Melasma

In New York City, NY

Restore Radiant Clarity

Understanding Melasma

If you’ve noticed flat, brown, or gray-brown patches on your skin that don’t itch or hurt, you may have melasma. Don’t worry! This condition is harmless. A combination of sun exposure, hormonal changes, and genetics triggers melasma. It can appear anywhere on the body or face, making people feel self-conscious about it on their skin. Melasma treatment can help reduce the appearance of pigmentation, improving your skin tone for a clearer, more radiant appearance.

If you are interested in getting an expert’s opinion on how to treat your melasma, you can schedule a consultation with Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robert Anolik at his practice in New York City.

Woman in white bathrobe examining skin in mirror during skincare routine in bright bathroom

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dark, discolored patches or spots similar to freckles. A form of hyperpigmentation, melasma occurs when overactive melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, produce excess melanin.

The patches range in color, including tan, deep brown, and blue-gray hues. They are typically flat, have irregular borders, and often appear in a nearly identical pattern on each side of the face. It is most commonly found on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip, and chin.

Melasma Treatments We Offer

The modern technology utilized in the devices Dr. Anolik uses at his practice in New York City has proven to produce exceptional results for many of his patients. Each melasma treatment is completely unique and tailored to the individual needs of his patients, ensuring they get results optimized for their specific concerns. Here are the melasma treatments offered at Anolik Dermatology:

Gentle lasers use concentrated light or acoustic energy to safely break down excess melanin in the skin. Since melasma is extremely sensitive to heat, it can cause rebound hyperpigmentation. So, Dr. Anolik uses low-heat devices to work around this and achieve the smoother skin tone you desire.

What Are Some of the Signs of Melasma

Melasma can develop gradually over weeks or months as hyperactive pigment cells produce excess melanin in response to hormonal shifts, such as those associated with pregnancy or birth control, and to sun or heat exposure. You may have melasma if you have flat, brown, or gray-brown patches on your skin that:

  • Don’t itch or hurt
  • Are symmetrical on either side of the face
  • Are on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, chin, or upper lip
  • Resemble freckles
  • Appear suddenly or noticeably darken after exposure to UV sunlight, heat, or hormonal changes.

Steps to Consider For Optimal Recovery

Recovering from melasma treatment is more than just waiting between appointments. You will need to follow Dr. Anolik’s recovery instructions to ensure you achieve the best possible results within a reasonable timeline. During your consultation and between appointments at our New York City office, Dr. Anolik will let you know what to do.

  • Wear broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily, even when indoors.
  • Wear wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Use gentle skin cleansers to avoid irritating the skin
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and activity that would cause you to sweat
  • Stay away from excessive heat, including tanning beds and hot tubs, until cleared by Dr. Anolik
first step

How to Begin Your Melasma Treatment Journey

At Anolik Dermatology in New York City, we aim to make your melasma treatment feel as safe and approachable as possible right from the get-go. Here are some things to anticipate during the beginning of your melasma treatment journey:

  • Schedule a consultation with Dr. Anolik at his New York City practice
  • Share your cosmetic concerns with him regarding your melasma
  • Dr. Anolik will examine your skin and identify all areas with melasma that are not actually freckles or other markings.
  • Go over the different treatment options and what to expect
  • Get a personalized treatment plan for your unique melasma condition that optimizes the results you are looking for
  • Schedule your first treatment session

What to Expect During Your Melasma Treatment Journey

Your melasma treatment journey requires patience and a commitment to attending appointments consistently. This will ensure you get the best possible results efficiently. All of our treatments, including melasma, are performed at our clinic at 550 Park Avenue in New York City. Dr. Anolik will always give you explicit details of how to prepare for and recover from your melasma treatment. Here are some things you can expect throughout your melasma treatment journey.

  • Dr. Anolik will apply topical numbing cream to the treatment area to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
  • PRP treatment involves drawing a small amount of blood, putting it in a centrifuge to separate the PRP, and reinjecting it into the areas with melasma
  • You will be given protective eyewear for a laser treatment
  • The aftereffects of the melasma treatment include some mild redness, swelling, and sensitivity, but this is quite tolerable
  • Attend all treatment sessions on the days Dr. Anolik suggests to ensure optimal results
  • You can contact us at any point if you have any questions
Medical professional in suit consulting with patient while holding blue medical gloves in clinical setting

How Much Does Melasma Treatment Cost in New York City, NY?

The cost of Melasma treatment in New York City depends on several factors, including the type of treatment, the number of locations where your melasma is present, the number of appointments required to treat it, and general facility fees. You will discuss the price during your consultation with Dr. Anolik.

Why Choose Dr. Anolik?

Dr. Robert Anolik is a Board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in cosmetic dermatology and laser skin surgery. He is recognized as one of New York’s top cosmetic dermatologists, was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, and is included on New York Magazine’s “Best Doctors” list. His work helping patients with melasma and several other dermatological concerns has earned national acclaim, including ELLE’s Genius Award and Town & Country’s recognition of him as the “Michelangelo of Botox and Filler.”

Dr. Anolik graduated cum laude from Princeton University and magna cum laude from Thomas Jefferson University, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed his dermatology residency at NYU and fellowship training in laser and cosmetic surgery at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York.

Real Patient Reviews

‘Thoughtful work, beautifully understated results.’

Schedule Your Consultation

If you want to get rid of your melasma, you can discuss your concerns with Dr. Anolik when you schedule a consultation at his practice in New York City.