Luminous Booster Treatment
Treatment of Melasma Using Tranexamic Acid
Melasma is an extremely common hyperpigmentation problem that affects many women and men. Common causes include chronic sun exposure, pregnancy, birth control pills, hormonal therapy, stress and thyroid conditions. Traditionally, the main forms of treatments for melasma have been topical bleaching agents and strict adherence to photoprotection. There are other adjunctive therapies such as chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser treatments. Efficacy of these adjunctive therapies have shown are variable and inconsistent. However, regardless of all these treatments, it is important to note that melasma is a chronic recurrent recalcitrant condition, prone to rebounds during different periods of our lives.
Treating patients with menorrhagia and reducing hemorrhage in patients with hemophilia undergoing tooth extraction are FDA-approved indications for Tranexamic Acid (TA). However, the efficacy of using TA for treating melasma has been widely used since the 1980s with a significant reduction in Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score.
How does it work?
What is the downtime?
This is a simple and straightforward treatment that involves administering tiny amounts of TA intradermally into the skin. You may experience some skin redness but it should resolve on its own within the day.
Are there any side effects?
You may experience skin redness for a longer period of time if you have sensitive skin. Some patients may experience erythema and swelling which should disappear within 1 to 2 hours after the treatment. Other common minor side effects reported include irritation, bruising and some pain at the injection site. In general, tranexamic acid can be used as a topical application, intradermal microinjection, and as an oral agent to treat melasma. In general, tranexamic acid is well tolerated by most people. However, some side effects are possible:
- Oral TA – You may experience some abdominal pain, nausea and headaches.
- Topical TA – You may experience skin irritation and redness.
- Microinjection TA – Pain or swelling at the site of injection.
According to several studies, tranexamic acid is generally an effective and safe therapy for melasma patients. However, more studies are needed to confirm the safety profile and the effectiveness of such treatment. It is important to consult with your doctor before using tranexamic acid to treat melasma as it may be unsuitable for individuals with conditions such as:
- Risk of blood clotting
- Moderate to severe kidney impairment
- Heart valve disease
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Regular use of anticoagulants
Benefits
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Visible improvement of stubborn melasma -
No side effects that is often associated with oral medication
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Achieve brighter, more luminous complexion
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Minimal downtime as compared to certain laser treatments
Best For
People suffering from unsightly stubborn melasma that don’t seem to improve with laser treatments.
