Melasma is a common skin condition that presents as flat, dark patches of skin caused by an overproduction of the skin pigment melanin. Melasma is not a medical condition, but it can cause self-consciousness and lower self-esteem. Various products and treatments aim to alleviate the symptoms, with variable success. MOXI laser is among the more effective solutions.
This article explains how the MOXI laser for melasma works and what to expect from the treatment, from potential side effects to final results.
What Is the MOXI Laser Treatment for Melasma?
MOXI is a non-ablative, fractional laser treatment that stimulates collagen production to improve various skin concerns, including melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Medical providers typically don’t recommend laser treatments for melasma because the heat from the laser can worsen the condition. However, MOXI is gentler than most traditional, more aggressive lasers. It is designed for all skin types and tones, including sensitive and hyperpigmented skin.
How Does the MOXI Laser Treatment for Melasma Work?
MOXI delivers low-level energy to the skin, which stimulates collagen production and increases cell turnover without impacting the skin’s outermost layer. The laser reaches the dermal layers in a fractionated pattern and creates microscopic zones of thermal injury in the target area, leaving the surrounding tissue intact.
By promoting natural healing and increasing cell turnover, MOXI helps break down excess melanin, accelerates the shedding of pigmented skin, and improves skin quality.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the MOXI Laser Treatment for Melasma?
MOXI is suitable for melasma patients who are in good overall health and want to reduce or eliminate hyperpigmentation occurring on their face (most commonly), neck, or décolleté (rarely). The treatment addresses the following melasma symptoms:
- Freckles
- Dark spots
- Brown or blue-gray discoloration
- Sharp or blotchy patterns
Note: Learn how to get rid of dark spots on the face and prevent new hyperpigmentation from appearing.
What Are the Benefits of the MOXI Laser Treatment for Melasma?
A significant advantage of MOXI over other laser resurfacing methods is that the low-level energy it emits is safe for sensitive melasma skin. Patients can expect the following benefits from the procedure.
Stimulates Collagen Synthesis
By creating controlled injury micro-channels in the target area, MOXI triggers the body’s natural repair mechanism and stimulates increased collagen production. Collagen strengthens the skin barrier, improving texture and reducing the appearance of irregular pigmentation.
Breaks Down Melanin
MOXI increases cell turnover, regenerating healthy skin cells, breaking down excess melanin, and clearing excess pigmentation. Over time, the skin appears clearer and more even. Unlike more aggressive lasers, it targets water molecules rather than melanin, reducing the risk of stimulating melanocytes and causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Other Cosmetic Benefits
By improving cell turnover and promoting collagen production, MOXI offers increased rejuvenating effects. These include reduced fine lines and wrinkles, tighter pores, a brighter complexion, and improved overall skin quality.
Note: Read our blog post on how to rejuvenate skin with top-quality skincare products and effective anti-aging cosmetic treatments.
Safe For All Skin Tones, Including Dark Skin
Unlike ablative lasers, MOXI is gentle and safe for a wide range of skin types and tones, including sensitive and dark skin. It uses lower-wavelength light energy, which triggers repair without heating melanin. This minimizes inflammation and prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Quick Recovery and No Downtime
MOXI’s fractional and non-ablative technology ensures the skin’s top layers remain intact, enabling faster healing and only mild side effects that resolve quickly.
How to Prepare for a MOXI Laser Treatment for Melasma?
During a consultation with the medical provider, the patient receives information about how to prepare for the treatment. Because it’s a gentle treatment, it doesn’t require a significant shift in your everyday routine.
Patients are typically advised to follow these guidelines:
- Stay away from the sun for 2-4 weeks.
- Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) when outdoors.
- Stop using harsh skincare ingredients, such as retinol and AHAs.
- Potentially discontinue the use of medications that increase sun sensitivity, such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, and acne medications.
- Drink plenty of water for several days before the treatment.
- Don’t undergo any other cosmetic treatments in that area, including chemical peels and microneedling.
- Arrive at the treatment location without makeup.
What to Expect During the MOXI Laser Treatment for Melasma?
The MOXI laser treatment is a quick and painless procedure, allowing patients to schedule it during a break from work or between errands. This is what to expect on the day.
- First, the provider thoroughly cleanses the patient’s skin to remove all impurities that may affect the treatment.
- They apply a numbing cream to the target area to ensure a painless, comfortable experience for the patient.
- The provider moves a handheld MOXI device over the treatment area. It sends laser energy into the skin. The process lasts for about 15 minutes.
- The skin after treatment is typically slightly red, swollen, and tender. The provider applies a soothing balm on the treatment area to hydrate and protect it.
The whole procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes, and the patient can resume most daily activities.
The Results of the MOXI Laser Treatment for Melasma
The patient’s skin after a MOXI treatment is usually red and puffy, so the results aren’t immediately visible. The side effects typically resolve quickly (within 1-3 days), and the skin appears brighter and softer. As the skin regenerates over time, the dark spots and melasma gradually fade, and tone becomes more even.
How Many MOXI Treatments for Melasma Are Needed?
The number of required sessions depends on the severity of the melasma. Some patients see a significant improvement in symptoms after a single session. However, most patients need at least two or three sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart to achieve the desired effects.
How Long Do the Results of the MOXI Laser Treatment for Melasma Last?
MOXI offers long-term benefits. As more collagen is produced and the skin is remodeled, melasma patches are gradually reduced or eliminated. In most cases, the effects last for 6-12 months, provided the patient avoids the sun and takes proper care of their skin. The results’ duration varies by individual and by how prone they are to recurring hyperpigmentation.
MOXI Laser Treatment for Melasma Side Effects
MOXI is gentle and well-tolerated by patients. The laser causes mild side effects from the heat, and they usually resolve without complications within several hours or days. Patients can expect the following symptoms after the treatment:
- Mild swelling and inflammation
- Redness
- Increased sensitivity and tenderness
- Dry and itchy skin
Should Anyone Avoid the MOXI Laser Treatment for Melasma?
MOXI is safe for most healthy adults and all skin types and tones. The following conditions may prevent a candidate from undergoing treatment.
- Pregnancy
- Skin infections
- Active cold sores
- Rashes
- Open wounds
- Recently tanned or sunburned skin
- Bleeding disorders
- Autoimmune disorders
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Eczema
- History of skin cancer
MOXI Laser for Melasma Aftercare
MOXI providers prescribe aftercare guidelines to patients based on their unique conditions and needs. Proper lifestyle and skin care are essential for maximizing the effectiveness and longevity of MOXI results for melasma.
- Don’t expose your skin to the sun and other sources of heat for several weeks.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen whenever you leave the house, even on cloudy days. Do this as a regular part of your daily skincare routine.
- Place a cold compress on the treatment area and hold it for 10-15 minutes. Use it as needed during the initial phase after treatment to alleviate swelling.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid makeup for 24 hours.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Don’t drink alcohol for 24-48 hours.
- Don’t rub, scratch, or apply pressure on the treated skin.
- Don’t wash your face on the first day after treatment.
- Cleanse your skin using a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Use gentle, nourishing, and hydrating skincare products. Avoid ingredients that irritate sensitive skin, such as retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs, for 1-2 weeks.
Note: Find more details about MOXI laser aftercare and how to maintain results.
How Much Does MOXI for Melasma Cost?
Vibrant Skin Bar offers MOXI for melasma at $599 per session. The total cost depends on the number of required sessions.
A combined MOXI/BBL treatment is also available for $999 per session.
After evaluating your skin, our skin professionals will customize a treatment plan based on your unique needs.
MOXI Laser for Melasma FAQ
Many of our melasma patients want to know more about the MOXI laser’s effectiveness for their condition and if other treatments can enhance the results. The following FAQ section provides all the answers.
Can Melasma Be Cured Permanently with a MOXI Laser?
Because melasma is unpredictable and triggered by various factors, from UV exposure to hormonal issues, no treatment can permanently cure it. MOXI fades existing pigmentation and improves uneven skin tone, but new melasma patches can develop over time. Staying out of the sun, using SPF 30+ diligently, and maintaining MOXI results with periodic sessions can reduce melasma recurrence.
Can MOXI Be Combined with Other Melasma Treatments?
Yes, MOXI can be combined with other treatments to enhance results.
It is frequently paired with BBL™ broadband light therapy to reduce redness and provide a more comprehensive treatment for uneven tone. Providers also combine MOXI with microneedling or chemical peels to further stimulate collagen and clear surface pigmentation.
During the consultation, the provider assesses the patient’s skin to determine if a standalone or combination treatment is better.
Is MOXI or Microneedling Better for Melasma?
Both treatments increase skin cell turnover and remove excess melanin, helping reduce melasma. MOXI is gentler and more suitable for surface pigmentation. Microneedling is more aggressive and targets deeper textural concerns. There is minimal downtime with MOXI, while microneedling is more liable to cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones.
Your provider will recommend a suitable treatment based on your skin type and the severity of melasma. They may recommend a combined MOXI/microneedling treatment for a more even, rejuvenated skin.
Does MOXI Make Melasma Worse?
MOXI carries a lower risk of worsening melasma symptoms compared to ablative lasers. However, if an inexperienced provider uses overly aggressive settings or if the patient doesn’t follow aftercare instructions to avoid sun and heat exposure, irregular pigmentation can increase.
Conclusion
Melasma is a chronic skin condition without a permanent cure, but treatments like MOXI laser can significantly improve symptoms and, consequently, the patient’s self-esteem.
Choose a reputable, board-certified medical provider with years of experience providing laser therapy to ensure safe and long-lasting results. Our medical professionals at Vibrant Skin Bar will gladly assist you on your journey to a more even, radiant skin.
