Online dermatologist for melasma and pigmentation.
Pigmentary conditions benefit from a careful diagnosis and a plan that considers skin type, triggers, prior treatments, and long-term maintenance.
Medically reviewed by Gibran Shaikh, MD, FAAD· Last reviewed September 2026
Board-certified dermatologist · Clinical Instructor, Dermatology, Mount Sinai
4.76/5 from 500+ patient reviews on Zocdoc
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Online dermatology available in 13 states
Eligibility follows the state you are physically located in on the day of the appointment, not your mailing address. See where care is available by state — including New York, Florida, Texas, Illinois and Arizona.
Reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist
This page was written and medically reviewed by Gibran Shaikh, MD, FAAD. Board-certified dermatologist · Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Last reviewed September 2026. This information is educational and does not replace an individual consultation, diagnosis, or treatment plan.