Persistent dark spots, melasma, and sun damage all fall under “pigmentation,” but they do not all respond to the same treatment. Telling these causes apart is the first step most clinics take, since that distinction shapes the entire plan.
Types of Pigmentation
- Melasma tends to be hormonally driven and can worsen with aggressive heat-based treatment.
- Sun damage forms in more defined, isolated patches near the skin’s surface.
- Post-inflammatory marks follow an injury such as acne and usually fade with time and gentler intervention.
What to Expect
A pigment-targeting laser or picosecond device is typically used over a short course of two to five sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart. Surface pigment tends to darken and flake off within one to two weeks after a session, revealing lighter skin underneath; melasma responds more slowly and needs a longer, gentler course to avoid triggering more pigment production. Sun protection is a non-negotiable part of aftercare in every case.
Is It a Good Fit?
- Melasma or hormone-related patches are usually treated with lower-energy, more frequent sessions to reduce the risk of rebound darkening.
- Sun-damage spots or age spots typically clear in fewer sessions with a pigment-targeting or picosecond laser.
- Active pigment treatment is generally postponed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
What We Could and Couldn’t Verify
Multiple clinical reviews describe topical treatment (such as hydroquinone or triple-combination cream) as the evidence-based first-line approach for melasma, with laser or light-based therapy positioned as a third-line option for cases that do not respond to topical treatment. This is worth knowing before assuming a laser is automatically the strongest option for melasma specifically.
This page summarizes generally available information about how this treatment works. It is not medical advice, and it does not describe any specific clinic’s protocol. Confirm details directly with a licensed provider.