Book
Appt
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
melasma before and after

Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Melasma - Hyperpigmetation

Melasma, often called the mask of pregnancy, is induced by hormones found in pregnancy and certain birth control pills paired with UVA exposure.

Melasma responds to topical fading agents. The chance of recurrence can be reduced only by meticulous use of a broad spectrum UVA filtering sunscreen.

Front Before & After Melasma Treatment

Melanage - A new revolutionary solution for Melasma

Melanage peel can significantly reduce the pigmentation after only one treatment. Traditionally, microdermabrasion in conjunction with topical fading agents has also been very successful in the treatment of melasma. Peels such as glycolic acid or even Trichloracetic Acid can help but as solo treatments are inferior to the previously mentioned treatments.

Melasma Types

Superficial
(type 1)
Intermediate
(type 2)
Deep
(type 3)
Skin layer affected epidermis (upper most) epidermis and upper dermis Epidermis and Medium and deep dermis
Ease of treatment +++ ++ +
Ease of maintenance Extreme discipline Extreme discipline Extreme discipline
Frequency most common less common rare
Ethnic distribution Mediterranean, Latino, Middle and Far Easten Predominantly Far Easterns
Gender distribution 90% women 90% women 90% women

How can we help you?

SKIN
Right Before & After Melasma Treatment

Melasma Treatment Options

Melanage peel + kit PicoSure® Focus Array Microderma- brasion + topicals Micro- derma- brasion Q-switched Nd:YAG FRAXEL Topicals
Works on melasma types 1,2 1,2,3 1,2 1,2 2,3 2,3 1,2
Efficacy +++ ++ ++(+) + + + ++
Downtime 2-10 days none none none 1 day 2-3 days none
Number treatments 1 3-5 6 6-10 2-4 4 daily
Time to results (months) 1 1-2 4 4-8 4 4 6-12
Preparation none none 1 month of fading agents before 1st treatment none none topical numbing medicine none
Risks none none none none none Paradoxical darkening of the treated area None if used as instructed
Total Cost Call for price $2000 $850-$1200 $600-$1150 $800-$1600 $2400-$4000 $500-$1500

The key for sustainable results

The key in maintaining these results over time is to meticulously follow a post procedure skin care regimen for life.

Ringpfeil Rewards Logo
Are you a current patient?
Click below to request access to your personal reward page.

Post Melasma Treatment

Post melasma treatment always includes the use of a sunscreen. It must be applied daily, regardless of sun, cloud, rain or snow because UVA rays travel through anything including your car windows. It cannot just be any sunscreen but must be able to block or filter the entire UVA spectrum. If ever in doubt or you cannot find your usual sunscreen, use sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium dioxide.

If you are committed to a lifetime without melasma. Call us today to schedule a free melasma treatment consultation to learn which melasma treatment fits you best.

Post Melasma Care (topical)

Pigment suppression/ dispersion Limitation of use Source Use during pregnancy
Sunscreen with UVA filter +++ none drugstore yes
Hydroquinone 2-5% +++ 6-9 months, can be restarted after hiatus drugstore (2%), prescription (4% and 5%) no
Botanical fading agents +++ none physician dispensed yes
Glycolic acid + none physician dispensed yes
Kojic acid + none physician dispensed yes
Mandeleic acid + none physician dispensed yes
Vitamin C + none drugstore yes
Azelaic acid + none prescription yes
Retinoids ++ pregnancy/nursing prescription no

# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM

PATIENT RATINGS

Would you recommend us?

definitely
93.1%
probably
6.16%
maybe
0.58%
not likely
0.08%
no
0.02%

Compare our service to other similar practices

excellent
87.9%
very good
10.1%
good
1.8%
poor
0.06%
very poor
0%

Overall doctor performance

excellent
94.2%
very good
4.89%
good
0.80%
poor
0.03%
very poor
0%

The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
very good
4.97%
good
1.05%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent
94.0%
very good
4.66%
good
1.27%
poor
0.02%
very poor
0%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
94.3%
very good
4.16%
good
1.25%
poor
0.14%
very poor
0.02%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
92.0%
very good
5.69%
good
2.18%
poor
0.11%
very poor
0.0%

Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
0.31%
very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
7.61%
good
3.39%
poor
0.24%
very poor
0.08%

Office comfort

excellent
90.9%
very good
6.93%
good
2.08%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0.05%

Parking

excellent
66.4%
very good
14.4%
good
15.7%
poor
2.49%
very poor
0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
90.9%
very good
7.23%
good
1.85%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

The office ambiance is exceptional! Since I am a musician, I really enjoyed the soothing, classical music playing softly in the background. The fresh flowers also add a nice touch. I was extremely impressed by the cleanliness of the facilities and the professional and thorough treatment I received by Dr. Ringpfeil. The technological efficiency of the office was also very impressive!

#12023-12-26

Cute babes that worked in the office.

#22024-03-15

I liked how they wanted to know about past experiences and history and seemed to take that into account and also thought outside the box. Very personable, friendly, yet right to the point.

#32024-09-16

I liked all rthe art work that was hanging up in the hallways. I also liked how friendly everyone was. It seemed as though they all wanted to be here. Some times at otjher places the people at the counter can be disrespectful. Not here. The or was very caring and explained the treatment in terms that we could understand.

#42023-12-21

I think the doctor is very thorough in her evaluations and explanations and the staff is extremely professional and friendly. Definitely 5 star service!

#52011-09-22 13:13:46

The friendliness of the staff, their attitude, their orange uniform..yessssss.

#62024-06-16

I like the dermatologist's bed side manner and I get the impression she keeps up with the latest treatment options.

#72024-07-03

Both the doctor and medical assistant were very knowledgable.

#82010-11-09 10:53:55

The doctor explained things thoroughly to me. She was able to treat a couple of skin growths on site today. I was given a couple of sample products as well as a coupon toward the purchase of one of the prescribed products that I am to use.

#92011-05-18 16:40:00

I didn't feel rushed and felt like I was really listened to and taken seriously. I didn't feel like someone was just throwing ointments at me to get me out the door. I really appreciate the care I received here. Thank you.

#102024-06-17

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

All aspects of care were remarkable--much better than I've encountered elsewhere.

#12024-02-10

There is a problem with availability of parking during busy week days.

#22024-07-28

Send the paperwork to my home address in advance of appointment. Provide better reading material in the reception area.

#32024-03-08

Everything was wonderful

#42024-06-12

no suggestions, you are doing a good job

#52023-12-20

Shorter wait

#62024-10-21

You guys did great. This was a great experience for me

#72010-09-22 12:31:41

My advice would be to continue doing exactly what you are presently doing. I had a very good first impression of Dr. Ringpfeil and the practice. Thank you.

#82011-02-07 10:50:14

no complaints. everything was fine.

#92023-11-28

All my concerns were addressed, I was pleased.

#102011-03-11 11:53:21

Customer Rating : 4.7

Based on 637 ratings
Send us a message!

Enter your information, and we will text you shortly.