I got melasma (brown patches on my face--also called the "mask of pregnancy" because some pregnant women get them) about two years ago. I'm a faithful sunscreen user (spf 85) because the brown patches are sun-sensitive, and I've tried bleaching cream from the dermatologist, but all to no avail. I hate those brown patches. My doctor said that they are related to PCOS (which I haven't been officially diagnosed with--I just have the symptoms--my doctor says that I "probably" have PCOS). Next to wanting to be thin/normal weight, I really want to get rid of the melasma. I've been banded since June 4th and am full of hope. Has anyone had melasma improve or go away after losing weight? It's good to read on other threads here that the facial hair improves in color and texture. Now, if only the brown patches go away, things will definitely be looking up! :biggrin:

Willowcat, I have been banded for 10 months, lost 88 pounds but unfortunately, the dark patches on my face have not lessened. But that's ok, the band is still worth it. At least we can cover up the patches with make up. PCOS is a very high maintenance condition, for sure.

marie, Thank you for your reply. Congrats on the 88 pounds! Good for you! :thumbup: I have to admit that it's discouraging to hear that the melasma hasn't changed, though. Darn . This might sound like a silly question, but how do you cover the melasma? I've never used foundation before. What product(s) do you use? Are you dark-skinned? Fair-skinned? Something in-between? Do you put something on the melasma that is close to your natural skin tone? I've considered going to the Clinique counter in the department store and getting the gal to show me how to cover them up or reduce their appearance. I just hate them so much. Thanks, and once again--way to go with the 88 lbs!

marie, Thank you for your reply. Congrats on the 88 pounds! Good for you! :thumbup: I have to admit that it's discouraging to hear that the melasma hasn't changed, though. Darn . This might sound like a silly question, but how do you cover the melasma? I've never used foundation before. What product(s) do you use? Are you dark-skinned? Fair-skinned? Something in-between? Do you put something on the melasma that is close to your natural skin tone? I've considered going to the Clinique counter in the department store and getting the gal to show me how to cover them up or reduce their appearance. I just hate them so much. Thanks, and once again--way to go with the 88 lbs!

Hi Willowcat, I am a medium skin tone. Italian descent so definitely not fair skinned but not real olive skin colored either. Usually to cover up a dark spot on skin, you'll use a foundation color that will neutralize the color. So in other words, you won't use a color that is close to your skin color because that will make the patch appear darker. I use the Bare Minerals brand of make up and really love it. They have a product called 'bisque' that I put under my eyes and on the patchy spot. It is very light colored make-up. Then I use their medium shade make up over the rest of my face.

That's a great idea to go to the Clinque counter and ask them for a make-up on your face. Clinque is a good brand. I also like Prescriptives. Go to the different make up counters or stores and have the products applied on your face. Make up is expensive so don't purchase until you've compared a few different brands. It is fun to get made-up! I know you'll be happy with the results.

I confess. I don't have this problem but I am starting to get a few age spots here and there. Would laser resurfacing help? I've seen it done on TV related to fine wrinkles and uneven skin tone, etc. And I've thought about going to a dermatologist for a consultation. Anybody here done that?