What it is
Oral tranexamic acid (TXA) protocol for melasma in Korea is a medical treatment plan that uses low-dose oral tranexamic acid to reduce the appearance of melasma, a common pigmentation disorder that causes brown or gray-brown patches on the face (forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and chin).
TXA is an antifibrinolytic drug traditionally used to control bleeding, but research has shown that in low dermatologic doses, it can help suppress melanogenesis (pigment production) and reduce vascular activity linked with melasma.
→ In Korea, TXA is widely integrated into melasma management programs, often combined with lasers, chemical peels, and topical creams for synergistic results.
• Considered safe and effective when monitored properly.
• Particularly popular for stubborn or recurrent melasma cases that do not respond well to topicals alone.
Why it’s done
Patients in Korea use oral TXA protocols for melasma because:
→ Resistant cases → Melasma often relapses after topical or laser treatments alone.
→ Rapid improvement → TXA can reduce pigmentation within 8–12 weeks.
→ Vascular component targeting → Melasma in Korea is often seen as both pigmentary and vascular; TXA helps address both.
→ Adjunct therapy → Works well in combination with topical hydroquinone, retinoids, and sunscreens.
→ Long-term suppression → Helps maintain clearer skin between procedures.
Alternatives
Other melasma treatment strategies include:
• Topical agents → Hydroquinone, arbutin, kojic acid, azelaic acid, tretinoin.
• Chemical peels → Glycolic acid or TCA peels for exfoliation.
• Laser and light therapies → Q-switched Nd:YAG, Pico laser, fractional lasers, or IPL.
• Microneedling with serums → Enhances pigment reduction.
• Oral antioxidants → Polypodium leucotomos extract, glutathione, vitamin C.
→ Oral TXA is often added when standard therapies plateau or relapse occurs.
Preparation
Before starting an oral TXA protocol in Korea, preparation includes:
- Dermatology consultation → Full evaluation of melasma type (epidermal, dermal, or mixed).
- Medical history review → Important to rule out clotting disorders, cardiovascular disease, or risk of thrombosis.
- Baseline tests → Blood clotting profile may be checked.
- Patient education → Risks, benefits, and expected treatment course explained.
- Lifestyle integration → Strict sun protection and avoidance of triggers (UV, heat, hormones).
→ Korean clinics emphasize multimodal prevention and skincare guidance before prescribing TXA.
How it’s done
Oral TXA melasma protocols in Korea typically follow these steps:
- Low-dose oral TXA prescription
- Standard Korean dermatology protocols: 250 mg twice daily.
- Treatment duration: 8–12 weeks, sometimes extended up to 6 months.
- Combination therapies
- Topicals: Hydroquinone, niacinamide, or arbutin-based creams.
- Procedures: Pico lasers, Q-switched Nd:YAG toning, chemical peels.
- Monitoring
- Regular follow-up visits every 4–6 weeks.
- Assessment of pigmentation fading and side effects.
- Maintenance phase
- TXA may be discontinued after improvement.
- Topicals, sunscreens, and periodic laser sessions maintain results.
→ Korean dermatologists usually avoid long-term continuous TXA use, opting for pulse or short-course regimens.
Recovery
Recovery during oral TXA therapy is easy since it is an oral medication:
• No downtime → Patients continue daily activities as normal.
• Visible results → Improvement usually seen after 8–12 weeks.
• Ongoing skincare → Sunblock, gentle cleansers, and hydrating creams remain essential.
• Maintenance care → Topical brighteners and occasional procedures maintain results once TXA is stopped.
→ Patients report clearer, brighter, and more even-toned skin after combined therapy.
Complication
While generally safe at low doses, risks include:
- Blood clot formation (thrombosis) → Main concern; contraindicated in patients with clotting risk.
- Menstrual changes → Heavier or irregular periods possible.
- GI upset → Nausea, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort.
- Headache or dizziness → Rare side effects.
- Pigmentation rebound → If TXA is stopped abruptly without maintenance therapy.
→ Korean dermatologists minimize risks by careful patient selection, short treatment courses, and ongoing monitoring.
Treatment option in Korea
Korea offers highly advanced melasma management programs that integrate oral TXA:
→ Dermatology clinics → Prescribe TXA as part of comprehensive pigmentation programs.
→ Multimodal therapy → TXA is combined with Pico lasers, toning lasers, and whitening facials.
• Digital skin analysis → Used to measure melanin levels before and after therapy.
• Safe protocols → Low-dose TXA regimens strictly monitored by dermatologists.
• Medical tourism → Many international patients visit Korea for melasma treatment due to its precise protocols, safety focus, and cosmetic excellence.
→ With its scientific protocols, short-course dosing, and integration with high-tech devices, oral tranexamic acid therapy for melasma in Korea is considered one of the most effective and safest modern pigmentation treatments.
