dr. Natalie Mesnier, MD
Dr. Mesnier founded our Northeast Portland medspa to bring medical-grade skin care under one roof.
Melasma treatments are provided by our team of Certified Advanced Estheticians and medical staff, with every plan built on a one-on-one skin assessment.
Melasma Treatment Questions
What patients ask most before starting a melasma plan.
Can melasma be cured?
Melasma is a chronic condition. It can be lightened a great deal and kept under control, but it can return, especially after sun or heat exposure. That is why every plan we build ends with a maintenance routine and daily sun protection.
What is the most effective treatment for melasma?
No single treatment works for everyone, and the strongest option is rarely the right one because heat can darken melasma. Our plans pair the Aerolase Neo laser on conservative settings with medical-grade chemical peels, targeted skincare and strict sun protection. Your provider adjusts the mix as your skin responds.
Can laser make melasma worse?
Yes, an aggressive heat-based laser can trigger more pigment. We use the Aerolase Neo with conservative settings and build treatment gradually. Heat-based resurfacing is only considered later, if at all, after careful assessment.
How many sessions will I need?
Melasma is treated as a series, with sessions spaced weeks apart. The number depends on the depth of your pigment and how your skin responds. Your provider reviews progress at each visit and adjusts the plan.
Is Aerolase safe for darker skin?
Aerolase technology is designed for a wide range of skin tones, which is why it leads our melasma plans. Your provider assesses your skin first and chooses settings for your skin type.
How much does melasma treatment cost in Portland, OR?
Cost depends on the size of the area, the number of Aerolase Neo sessions, whether peels are included and your home skincare. Every plan is priced individually, and you receive an exact quote at your consultation before any treatment begins. Our current menu is on the pricing page, and payment plans are available through Cherry.
Can I treat melasma during pregnancy?
Many melasma treatments are postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Sun protection still matters during this time. Talk through your situation with your provider at consultation so the plan starts at the right moment.
Cost of Melasma Treatment in Portland, OR
Melasma is treated as a series, so every plan is priced individually. You receive an exact quote at your consultation before any treatment begins. Your quote reflects:
- The size of the treatment area
- The number of Aerolase Neo sessions
- Whether chemical peels are included
- Your home skincare routine
See current rates on our medspa pricing page, and spread the cost with monthly payment plans through Cherry on our financing page.
Start With a Consultation
Have your pigment assessed and leave with a plan built for melasma.
