How Much Does Melasma Treatment Cost?

Melasma is a common skin condition caused by the harsh effects of the sun and ageing. In Toronto, treating melasma in some locales might be costly while it is less expensive in other areas. This is why many people find it hard to take the step to treat melasma. So, how much does Melasma treatment cost in Toronto?

Melasma is a skin plight that causes black, brown patches of skin to develop on your face. It’s a common condition that affects people of all ages, from young children and teens to adults and the elderly.

About five million Americans are affected by melasma, making it one of the most common skin conditions. As well as “melasma,” it’s occasionally referred to as “chloasma,” or the “mask of pregnancy.”

Melasma tends to be more common in women than it is in men. This is unlike other skin conditions, which affects men and women equally. According to research, as much as 90% of all people affected by melasma are female. This is why most of the people wondering about melasma treatment costs in Toronto are women.

If you have melasma, you may notice blotchy, brown patches of skin on your forehead, cheeks and other parts of your face. This skin condition may affect your looks and additionally, your self-confidence. 

Although the symptoms can look similar, melasma is different from other skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation. Since these conditions look similar, it’s quite common for people affected by melasma to assume they have sun or psoriasis-related hyperpigmentation.

Luckily, melasma doesn’t need to be something you’ll have to deal with forever. Using a variety of treatment options, it’s possible to bring melasma under control and keep your facial skin clear, consistent and free of hyperpigmentation.

Concerned you might have melasma and wondering how much the treatment cost? How do you treat this skin darkening condition? How much does melasma treatment cost in Toronto? In this article, we will give you a breakdown of everything you need to know about the cost of melasma treatment.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a very common patchy brown, tan, or blue-gray facial skin discoloration. It is usually seen in women in their reproductive years. It typically appears on the upper cheeks, upper lip, forehead, and chin of women 20-50 years of age. 

It is uncommon in males. Additionally, it is thought to be primarily related to external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes as seen in pregnancy.

Most people with melasma have a history of daily or intermittent sun exposure, although heat is also suspected to be an underlying factor. Melasma is most common among pregnant women, especially those of Latin and Asian descent. People with olive or darker skin, like Hispanic, Asian, and Middle Eastern individuals, have higher incidences of melasma.

This skin condition can be prevented. If you avoid it, you don’t have to worry about melasma treatment prices in Toronto. Melasma can be prevented with facial sun protection and sun avoidance, as well as regular sunscreen application, medications such as 4% hydroquinone and other fading creams.

You can book a free consultation now for Melasma treatment with Canada MedLaser.

Treatment options for melasma

If hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills, have caused melasma, it will fade after delivery or once a person stops taking the pills.

For other people, melasma can last for years or even for the rest of their lives. If it does not fade over time, a person may seek treatment to help remove or fade the patches. In this scenario, you definitely have to know how much melasma treatment costs in Toronto. 

However, not all treatments work for everyone, and melasma may come back even after successful treatment. The price of this treatment depends on the type of procedure you’re adopting. 

Melasma treatment option includes:

Hydroquinone 

A person can apply hydroquinone lotion directly to melasma to lighten the skin. Most medical aestheticians often use hydroquinone as the first line of treatment for melasma. Hydroquinone is available as a lotion, cream, or gel.

A person may apply the hydroquinone product directly to the patches of skin that are discoloured. Hydroquinone is available over the counter, but a medical aesthetician can also prescribe stronger creams. Hydroquinone works by lightening the colour of the skin patches.

Combined creams

In some scenarios, a dermatologist may choose to prescribe creams that contain tretinoin, corticosteroids, and hydroquinone in one. These are called a triple cream.

Corticosteroids and tretinoin

Corticosteroids and tretinoin come in creams, lotions, or gels. Both corticosteroids and tretinoin can help lighten the colour of the skin patches. In addition to or instead of other medicated creams, a medical aesthetician may also prescribe azelaic acid or kojic acid. These acids work to lighten the dark areas of skin.

Non-invasive cosmetic procedures

These are the most effective treatment options for this skin condition. If you live in Toronto and are looking to save money on the cost of melasma treatment, you should opt directly for cosmetic procedures.

Effective non-invasive treatments for this skin condition include:

• Laser treatment
• Chemical peel
• Light therapy
• Microdermabrasion
• Dermabrasion

If you have had melasma before, you can try to avoid triggering this skin condition by:

• Wearing a hat when outside.
• Limiting sun exposure.
• Using sunscreen.

How Much Does Melasma Treatment Cost in Toronto?

This skin condition reduces your beauty. That is a fact. We all want to look beautiful and younger. Luckily, melasma does not cause other symptoms, and may even fade on its own over time. 

However, it is best to know the cost of treatment in Toronto and fight it immediately. How much does melasma treatment cost in Toronto? Keep reading to find out.

The cost of melasma treatment can range from $200 to $2500, it all depends on the treatment that you opt for. Since melasma treatment is not medically necessary, most insurers will not cover drugs or procedures used to treat it. However, 2% of hydroquinone creams are available over the counter. These typically cost about $100 or more.

The first line of treatment for the condition is usually hydroquinone, which can reduce melanin in the skin. Prescription creams and gels contain at least 4% hydroquinone and usually cost $200. Generally, the price depends on whether you buy a named brand or its generic equivalent.  

The most effective treatment for melasma includes dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, which can cost up to $2,000 or more in Toronto. However, it depends on the total number of treatment sessions. In severe cases, laser resurfacing may be used. The procedure can cost between $100-$5,000. This depends on the surface size, the laser type, the individual center and its regional location. 

Spot removal starts at $100 per 20-minute session in some areas. However, laser treatment can cost up to $4,000, including consulting fees, visit fees, anesthesia and medication in some areas in Toronto. The best part about spending this money is that you can be assured of beautiful, smooth skin. 

If a topical medicine does not work, physical treatments may succeed in eliminating melasma. For example, a chemical peel for melasma typically can cost $300 in some areas in Ontario.  However, depending on the center and location, the cost can vary between $250 – $500.

Since melasma has similar symptoms with other skin conditions, it is best that you don’t diagnose this condition yourself. If you are experiencing facial discoloration, the first step is to start with a visit to a trusted medical aesthetician.

For patients with health insurance, out-of-pocket costs for visiting an expert will include expenses of about $5 – $30 or more. However, it can also include a co-insurance of 10%-50% or more. For patients without health insurance, an office visit typically costs $50-$200 or more. Here at Canada MedLaser, it is free. A simple call can earn you a free consultation session with the finest medical aestheticians in Toronto.

Additional treatment costs

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or more can help prevent melasma. Also, it’s ideal for patients who use hydroquinone, which can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Sunscreens typically cost about $5 to $30 on average.

Even after undergoing successful cosmetic treatments, you have to bear the additional costs of using sunscreen and other topical creams recommended by your medical aesthetician.

Takeaway

Dealing with skin discolouration as a result of melasma can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, it’s not something you will have to face forever. From topical medications to cosmetic procedures, there are a variety of treatment options that are useful for you. These treatment options are all capable of improving and eliminating the effects of melasma on your skin.

Whether you’re dealing with mild melasma or severe skin discolouration, it’s essential to focus on the long term success. With consistency and regular treatment, most people with melasma are able to achieve big improvements in their skin coloration and appearance.

A simple treatment such as microdermabrasion can increase your chances of getting rid of melasma permanently.  Also, wearing sunscreen, limiting your direct exposure to sunlight and carrying out occasional maintenance therapy. There’s a good chance that you’ll be able to manage and control your melasma for good.

It is ideal to know the requirements for melasma treatment before starting the treatment. Though it may be time-consuming, it’s a process that is worthwhile. Find out about the cost of melasma treatment in Toronto. Get a reliable diagnosis and course of action from a licensed medical aesthetician. Contact us at Canada MedLaser today!