Hormonally-driven symmetrical pigmentation — managed with gentle protocols.
Melasma is a chronic pigmentation disorder causing symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches on the face, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. It's strongly linked to hormonal factors (pregnancy, contraceptives, HRT) combined with UV exposure, and is one of the most difficult pigmentation conditions to treat. At Feonix Aesthetics in Coventry, we treat melasma with the Fotona non-ablative fractional thulium laser as our primary intervention, supported by chemical peels — and rigorous daily sun protection as the foundation. Melasma is managed, not cured: maintenance is typically required, and hormonal triggers can drive recurrence.
Book ConsultationMelasma is a chronic pigmentation disorder that causes symmetrical, blotchy, brownish or greyish-brown patches to develop on the skin, most commonly on the face. The patches typically appear on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip, and chin, though they can also affect the neck and forearms. Melasma is distinct from other forms of hyperpigmentation because of its characteristic symmetrical pattern and its strong association with hormonal factors. It is sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy" because it frequently develops or worsens during pregnancy, though it can affect anyone regardless of whether they have been pregnant. Melasma is a particularly challenging form of pigmentation to treat because of its tendency to recur, but with the right approach, significant improvement is achievable.
Melasma is caused by the overproduction of melanin by the melanocytes in the skin, but unlike simple sun damage, the underlying trigger is multifactorial and complex. Hormonal influences are one of the most significant factors; oestrogen and progesterone appear to stimulate melanin production, which is why melasma is so common during pregnancy, with the use of oral contraceptives, and during hormone replacement therapy. However, sun exposure is the most important exacerbating factor. UV radiation stimulates melanin production directly and can trigger or worsen melasma flares even when hormonal factors are well controlled. Heat, including infrared radiation and visible light, can also worsen melasma. Genetic predisposition plays a major role, and melasma tends to run in families. Stress, thyroid disorders, and certain medications have also been implicated as contributing factors.
Melasma is one of the most complex pigmentation conditions to treat. Overly aggressive treatments, including certain lasers and strong chemical peels, can actually make melasma worse by triggering a rebound increase in melanin production. At Feonix Aesthetics, our practitioners have the expertise to navigate these complexities, using the right combination of gentle but effective treatments to achieve the best possible results without exacerbating the condition. Book a melasma consultation at our Coventry or Leamington Spa clinic to begin your treatment journey.
Melasma can be emotionally challenging because of its visibility and its tendency to fluctuate. Many sufferers describe a cycle of improvement followed by disappointing recurrence, often triggered by sun exposure or hormonal changes. The dark patches can be difficult to conceal with standard makeup, and many people with melasma become hyper-vigilant about sun protection, sometimes to the point of avoiding outdoor activities. The cosmetic impact of melasma can affect social confidence, professional interactions, and self-image. Clients seeking melasma treatment in Coventry and Leamington Spa at Feonix Aesthetics often have a long history of trying various products and treatments and are looking for a more effective and sustained approach.
At Feonix Aesthetics, we take a careful, multi-layered approach to melasma at our clinics in Coventry and Leamington Spa. Sun protection is the foundation: daily SPF 50+ (ideally with iron oxides for visible light protection) plus heat avoidance is non-negotiable, because UV and heat exposure undermine every clinical intervention and trigger fresh flares. Melasma also responds to hormonal cycles (pregnancy, contraceptives, HRT) which sit outside what aesthetic clinic treatment can control. Our role is to reduce the visible appearance of pigmentation alongside your sun-protection routine — melasma is managed, not cured.
The Fotona non-ablative fractional thulium laser is our primary clinical intervention for melasma. The 1927nm thulium wavelength is selectively absorbed by melanin, and the fractional delivery pattern places controlled micro-channels of energy into the dermis to break down stubborn pigment deposits while leaving most of the skin surface intact. This is distinct from older, aggressive laser approaches (Q-switched and ablative protocols) which can trigger rebound hyperpigmentation in melasma; the non-ablative fractional thulium is calibrated specifically for melasma suitability and is among the safer laser options for this condition. Pricing is £350 per session, £945 for a course of three (10% saving), or £1,680 for a course of six (20% saving). Results vary by melasma type (epidermal, dermal, mixed) and skin tone — your consultation gives an honest assessment of likely outcomes for your specific pattern.
Chemical peels with carefully selected formulations are our supporting modality. Gentle peels containing lactic acid, mandelic acid and melanin-inhibiting ingredients lift surface pigmentation and promote even skin tone without overstimulating the melanocytes. A course of peels, spaced two to four weeks apart, can progressively reduce the visibility of melasma patches and complement the deeper dermal action of the thulium laser. Strong, aggressive peels are not used for melasma — they can trigger the same rebound response as aggressive lasers.
Realistic expectation setting is part of good melasma care. Most clients see meaningful lightening within four to eight weeks of starting a Fotona course, with progressive improvement over four to six sessions. Maintenance sessions and ongoing daily sun protection are typically required long-term to keep melasma controlled. Hormonal changes (pregnancy, contraceptive shifts, HRT) can drive new flares even after a successful course — recurrence is part of the natural pattern, not a treatment failure. Your clinician will set expectations honestly at consultation about what is and isn't achievable for your specific case.
Fractional 1927nm thulium laser that targets dermal melanin deposits characteristic of melasma, breaking down stubborn pigment with controlled fractional micro-channels while supporting epidermal renewal. £350 per session, £945 for a course of 3 (10% saving), or £1,680 for a course of 6 (20% saving).
SUPPORTINGControlled resurfacing using glycolic, salicylic and mandelic acid formulations to refine tone, clarity and texture.
Melasma has a multifactorial cause. Hormonal influences are central — oestrogen and progesterone appear to stimulate melanocyte activity, which is why melasma is so common during pregnancy ('mask of pregnancy'), with oral contraceptives, and on HRT. Sun exposure is the most important exacerbating factor — UV stimulates melanin production directly and can trigger flares even when hormonal factors are controlled. Heat and infrared radiation also worsen melasma. Genetics strongly predispose: melasma runs in families. Stress, thyroid issues and certain medications all contribute.
Rigorous sun protection is the single most important intervention — SPF 50+ daily, ideally with iron oxides for visible light protection, applied and reapplied consistently. Heat avoidance matters (saunas, vigorous exercise, very hot showers). Brightening actives — tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, alpha arbutin — fade melasma gradually over months. What home products cannot do is fully resolve melasma, which is inherently chronic. Home management combined with clinical treatment is what produces sustainable improvement; home management alone stabilises rather than clears.
The Fotona non-ablative fractional thulium laser is our primary clinical intervention for melasma. The 1927nm wavelength is selectively absorbed by melanin, and the fractional delivery places controlled micro-channels of energy into the dermis to break down stubborn pigment while leaving most of the skin surface intact. This is distinct from older aggressive laser approaches, which can trigger rebound hyperpigmentation in melasma — the non-ablative fractional thulium is calibrated specifically for melasma suitability. Pricing is £350 per session, £945 for a course of three (10% saving), or £1,680 for a course of six (20% saving). Chemical peels with mandelic acid, lactic acid and melanin-inhibiting ingredients support the laser by gently lifting surface pigmentation. Strong aggressive peels and Q-switched / ablative lasers are avoided — they can worsen melasma. Sun protection and rigorous home skincare remain the foundation; melasma is managed, not cured.
Melasma improvement is gradual and requires sustained commitment. Most clients see meaningful lightening within 4–8 weeks of starting a Fotona course, with progressive improvement over 4–6 thulium sessions. Melasma is chronic — the goal is effective control of the visible pigmentation, not permanent cure. Maintenance sessions and ongoing daily sun protection are typically needed long-term to keep results stable. Hormonal changes (pregnancy, stopping/starting contraceptives, HRT) can trigger new flares even after successful treatment — recurrence is part of the natural pattern, not a treatment failure. Realistic expectation setting is part of good melasma care.
Start with a consultation at our Coventry clinic (15 Little Park Street). Your clinician classifies melasma depth (epidermal, dermal, mixed), assesses skin tone and triggers, and designs a Fotona thulium and peel protocol. Clients travelling from Leamington Spa or further afield are welcome — consultations can be booked at either Feonix location. Fotona thulium is £350 per session, £945 for a course of three (10% saving), or £1,680 for a course of six (20% saving); peel courses are quoted individually. Klarna finance is available. We'll set realistic expectations upfront — melasma is managed, not cured.
Melasma responds to gentle, consistent treatment combined with rigorous sun and trigger management. A consultation at Feonix Aesthetics sets realistic expectations and builds a protocol you can sustain — steady improvement, not quick fixes.
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