Concern 02

Pigmentation
& Melasma.

Sunspots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory pigmentation respond to different treatment approaches. Our doctors classify your pigmentation pattern first, then select a laser or energy-based protocol matched to your skin type and underlying cause.

Clinical overview

Not all pigmentation responds the same way.

Pigmentation has several distinct causes — UV exposure (sunspots, solar lentigines), inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), hormonal influence (melasma), and genetic factors (freckles, naevi). Each behaves differently in response to laser and energy-based treatment.

Melasma in particular is hormonally-influenced, symmetric, and tends to flare with overly aggressive treatment — so the approach is gentler and more incremental. Surface sunspots, by contrast, often respond well to a single targeted picosecond laser session.

Your doctor will classify the pigmentation pattern during your consultation, factor in your Fitzpatrick skin type, and discuss expected response and maintenance before treatment begins.

Treatment options

Treatments most often used.

Picosecond Laser
A picosecond-pulse laser used for sunspots, freckles, and melasma — short pulse duration limits thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
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Selective RF Microneedling (Sylfirm X®)
Pulsed-wave RF microneedling — specifically used for melasma and vascular-tinged pigmentation that doesn't respond well to laser alone.
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Thulium Fractional Laser (Lavieen®)
1927nm thulium-wavelength laser for surface pigmentation and overall tone correction — gentler than ablative resurfacing.
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Frequently asked

Common questions.

Is melasma the same as pigmentation?
They overlap but aren't identical. Pigmentation is the umbrella term for any darkening — sunspots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, freckles, melasma, naevi. Melasma is a specific condition: hormonally-influenced, symmetric, mainly affecting cheekbones, forehead, and upper lip. Melasma typically requires a gentler approach than sunspots and can flare with overly aggressive treatment.
Can pigmentation come back after treatment?
Yes — particularly melasma and sun-induced pigmentation. The underlying cause (sun, hormones, inflammation) doesn't disappear with treatment. Long-term outcomes depend on maintenance: daily SPF, avoiding triggers, and periodic in-clinic top-ups. Your doctor will discuss realistic maintenance with you.
Which laser is best for melasma?
There's no single "best" device. Many doctors avoid aggressive Q-switched lasers for melasma because of rebound risk. Picosecond laser at lower fluences and selective RF microneedling are both commonly used. Your doctor will assess your specific pigmentation pattern and skin type before selecting an approach.
How soon will I see results?
Surface sunspots can lighten visibly within 1 to 2 weeks of a single picosecond laser session. Deeper or hormonal pigmentation typically improves gradually over 3 to 6 sessions. Maintenance is then ongoing.
Book a consultation

Speak with
one of our doctors.

Pigmentation is highly individual. Your doctor will assess your specific pattern before recommending a treatment approach.

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