A medical-grade plan built around the Aerolase Neo laser on conservative settings, so stubborn pigment fades without overheating the skin that produces it.
Upload a photo and preview how treatments at Ortho-Rejuv could look on you. Powered by Aesthetic Record’s Ageless AI.
See Your PotentialMelasma fades in stages. Each of these patients was treated with a series of sessions, not a single visit.
Individual results vary. See more results in our gallery
Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation. Pigment cells in the skin become overactive and lay down brown or gray-brown patches, usually in a matching pattern on both sides of the face.
It is one of the most stubborn pigment concerns because it is chronic. Treatment can lighten it a great deal, but the same triggers that started it can bring it back. Heat matters as much as sunlight, which is why a treatment that runs hot can leave melasma darker than before.
Three kinds of brown pigment look alike but need different care. Your provider confirms which one you have first.
| Concern | How it looks | Typical cause | How we approach it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melasma | Larger brown or gray-brown patches with blurred edges, matching on both sides of the face | Sun, visible light, heat, hormones and genetics working together | A gentle series: Aerolase Neo on conservative settings, peels, targeted skincare and strict sun protection |
| Sun spots | Smaller, sharply defined spots that build up with age | Years of cumulative sun exposure on the face, chest and hands | Targeted pigment treatment of individual spots after assessment |
| Post-acne marks | Flat brown marks exactly where a breakout or irritation healed | Inflammation from acne, picking or skin injury | Calm active breakouts first, then fade the marks left behind |
Aerolase Neo leads every melasma plan we build. Its short-pulse energy targets excess pigment while limiting heat build-up in the skin, so we can work on the patches without provoking new ones.
A medical-grade peel exfoliates pigmented surface cells. Alternated with laser sessions, it keeps progress steady. Deeper peels are spaced at least a month apart.
For some patients, SkinPen microneedling joins the plan to even out tone and texture, as in the six-session result above.
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and a targeted routine from our medical-grade line protect each gain between visits.
Melasma treatment suits adults whose pigment fits the pattern below and who are ready to protect their skin from sun and heat between visits.
Many melasma treatments are postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Any spot that grows, changes shape, itches or bleeds needs a medical exam before cosmetic treatment begins.
Because melasma reacts easily, every step is planned to protect your skin.
Your provider evaluates your pigment, asks about hormones, sun exposure and past treatments, and confirms whether Aerolase Neo suits you.
Retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids or pigment-lightening creams may prime the skin at home first.
The skin is cleansed and treated with Aerolase Neo on conservative settings, with peels alternated in when they help.
Strict sun protection after every session. We adjust the plan to how your skin responds, then set a maintenance routine.
Emiko K., Google review★★★★★"I have been seeing Dr. Mesnier about my melasma. After three weeks I saw major changes. My melasma is much lighter and I continue to work with the staff at Ortho-Rejuv on treating my melasma."
Edna G., Google review★★★★★"From the beginning of summer until now, my acne has drastically improved, and my dark melasma/uneven tone has also noticeably faded."
Dr. Mesnier founded our Northeast Portland medspa to bring medical-grade skin care under one roof.
Melasma treatments are provided by our team of Certified Advanced Estheticians and medical staff, with every plan built on a one-on-one skin assessment.
What patients ask most before starting a melasma plan.
Melasma is a chronic condition. It can be lightened a great deal and kept under control, but it can return, especially after sun or heat exposure. That is why every plan we build ends with a maintenance routine and daily sun protection.
No single treatment works for everyone, and the strongest option is rarely the right one because heat can darken melasma. Our plans pair the Aerolase Neo laser on conservative settings with medical-grade chemical peels, targeted skincare and strict sun protection. Your provider adjusts the mix as your skin responds.
Yes, an aggressive heat-based laser can trigger more pigment. We use the Aerolase Neo with conservative settings and build treatment gradually. Heat-based resurfacing is only considered later, if at all, after careful assessment.
Melasma is treated as a series, with sessions spaced weeks apart. The number depends on the depth of your pigment and how your skin responds. Your provider reviews progress at each visit and adjusts the plan.
Aerolase technology is designed for a wide range of skin tones, which is why it leads our melasma plans. Your provider assesses your skin first and chooses settings for your skin type.
Cost depends on the size of the area, the number of Aerolase Neo sessions, whether peels are included and your home skincare. Every plan is priced individually, and you receive an exact quote at your consultation before any treatment begins. Our current menu is on the pricing page, and payment plans are available through Cherry.
Many melasma treatments are postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Sun protection still matters during this time. Talk through your situation with your provider at consultation so the plan starts at the right moment.
Melasma is treated as a series, so every plan is priced individually. You receive an exact quote at your consultation before any treatment begins. Your quote reflects:
See current rates on our medspa pricing page, and spread the cost with monthly payment plans through Cherry on our financing page.
Have your pigment assessed and leave with a plan built for melasma.
Venus is a Certified Advanced Esthetician, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, and pre-nursing student with a passion for medical aesthetics and patient-centered care. She is dedicated to helping clients achieve healthy, radiant skin through result-driven, customized treatments tailored to their unique needs. As a patient advocate at heart, Venus loves working with all skin types and creating long-term skincare plans that focus on both visible results and overall skin health.
Her favorite treatments include Aerolase, NeoGen, and microneedling, innovative treatment options that deliver real, transformative outcomes. Outside of the treatment room, Venus enjoys creating social media content, exploring new food spots, and spending time with friends and family
Certified Advanced Esthetician
Dr. Natalie Mesnier, the driving force behind Ortho-Rejuv Wellness and Aesthetics, stands at the forefront of aesthetic innovation. With a rich background in the aesthetic realm, she is notably skilled in anti-aging laser therapies, skin revitalization, and the meticulous use of injectables and fillers. Alongside her certifications in advanced aesthetic procedures, including PRP and neuromodulator applications, Dr. Mesnier’s mission is singular: to empower patients to experience and radiate their utmost beauty and confidence.
