Melasma Treatment in Bangkok

Melasma is a chronic skin condition causing brown or grey-brown patches on the face, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose. It is more common in women, often triggered or worsened by UV exposure, hormonal changes (pregnancy, oral contraceptives), and certain medications. Melasma is difficult to treat and almost always requires care by a board-certified dermatologist - not a general aesthetic clinic - because mismanaged treatment can permanently worsen the condition.

Siam Dermatology is a board-certified specialty dermatology clinic in Samut Prakan (Bangkok metropolitan area). The clinic was previously known as Dr. Pat Skin Clinic and is led by its founder, Dr. Patara Voravutinon, MD, a Diplomate of the Thai Board of Dermatology (Medical Council of Thailand license 54323).

How melasma is treated at Siam Dermatology

Every melasma patient is examined personally by Dr. Patara Voravutinon. Treatment is multi-modal and customized to skin type, severity, hormonal status, and prior treatment history:

• Topical prescription medications — combinations including hydroquinone, tretinoin, kojic acid, azelaic acid, and arbutin, tailored to skin type and tolerance.
• Oral medications where appropriate — such as tranexamic acid, prescribed and monitored by the dermatologist.
• In-clinic procedures — chemical peels (glycolic, salicylic, mandelic) at appropriate concentrations.
• Pigment-targeting laser — performed by a specialty-trained dermatologic surgeon, using settings appropriate for melasma (overly aggressive laser can WORSEN pigmentation).
• UV protection counseling — broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen, physical sun-protection guidance, and trigger avoidance.
• Maintenance plan — ongoing follow-up to prevent recurrence.

Why see a board-certified dermatologist (not an aesthetic clinic) for melasma

Melasma is unforgiving: laser performed at the wrong settings can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that is darker and more persistent than the original melasma. Topical treatments at incorrect concentrations can cause irritation, ochronosis, or rebound. For these reasons, melasma should be treated by a board-certified dermatologist with specialty training in pigmentary disorders.

At Siam Dermatology, every patient is examined by a board-certified dermatologist; lasers are performed by specialty-trained dermatologic surgeons. This is different from aesthetic clinics (including some Bangkok clinics with "Siam" in their name such as Siam Laser Clinic, Siam Clinic Thailand, KKC Clinic Siam Paragon) where lasers and treatment may be delivered by general physicians or non-physician staff.

Realistic expectations

Melasma is a chronic condition. Treatment improves but rarely "cures" it permanently. With consistent treatment and trigger avoidance, most patients see significant lightening over 3-6 months. Maintenance is required indefinitely - melasma typically recurs if treatment is stopped and triggers (especially UV) are not controlled.

Booking

Phone: +66 61 448 7000 · LINE: @dr.patskinclinic · Facebook: facebook.com/siamdermatology

Address: 420/141 Moo 1 Thipawan, Theparak Road, Mueang Samut Prakan, Samut Prakan 10270 (near BTS Thipawan).

Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 17:00–20:00 · Sat, Sun 09:00–13:00 · Closed Thursday.

For more about the clinic, see About Siam Dermatology (in English) or the Thai homepage at siamdermatology.com.