Laser Tattoo Removal
Q-switched and picosecond laser removal of amateur and professional tattoos.
Skin Pigmentation Treatment
Overview
Pigmentation treatment targets excess melanin in the skin. The approach depends entirely on the cause: sun-induced spots respond well and quickly to laser, whereas melasma is a chronic, relapsing condition that requires a combined medical and light-based plan and careful sun protection. Treating melasma with aggressive laser alone frequently makes it worse.
Benefits of this treatment
More even skin tone
Reduces the visible contrast between pigmented patches and surrounding skin.
Cause-matched treatment
Sun spots, melasma and post-acne marks are treated differently — the plan follows the actual diagnosis, not a single generic protocol.
Non-invasive options available
Most pigmentation concerns are addressed without any downtime-heavy procedure.
Improves how makeup and skincare perform
A more even base often means less product is needed to achieve an even look day to day.
How the procedure is performed
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1
15–30 minutes
Diagnosis
The type and depth of pigmentation is assessed under proper lighting, sometimes with a Wood’s lamp, before any device is chosen.
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2
10 minutes
Patch test (if indicated)
For laser-based options, a small test area confirms the settings are safe for your skin tone.
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3
20–45 minutes
Treatment
Laser, peel or a combined medical approach is applied depending on the diagnosis — melasma in particular is treated more conservatively than sun spots.
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4
10 minutes
Aftercare planning
A specific sun-protection and skincare routine is set for the weeks between sessions.
Recovery and aftercare
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Days 1–3
Darkening then flaking
Treated sun spots often look temporarily darker before flaking off over several days — this is expected, not a complication.
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Weeks 1–4
Fading continues
Sun spots continue to lighten progressively; melasma responds more slowly and unevenly.
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Ongoing
Maintenance
For melasma especially, ongoing sun protection and periodic maintenance sessions are usually part of long-term management.
Risks and side effects
Rebound pigmentation
Melasma in particular can worsen if treated too aggressively or if sun protection lapses — a key reason melasma is treated conservatively.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation
A new area of darkening can form in response to treatment itself, more common in darker skin tones.
Incomplete clearance
Deeper dermal pigment (as in some melasma) responds more slowly and less completely than superficial sun spots.
Rarer complications
- Burns or blistering — Rare with correctly matched settings and a proper patch test, but a genuine risk of over-aggressive laser use.
- Permanent lightening (hypopigmentation) — Uncommon, but a possible result of overly aggressive treatment, particularly in darker skin.
What it costs
What affects the price
Type of pigmentation
Melasma typically needs a longer, more layered treatment plan than isolated sun spots.
Area treated
Full face treatment costs more than a localised patch.
Number of sessions
Course-based pricing (4–8 sessions) is typical rather than a single one-off treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Melasma is best understood as a chronic, relapsing condition that is controlled and managed, rather than a mark that is removed once and never returns.
For sun spots, temporary darkening before flaking off is a normal, expected response. For melasma, darkening can also signal the treatment was too aggressive — tell your clinic promptly if this happens.
Yes — visible light and UV passing through windows can still worsen melasma specifically, which is why daily, rigorous sun protection is non-negotiable for anyone being treated for it.
Sun spots often respond within a few sessions; melasma usually needs an ongoing plan measured in months rather than weeks.
Related
Treatments patients also consider
Becker’s Nevus Treatment
Laser treatment for the pigmentation and excess hair of a Becker’s nevus.
PRP Hair Treatment
Platelet-rich plasma injections to support hair density in early-stage hair loss, often combined with laser therapy.
Skin Resurfacing
Fractional ablative laser treatment for texture, scarring and photoaged skin.
Next step
Considering Skin Pigmentation Treatment?
Book a consultation and get a straight answer on whether this is right for you, what it involves, and what it will cost. No obligation to proceed.
- A private, unhurried assessment with the surgeon
- An honest view of what is realistically achievable
- A written quote with no hidden costs
- Complete confidentiality