New Year, Clearer Skin: Tackling Melasma with the Enlighten™ Laser

Melasma is one of the most frustrating pigmentation problems because it doesn’t just fade with time or over-the-counter creams. It shows up as brown or grayish patches across your cheeks, forehead, or upper lip, and it tends to flare with sun exposure, hormonal changes, or even heat.

At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics, Dr. Robert Topham and our experienced team understand how emotionally and physically stubborn melasma can be. While it’s harmless, it’s tough to conceal and makes many people self-conscious about their skin tone.

The good news is that there’s a powerful, technology-driven solution designed to safely lift those deep, uneven pigments — the CUTERA® Enlighten™ laser.

How the Enlighten laser works its magic

Most know the Enlighten laser for its tattoo-removal precision, but its technology also makes it one of the most effective tools for treating melasma and other pigmentation problems.

Enlighten uses two forms of laser energy — nanosecond and picosecond pulses — to break up pigment particles beneath the skin’s surface without damaging the surrounding tissue. This dual-wavelength design allows Dr. Topham to customize treatment intensity and depth for each unique skin type and pigmentation pattern.

Unlike traditional lasers that rely solely on heat, Enlighten delivers extremely short, high-intensity bursts of energy that safely and gently shatter unwanted pigment. Over time, your body naturally clears away these microscopic pigment particles, revealing a smoother, clearer complexion.

Why melasma responds so well to Enlighten treatment

Melasma forms when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) become overstimulated, creating dark patches deep within the skin. These pigments are notoriously resistant to topical creams and chemical peels — and can even worsen with heat-based therapies.

The Enlighten laser offers a breakthrough because it targets pigment without overheating the skin. That means less risk of irritation, inflammation, or rebound pigmentation — all common frustrations for people with melasma.

You may be a good candidate for Enlighten if you’ve noticed:

• Patchy brown or gray discoloration on the face, neck, or chest
• Worsening pigmentation after pregnancy or sun exposure
• Uneven skin tone that doesn’t respond to other treatments

Because Enlighten is safe for most skin tones, it’s an ideal option for patients seeking effective yet gentle melasma correction.

What to expect from your Enlighten laser session

Each treatment begins with a thorough evaluation by Dr. Topham to understand your skin type, pigment depth, and overall goals.

What you should know about your Enlighten laser session:

1. You’ll wear protective eyewear while the laser handpiece glides across the treatment area.
2. Most patients describe the sensation as mild snapping or tingling.
3. Most patients tolerate the treatment without the need for numbing cream.
4. Treatments typically take 15-30 minutes, depending on the area.
5. There’s minimal downtime — you might experience light redness or warmth that fades within hours.

You’ll likely see visible improvement after just one or two sessions, with continued brightening as your skin naturally eliminates pigment. For best results, we may recommend a short series of treatments spaced several weeks apart.

Maintaining your results year-round

After treatment, sun protection is essential. Because melasma is sensitive to UV exposure, Dr. Topham recommends a medical-grade sunscreen and skincare plan to help preserve your results. Daily SPF use, gentle cleansers, and pigment-safe moisturizers can help prevent recurrence.

At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics, we believe your skin should reflect your confidence — not your frustration. With the CUTERA Enlighten laser, Dr. Robert Topham and our skilled team deliver targeted, practical solutions for melasma and other pigment conditions, helping you step into the new year with smoother, more radiant skin.

Call our office, or book your appointment online today to learn how Enlighten can help you reveal the even, luminous complexion you’ve been waiting for.