Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment

Cosmelan before photoCosmelan after photo
Before (top) and After (bottom) one Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment.

Cosmelan Treatment for Melasma
 
Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment, by mesoestetic®, contains kojic, azeleic, salicylic and ascorbic acids and is an in-office and at-home treatment program for the treatment of melasma, cholasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

What is Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment?

Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment, by mesoestetic®, contains kojic, azeleic, salicylic and ascorbic acids and is an in-office and at-home treatment for melasma, cholasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation.At your initial visit a mask is applied to the skin which will be removed at home after a pre-determined duration of time based on your Fitzpatrick Skin Type* and skin sensitivity.  In addition an at-home treatment program will be followed for the Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment program.
 
Note: Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment is a treatment for melasma and cholasma, but is not a cure, therefore you must maintain topical therapy after this treatment to maintain results. Sun exposure can influence the degree of improvement during the course of treatment.

Who is a candidate?

Individuals with all skin types who desire improvement in melasma, cholasma and post inflammatory pigmentation are candidates for this procedure.
 
Patients who are pregnant or nursing, have open wounds, cuts or abrasions in the treatment area, or are allergic to any of the ingredients, including aspirin (salicylic acid), should not have the Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment. Also anyone who has had a Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment must wait until 6 months after their last treatment before undergoing another treatment.

Patients who have herpes simplex virus (cold sores) are at greater risk of developing symptoms during the course of treatment. Other medical conditions and atopic skin reactions may require special care instructions from Dr. Taub or one of our providers.

What is Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment like?

 

How does Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment work ?

The Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment Program exfoliates and accelerates the cell renewal process, inhibits tyrosine production, the precursor to developing hyper-pigmentation in the skin, and improves post inflammatory pigmentation, revealing a more youthful and radiant complexion. The Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment Program was designed as a treatment for melasma, or commonly referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.”

What type of equipment is used?

At your initial visit a mask is applied to the skin which will be removed at home after a pre-determined duration of time based on your Fitzpatrick Skin Type* and skin sensitivity.  In addition an at-home treatment program will be followed for the Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment program.

What desired results can be expected?

Patients are generally happy with the improvement they receive from the Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment. Most patients report a 50-75% improvement in the appearance, texture, and tone of their face. However, results do vary between patients and there is a risk that you may not be completely satisfied with your improvement, and therefore we do not guarantee results.

Are there any negatives?

Every medical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand the risks involved with the Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, it is important that your decision to proceed with treatments is based upon a consideration of the alternatives to treatment as well as the risks, benefits, and costs of the proposed plan.

The Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment may cause a flare of herpes simplex (cold sores) in patients with a history of HSV. Other risks may include mild skin inflammation, and temporary spots of increased or decreased pigmentation that will naturally resolve itself within a few weeks, and a temporary increase in skin sensitivity. Some patients do experience flushing (mild redness) and considerable peeling also.

Uncommonly, a skin wound such as superficial blisters and scabs can occur, which heal within 2 days to 14 days. Use of antibiotic ointment on a regular basis usually results in uneventful healing. There is a less than 0.5% possibility of a skin wound leaving behind a permanent scar. It is also rare for an infection to occur since the skin is usually not broken.

Slight redness and skin sensitivity, as well as flaking can occur for a period of up to two weeks. Your skin will likely feel tighter, smoother, and softer than usual. Some patients experience slight stinging, burning, or itching during this time

During a chemical treatment, you may feel a minor tingling sensation while the treatment mask is on the skin. A cold air device or fan may be used during this time to reduce discomfort.

Peel treatments may potentially change the natural color of your skin.

Darker skin types may have transient pigmentary loss in the more aggressive treatments. The transitory loss is a natural healing phenomenon with a potential period of 3 to 30 days. If transitory loss occurs it should NOT be treated during the healing process with steroids, hydroquinone, or other topical or systemic medications that might disrupt the healing or pigmentary processes.

In very rare cases, hypo or hyper-pigmentation could be permanent.

What happens after Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment?

After the initial series, results are maintained by maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months. The frequency will be determined based on your specific conditions.

 
The response of aging facial changes to treatments varies between patients and some individuals require more treatments to obtain the desired facial rejuvenation. Improvements you achieve with the Cosmelan® Depigmentation
 
Treatment will not be permanent and maintenance sessions will be required to maintain your enhanced skin tone.
 

After the Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment you must follow the recommended at-home treatment skincare program to gain results.

 
Day 1: After the action time indicated has elapsed, remove the mask with a neutral cleanser and water. Immediately following, apply mesoestetic® Hydra-Vital Factor K cream to the entire treated area as many times as needed to retain moisture and hydration. Sun block with SPF30+ and zinc oxide should be applied if exposed to the sun after removing the treatment mask.
 
Day 2 to through Week 2: Twice a day, after cleansing the skin, apply Cosmelan® 2. 15 minutes after each application of Cosmelan® 2, apply Hydra-Vital Factor K and sun block with SPF30+ and zinc oxide. You may apply Hydra-Vital Factor K cream as many times as needed to retain moisture and hydration.
 
Week 3 – a minimum of 6 MONTHS: Once a day, after cleansing apply Cosmelan® 2. 15 minutes after each application of Cosmelan® 2, apply mesoestetic® HydraVital Factor K cream on top of Cosmelan® 2. Sun block with SPF30+ and zinc oxide must be worn daily during this program.
 
1 jar of Cosmelan® 2 and 1 tube of HydraVital Factor K will be included in the cost of your treatment. To replenish these products you must purchase them through skinfo®.
 
Do not pick, peel or scratch at the treated areas of skin. Your skin will flake due to dryness. Do not exfoliate this area since the topical cream is already providing this action. Within 2 weeks all flaking should subside. Maintain hydration with moisturizers when needed.
 
At home use of skin care such as mesoestetic® Cosmelan 2 cream, gloTherapeutics gloLightening Serum or SkinCeuticals Phyto+ and diligent use of sun block with zinc oxide is always recommended to improve and prolong the results.

 

Is there another way to get the same effect?

Alternative treatments include all other forms of facial rejuvenation, including, but not limited to, camouflage makeup, chemical peels, medical facials, photorejuvenation light treatments, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, laser peels, Fraxel® Laser Treatments, physician prescribed skincare products, and cosmetic plastic surgery.

How is this different than other procedures?

 

Can this be combined with other treatments?

It is NOT recommended to use ANY skincare products that contain exfoliants, especially acids (Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, Azaleic, etc) or Retinols, during this course of treatment (which includes while using the topical Cosmelan 2 Cream) unless otherwise recommended by your physician or provider. Using these products during this treatment course can result in skin irritation, inflammation, peeling, and hyper-/hypo-pigmentation.

You must only use mild cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreen (again not containing and exfoliating ingredients) during this course of treatment.

In addition, it is NOT recommended to have any form of micro-dermabrasion, dermabrasion, dermaplaning, chemical peel or medical or aesthetic facial without consent from your Esthetician, Cosmetologist or physician. These treatments could result in intense skin irritation, inflammation, peeling and hyper-/hypo-pigmentation while one Cosmelan products.

You may have certain laser treatments upon recommendation from your physician provided the following instruction is followed to reduce risk of side effect. If you have already had a Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment and are using Cosmelan 2 Cream, you must wait 28 days from the initial treatment for the laser treatment and discontinue using the Cosmelan 2 Cream until 8 days after the laser treatment. If you are undergoing laser treatments and you decide to have a Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment, you must wait one month after your laser treatment before having the Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment. The combination of these treatments could result in intense skin irritation, inflammation, and peeling.
 
It is NOT recommended to wax the skin during this course of treatment (including while using topical Cosmelan 2 Cream). The skin is very sensitive during this course of treatment and can be burned or injured more easily. You may tweeze or thread the hair instead of wax.

What is the cost of Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment?

Aging changes to the face are not a health risk, and as such, the Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. Therefore you will be responsible for necessary payments.

1 jar of Cosmelan® 2 and 1 tube of HydraVital Factor K will be included in the cost of your treatment. To replenish these products you must purchase them through skinfo®. The Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment Program is recommended no more than 2 times a year, at least 6 months apart. With each additional treatment, you should see incremental gains in the overall appearance of the skin. Subsequent treatments, after the initial treatment, will help to maintain the results achieved.

 

Treatable Conditions