Melasma
Management
Package available: 15% off 3 treatments · Financing available via Cherry
Why Choose This Treatment?
Heat-Free
PicoWay uses sound, not heat.
Low Thermal Risk
Photoacoustic energy minimizes heat — reducing rebound risk vs. traditional lasers.
Even Tone
Breaks down excess pigment clusters.
Minimal Downtime
Mild redness for 24–48 hours. Most patients resume normal activities the next day.
How It Works
- 01Pre-numbing with prescription-grade topical anesthetic for maximum comfort.
- 02Low-energy laser pulses target pigment.
- 03Photoacoustic energy shatters melanin clusters.
- 04Body naturally clears pigment particles.
- 05Skin tone gradually evens out.
Real Results
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4 Sessions · PicoWay® Resolve™
Melasma — Upper Lip & Cheeks
3 Sessions · PicoWay® Resolve™
Forehead Melasma
5 Sessions · PicoWay® Resolve™
Full-Face Melasma
Individual results may vary. Photos shown with patient consent.
Common Questions
Melasma vs Sun Damage: Key Differences
| Feature | Melasma | Sun Damage / Age Spots |
|---|---|---|
| Primary cause | Hormones + UV (synergistic) | Cumulative UV exposure |
| Appearance | Larger, bilateral, blotchy patches | Discrete spots, freckles, irregular patches |
| Common locations | Cheeks, upper lip, forehead, chin | Face, hands, chest, shoulders |
| Hormonal link | Yes — pregnancy, OCP, HRT | No |
| Depth | Epidermal, dermal, or mixed | Usually epidermal |
| Rebound risk with laser | Higher — heat can trigger rebound | Lower |
| Treatment approach | Conservative laser + topicals + SPF | IPL, PicoWay® Resolve, topicals |
A clinical assessment is required to distinguish melasma from other pigmentation conditions before treatment begins.
Tulsa Guide to Melasma Treatment
Melasma is one of the most challenging pigmentation conditions to treat. Here is what you need to know before starting.
6 Things to Know About Melasma Before Treatment
- 1
Melasma is managed, not cured.
There is no permanent cure for melasma. The goal of treatment is to significantly lighten the pigmentation and extend the time between recurrences. Long-term maintenance is a realistic expectation, not a failure of treatment.
- 2
Heat-based lasers carry a rebound risk.
Traditional IPL and ablative lasers generate heat that can stimulate melanocytes and cause melasma to temporarily or permanently worsen. This is why PicoWay® Resolve — with its photoacoustic, low-heat mechanism — is preferred for melasma management at 86 INK.
- 3
Sun protection is non-negotiable.
Without daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ and physical sun avoidance, melasma will recur regardless of how well it responds to treatment. Mineral sunscreens are preferred. This is the single most impactful step in any melasma management plan.
- 4
Hormonal factors must be addressed.
If melasma is driven by oral contraceptives, HRT, or other hormonal factors, treatment results may be limited until those factors are modified. A discussion of your hormonal history is part of every melasma consultation at 86 INK.
- 5
Topical agents are part of the protocol.
Laser alone is rarely sufficient for melasma. A prescription-grade topical regimen used between sessions significantly improves outcomes and helps maintain results. Your provider will recommend the appropriate agents for your skin type.
- 6
Results vary by individual.
Melasma response to treatment is highly individual. Epidermal melasma responds better than dermal or mixed-type. Skin tone, hormonal status, and sun habits all influence outcomes. An honest, individualized assessment is provided at your consultation.
Related Treatments
Flexible Payment Plans
Start Your Treatment Today. Pay Over Time.
86 INK partners with Cherry Medical Financing so cost never stands between you and clearer skin. Apply in under 60 seconds — no hard credit pull, no lengthy paperwork.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
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