Melasma injection delivers pigment-fading ingredients to manage melasma. Rather than shattering clumps of pigment as a laser does, it acts on the process that makes pigment, so change comes gradually. It is usually run alongside laser toning, which handles the pigment already present, and the blend differs by clinic.

It is given three or more times at one to two week intervals. Lightening is felt from the first or second session, but because it slows the rate at which pigment forms, existing pigment needs time to fade. Once the target tone is reached, the interval is widened to maintain it.

The result only holds with sun protection. UV is the main trigger for pigment formation, so without protection as much pigment forms again as was suppressed. It is often run alongside laser toning, and the blend differs by clinic, so it is worth checking which ingredients are used.