Melasma Treatment Perth: Doctor-Led, Personalised Care

Dr Joanna Teh assesses your skin, identifies your triggers, and builds a plan that works at Dermedica

At Dermedica, melasma treatment starts with a proper assessment by Dr Joanna Teh, not a generic protocol. 

We identify the type and depth of your melasma, find your specific triggers, then build a personalised plan combining prescription topicals, in-clinic treatments and daily sun protection. Melasma is managed, not cured and we’re upfront about that from day one.

Melasma treatment at Dermedica cosmetic clinic Perth

Could this be melasma?

Recognising the signs

Melasma is a common form of hyperpigmentation that causes symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches, most often on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip and chin.

It develops when pigment-producing cells make excess melanin usually triggered by a combination of sun exposure, hormones and genetics. It’s harmless and not contagious, but it’s persistent and can return, which is why a proper plan matters.

Quick self-check
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A proper assessment is the first step.
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Our four step approach

Melasma care you can trust

A structured, personalised path from understanding your melasma to keeping results stable long term.

01
Learn

Assess

A thorough skin assessment to identify the type and depth of your melasma.

02
Personalise

Treat

An evidence-based plan combining in-clinic treatment and prescription skincare.

03
Support

Protect

Daily sun protection and barrier care to prevent flare-ups and relapse.

04
Stay informed

Maintain

Ongoing reviews to keep results stable — because melasma is managed, not cured.

Melasma treatments at Dermedica, Perth

Evidence-based options chosen for your skin, layered in the right order.

Most effective melasma treatment plans combine more than one approach. Dr Joanna Teh selects and sequences each element based on your assessment the type and depth of your melasma, your triggers, your skin tone, and what you’ve tried before.

1

Prescription topicals

Foundation treatment · always first in the plan

Prescription creams are the foundation of effective melasma treatment and the step most over-the-counter products skip. Dr Teh prescribes evidence-backed formulas that may include hydroquinone, tranexamic acid and retinoids, tailored to your skin tone and melasma type.
These are prescription-only in Australia and must be used under medical supervision which is exactly why a proper assessment matters before anything else.

2

Chemical peels

In-clinic treatment · gentle resurfacing

Carefully selected chemical peels for melasma work by lifting surface pigment and accelerating cell turnover supporting your prescription skincare between in-clinic visits.
At Dermedica we use peels suited to melasma-prone skin, including our Stimulating Peel and Vitamin A Chemical Peel. Not all peels are appropriate for melasma the wrong choice can trigger a flare, which is why selection is always done after assessment.

3

Pigment & energy devices

Advanced in-clinic · for stubborn or deeper melasma

When topicals and peels alone aren't enough, laser treatment for melasma in Perth can target deeper pigment but only when the right device is chosen and correctly dosed.
At Dermedica we use the Spectra laser (Clear Complexion Pigment Laser) and OPL (Optimised Pulsed Light), selected conservatively for melasma-prone skin. The wrong laser settings can worsen melasma which is why device selection happens only after a thorough skin assessment, never as a first step.

4

Medical-grade skincare

Daily home care · maintains and protects results

No in-clinic treatment holds without the right daily routine at home.
For melasma-prone skin, Dr Teh recommends a prescription or medical-grade routine built around broad-spectrum SPF 50+ with iron oxides (which block the visible light that standard sunscreen misses), Vitamin C, niacinamide, and where appropriate, a retinoid.
We stock and prescribe products suited to melasma treatment in Perth's high-UV climate — including our own Dermedica SPF 50+.

Why Dermedica

Led by Dr Joanna Teh​​

Melasma is common and, with the right plan, manageable. Dr Joanna Teh and her team take an evidence-based, personalised approach assessing the type and depth of your pigmentation before recommending treatment.

Real Results

Before & after​

Genuine results from melasma treatment at Dermedica. Melasma is managed rather than cured, and individual results vary depending on your skin and plan.

Images shown with patient consent. Results are individual and not guaranteed.

Caring for melasma-prone skin

Care for your skin, care for yourself

Managing melasma isn’t only about in-clinic treatments, what you do every day matters just as much. Consistent sun protection and a gentle routine are the foundation of keeping pigmentation under control.

Sun protection

Daily broad-spectrum SPF is your most important defence against melasma. Even short, incidental sun exposure can trigger a flare — protection isn’t seasonal, it’s every day.

Daily care

A gentle, consistent routine with the right active ingredients supports your treatment and protects your skin barrier without irritating melasma-prone skin.

Common questions

Melasma, answered honestly​

  • Melasma is managed rather than cured. There is no permanent fix but with the right combination of prescription topicals, in-clinic treatments and daily sun protection, most patients see significant, lasting improvement.
  • The key is maintenance: melasma tends to return if sun protection lapses or hormones change. At Dermedica, we build that maintenance into your plan from day one so results stay stable.
  • Sometimes. Melasma triggered by pregnancy or the contraceptive pill can fade once the hormonal trigger is removed but it rarely disappears completely without treatment, and sun exposure can bring it back at any time.
  • Melasma that has been present for years is unlikely to resolve on its own.
  • A proper assessment at Dermedica will tell you what’s driving yours and whether a treatment plan is worthwhile.
  • The main triggers that worsen melasma are: UV and visible light exposure (even through car windows or on overcast days), heat (saunas, hot showers, cooking over a stove), hormonal changes (pregnancy, the pill, HRT), harsh skincare products that cause inflammation, and the wrong in-clinic treatment aggressive laser or the wrong peel can cause a significant flare.
  • This is exactly why treatment selection at Dermedica always starts with a thorough assessment, not assumption.
  • At Dermedica in Perth, your melasma treatment plan is built around your assessment and may combine: prescription topicals (hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, retinoids), chemical peels suited to melasma-prone skin, laser treatment using the Spectra Clear Complexion laser or OPL when appropriate, and medical-grade skincare including SPF 50+ with iron oxides.
  • Most plans use more than one approach no single treatment is enough on its own.
  • Most patients notice visible fading within 8–12 weeks of consistent treatment.
  • Surface (epidermal) melasma responds faster than deeper (dermal) melasma, which can take 3–6 months of sustained treatment.
  • Aggressive approaches that promise faster results often cause rebound darkening which is why Dr Teh uses a careful, staged approach.
  • Your progress is reviewed at every stage and the plan adjusted as your skin responds.
  • No — and the difference matters for treatment. Sunspots and freckles are caused by UV exposure and respond well to laser and IPL. Melasma is hormonally driven and symmetrical — the same treatments that clear sunspots can actually worsen melasma if used incorrectly.
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne or injury is a third distinct type.
  • At Dermedica, Dr Teh’s assessment confirms which type you have before anything is recommended because the wrong treatment for the wrong pigmentation can set you back months.
  • It depends entirely on the device and how it is used. Some lasers particularly aggressive or incorrectly dosed ones can trigger a significant melasma flare.
  • At Dermedica, laser for melasma is only considered after topicals and peels have been trialled, and only when the specific device is appropriate for your skin tone and melasma depth. Laser is never the first step in our melasma plans.

The Australasian College of Dermatologists recommends a conservative, assessment-first approach for melasma

  • Yes — and it is the single most important thing you can do. But not all sunscreens work equally well for melasma.
  • Standard broad-spectrum SPF protects against UV, but visible light also triggers melasma and only a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides blocks visible light.
  • Studies show tinted iron-oxide formulas significantly reduce melasma recurrence compared to untinted SPF alone.
  • At Dermedica we recommend and stock SPF 50+ tinted sunscreen suited to Perth’s year-round high-UV climate.
  • Melasma often appears during pregnancy sometimes called the mask of pregnancy.
  • Many prescription treatments are not suitable while pregnant or breastfeeding, so management during this stage focuses on strict sun protection and gentle skincare. After pregnancy, a fuller treatment plan can begin.
  • Dr Joanna Teh will advise on what is safe and appropriate for your current stage book a consultation at Dermedica to discuss your options.
  • Yes. While melasma is far more common in women particularly those with hormonal changes men account for roughly 10% of cases.
  • In men, sun exposure and genetics are the primary drivers rather than hormones.
  • The same treatment principles apply: assessment, sun protection, prescription topicals and carefully selected in-clinic treatments.
  • Dermedica treats both men and women for melasma in Perth.
  • Melasma treatment cost at Dermedica depends on the plan because no two cases are the same.
  • Your initial consultation with Dr Joanna Teh is the first step, and all treatment costs are outlined clearly at that appointment with no obligation to proceed.
  • To get an accurate picture of what is involved for your skin, book your melasma assessment at our Scarborough clinic online or by phone.

Book your melasma consultation

A thorough assessment of your melasma, an honest conversation about what’s achievable, and a plan built around your skin.

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Chest

Breakouts and post-acne marks on the chest that may appear as red spots, dark pigmentation, or uneven texture.

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Tiny red or purple veins visible on the surface of the chest, commonly resulting from sun damage or skin thinning.

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Small, red vascular bumps on the chest that are benign but may increase in number with age.

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Thin, wrinkled skin on the chest that lacks firmness and elasticity, typically due to sun exposure and ageing.

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Patchy brown or grey pigmentation on the chest, often triggered by sun exposure, hormones, or inflammation.

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Dark spots or uneven skin tone on the chest, often caused by sun exposure or ageing.

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Loose or drooping skin on the chest caused by collagen loss and decreased skin elasticity over time.

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Neck

Active breakouts or lingering scars in the neck area, which can range from red marks to deeper textural changes.

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Visible small red or purple blood vessels just under the skin, often caused by sun exposure, ageing, or skin trauma.

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Small, bright red spots caused by clusters of blood vessels, typically harmless but can become more prominent with age.

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Thin, finely wrinkled skin that resembles crepe paper, often due to collagen loss and sun damage.

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Brown or grey-brown patches on the neck caused by hormonal changes, sun exposure, or skin inflammation.

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Uneven skin tone caused by sun damage, ageing, or inflammation, leading to dark spots or patches on the neck.

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Loss of firmness and elasticity in the neck area, commonly associated with ageing and decreased collagen production.

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Chin

Breakouts around the chin are often hormonally driven and can lead to lingering scars, texture irregularities, or pigmentation.

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A flat, receding or uneven chin can subtly impact your facial balance. Restoring shape and projection in the chin area can enhance harmony, confidence, and the way you’re perceived in profile.

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Horizontal lines or deep creases across the chin often develop with age or repeated muscle movement, contributing to a tired or aged look.

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Sun exposure or post-inflammatory changes can cause dark spots, uneven skin tone, or freckles to form on the chin area.

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Do you notice persistent redness or small red veins around your chin? These may be signs of broken capillaries or spider veins — a common concern that often becomes more visible with age or sensitivity. While subtle, they can affect how you feel in photos, under makeup, or in daylight.

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Jowls/Marionette Lines

Loss of skin firmness along the jawline and lower face can lead to the appearance of jowls and deepened marionette lines, often due to aging, collagen loss, or gravity.

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Marionette lines and jowls can create a downturned expression, making the face appear sad or fatigued even when well-rested.

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Chronic sun exposure accelerates collagen breakdown, leading to premature skin aging, uneven tone, and deeper lines around the mouth and jaw.

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Double Chin

A double chin refers to the appearance of excess fat or sagging skin beneath the chin and along the jawline. It can be caused by aging, genetics, poor skin elasticity, or weight gain. This concern may lead to a softer jawline and less facial definition, even in people with a healthy weight.

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Accumulation of fat under the chin that creates a “double chin” appearance.

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Loosened or lax skin under the chin and jawline, often due to ageing or weight changes.

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Smile lines, or nasolabial folds, are the natural creases that run from the nose to the mouth. They can become more prominent over time due to ageing and facial movement.

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Jaw Slimming

Reducing lower face fullness (often from muscle or fat) to create a more contoured, V-shaped appearance

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Laxity along the jawline can cause jowls and blur the definition of the lower face.

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Treatments aim to tighten the skin and enhance jawline definition for a sculpted, youthful look.

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Rejuvenation of the jawline with a focus on skin tightening and revitalising tired or heavy-looking lower face.

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Cheeks

Inflammatory acne and lingering scars on the cheeks can impact skin texture and confidence.

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Sun-induced spots or uneven skin tone often appear prominently on the cheeks, creating a mottled or patchy appearance

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A lack of definition or volume in the cheek area may affect overall facial balance and profile.

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Hormonal pigmentation commonly affects the cheeks in symmetrical brown or greyish patches, often triggered by sun and heat.

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Loss of volume and firmness in the cheeks can lead to a drawn or aged appearance.

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Redness, flushing, and visible veins frequently affect the cheeks, especially in sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.

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Lips

Fine lines, volume loss, and dryness around the lips can develop with age, affecting lip shape and definition

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Dark patches or uneven tone may appear on or around the lips due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, or inflammation

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Breakouts around the mouth and chin can lead to inflammation and scarring, often worsened by hormonal fluctuations or mask-wearing.

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Nose

Breakouts and post-inflammatory marks commonly appear on the nose due to excess oil and clogged pores

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Small brown spots or uneven skin tone caused by sun exposure can concentrate on the bridge and tip of the nose.

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Discolouration beneath the eyes that can make the area appear shadowed or tired.

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The nose often shows enlarged pores and blackheads due to high sebaceous activity and buildup.

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Though more common on the cheeks and forehead, melasma may appear on the nose as symmetrical brown patches triggered by hormones and sun exposure.

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Eyes

Fine lines that appear around the outer corners of the eyes, often more noticeable with facial movement or smiling.

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Discolouration beneath the eyes that can make the area appear shadowed or tired.

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A heaviness or sagging appearance of the upper eyelid area, which can contribute to a more tired or aged look.

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Mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes, often associated with fluid retention or skin changes over time.

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A common concern where the eye area may appear dull, puffy, or shadowed, often giving a fatigued or less refreshed appearance.

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Visible creases or folds beneath the eyes, which may become more noticeable with age or repeated facial expressions.

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Forehead

Improve skin texture and clarity by addressing active acne and reducing the appearance of post-acne marks.

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Small, red to purple raised spots on the forehead caused by clusters of dilated blood vessels; typically harmless but can become more noticeable with age

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Smooth and refresh the appearance of forehead lines caused by repetitive movement and ageing.

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Help reduce the appearance of deep creases between the brows caused by repeated frowning or stress.

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Fade the look of sun spots, freckles, and uneven pigmentation for a more even-toned complexion.

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Support the management of hormonally triggered pigmentation with tailored skin treatments.

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Enlarged pores on the forehead are often due to excess oil, aging, or sun damage, making the skin texture appear uneven.

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Calm visible redness and reduce flare-ups with treatments designed for sensitive, redness-prone skin.

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