Pigmentation
A personalized approach to melasma and persistent pigmentation.
Pigmentary conditions benefit from a careful diagnosis and a plan that considers skin type, triggers, prior treatments, and long-term maintenance.
Who it's for
Who this consultation is for
- Melasma that has not responded to over-the-counter products
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne, dermatitis, or irritation
- Uneven tone and sun-induced pigmentation
- Patients with skin of color seeking experienced guidance
Commonly evaluated
Symptoms and situations
- Symmetric brown or gray-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip
- Dark marks that persist after breakouts or inflammation
- Uneven tone that worsens in the summer or with hormonal shifts
- Pigmentation that has not responded to standard skincare
The visit
What Dr. Shaikh will review
- Diagnosis clarification before treatment is planned
- Sun exposure, hormonal factors, and pregnancy history
- Prior actives, prescriptions, and in-office procedures
- Skin barrier health and product tolerability
- Realistic goals for control and maintenance
Treatment categories
Potential treatment categories
Treatment is individualized. Categories below may be discussed when clinically appropriate. No prescription or specific outcome is guaranteed.
- Prescription hydroquinone regimens, used with appropriate limits
- Compounded topical combinations when appropriate
- Non-hydroquinone actives (retinoids, azelaic acid, cysteamine, tranexamic acid topically)
- Oral tranexamic acid assessment where clinically appropriate
- Guidance on procedures such as chemical peels or laser when they may help
When video care may not be appropriate
Some presentations require in-person examination, dermoscopy, biopsy, procedures, or urgent evaluation. If video care is not appropriate, Dr. Shaikh will explain when in-person evaluation is recommended.
- Concerning pigmented lesions that require in-person evaluation or biopsy
- Rapid changes in a mole or single dark spot
- Suspected diagnosis outside dermatology's scope
Included
What the $250 visit includes
A comprehensive live video consultation with Dr. Shaikh — not an asynchronous topical pathway.
- A 30-minute live video visit directly with Dr. Shaikh
- Diagnosis review before treatment is planned
- A written maintenance and treatment plan
- Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy when clinically appropriate
- Sun-protection strategy tailored to your skin
Medication, laboratory testing, and follow-up visits are not included unless explicitly stated.
FAQ
Common questions
- Is melasma curable?
- Melasma is a chronic condition that tends to recur, particularly with sun exposure and hormonal shifts. Realistic treatment focuses on control, maintenance, and reducing recurrence rather than a one-time cure.
- Will I be prescribed hydroquinone or oral medication?
- Treatment is individualized. Prescription hydroquinone, compounded regimens, or oral options such as tranexamic acid may be discussed when clinically appropriate, but no medication is guaranteed at any visit.
- Do you treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne?
- Yes. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is commonly evaluated alongside the underlying condition (such as acne or dermatitis) that triggered it.
- Are in-office procedures required?
- Some pigmentary conditions benefit from in-person procedures such as chemical peels or laser. Dr. Shaikh will let you know when a referral makes sense.