Pigmentation removal in Melbourne

Skin pigmentation is the colouring of your skin determined by melanin. When pigmented cells go into overdrive from sun exposure, hormonal changes or skin trauma, you see darker patches, spots or uneven tone.

Some pigmentation is harmless (like freckles) while others — like melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — can be stubborn and require professional skin treatment options.

Pigmentation rarely happens overnight. The common triggers include:

• Sun exposure and UV radiation are the number one cause in Australia.
• Hormonal imbalances – pregnancy, the pill or menopause can trigger melasma.
• Skin trauma – acne scars, burns and scratches often leave behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Ageing – age spots and uneven skin tone develop as the skin ages.
• Environmental exposure – pollution, uric acid build-up and oxidative stress all contribute.
• Genetics – freckles and brown birthmarks are often inherited.

Different pigmentation types need different treatment plans. Here’s what I see most often in my Melbourne clients:

Solar Lentigos Or Sun Spots

Flat brown dark spots caused by years of UV exposure. Common on the face, hands and décolletage.

Seborrhoeic Keratosis

Wart-like pigmented lesions. Harmless, but many choose laser spot removal for cosmetic reasons.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Dark marks left after acne or trauma. Often treated with a mix of cosmeceutical products (Vitamin A, hyaluronic acid, Recovery Gel) and laser treatment.

Melasma / Chloasma

Pigmentation caused by hormonal changes or environmental exposure. Needs a tailored treatment plan to avoid rebound pigmentation.

Freckles

Small, scattered sun-induced spots. Great candidates for laser freckle removal. Many ask about laser freckle removal cost, which varies depending on the area size.

Brown Birthmarks

Congenital pigmented lesions — sometimes treatable with Q-Switched YAG Laser or PicoWay Laser.

Pigmentation removal treatments target unwanted pigmented lesions and encourage the skin to return to a more even tone. While Chemical Peels, IPL treatment, light skin peels and Photodynamic Therapy can help superficial pigmentation, laser therapy is the most effective for deeper pigmentation and long-term results.

In Melbourne, laser for pigmentation removal is the go-to because it’s precise, safe for most skin types and stimulates collagen production for healthier skin tissue long term.

Laser pigmentation removal is the gold standard. Using Q-Switch Laser, Q-Switched YAG Laser, PicoWay Laser or RF fractional technology the device targets melanin in pigmented cells, breaks them apart for the body to naturally clear.

Newer machines even use melanin-sensing technology to adjust to your skin type and skin tone, making it safer for Fitzpatrick Skin Types I–III and sometimes darker tones.

Toggle Content

Facial pigmentation removal is the most common request, but laser pigment removal can treat multiple areas:

• Face (forehead, cheeks, chin, upper lip)
• Neck and décolletage
• Hands and arms (common for age spots)
• Shoulders and back

The best candidate for laser pigmentation removal is someone who not only has visible pigmentation concerns but also understands the process, outcomes and responsibilities that come with treatment. At Face Figurati in Melbourne, I always say pigmentation removal isn’t just about what happens in the treatment room — it’s also about how well you look after your skin afterwards.

• People with visible sun damage, freckles, age spots or pigmented lesions that have developed over time.
• Individuals who have realistic expectations and understand that while treatment can significantly reduce pigmentation, future sun exposure or hormonal changes may trigger its return.
• Healthy individuals who are not on photosensitising medications.
• Light to medium skin tones, as laser devices are generally safer and more predictable on these, though newer lasers can treat darker skin types with caution.
• People who will commit to sun protection and a good skincare routine to maintain results.

Not ideal, but still possible

• Deeper skin tones can still have treatment, but we adjust the energy settings carefully to minimise post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Mild hormonal pigmentation (melasma) may benefit, but you need to be extra careful with sun care and ongoing maintenance.

Not everyone is a good fit for pigmentation removal. Safety always comes first, and some conditions or situations mean you should delay or avoid treatment.

Don’t have laser pigmentation removal if you are:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding — hormones can affect healing and pigmentation outcomes.
• Recently tanned, sunburnt or using fake tan — increases risk of burns or uneven lightening.
• Taking photosensitising medications such as certain antibiotics, acne drugs (Roaccutane), or herbal remedies like St John’s Wort.
• Prone to keloid scarring or skin trauma, which could worsen with heat-based treatments.
• Have active infections, open wounds or severe eczema/dermatitis in the treatment area.

Temporary pauses

• After chemical peels, dermabrasion or microneedling, wait at least 2–4 weeks before treatment.
• If you’ve had recent cosmetic injectables, wait for swelling or bruising to subside.
• If you’re recovering from a recent illness, allow your immune system to fully recover before booking.

Preparation is key to safe and effective results. Think of it as setting your skin up for success.

Pre-treatment checklist

• Avoid UV exposure and tanning (including solarium and spray tan) for at least 2–4 weeks prior.
• Stop Vitamin A (retinol), glycolic acid or other strong actives at least 7 days before.
• Come with clean skin — no makeup, fake tan or heavy skincare products on the day.
• Stay hydrated and make sure your skin barrier is healthy; dry, irritated skin is more reactive.
• Share your full medical and skincare history with your practitioner so they can tailor settings safely.

Extra tip

Melbourne’s weather means sun exposure can sneak up on you even on cloudy days. Wear SPF daily in the lead up to treatment, not just after.

A typical pigmentation removal session at Face Figurati follows a structured process designed for comfort and precision.

Step-by-step

• Consultation — We assess your skin type, tone and pigmentation pattern, and discuss your history and goals.
• Skin prep — The area is cleaned, and protective eyewear is applied.
• Cooling application — A cooling gel or dynamic cooling device is used to protect the surface and reduce discomfort.
• Laser application — Short bursts of focused light energy target the pigmented cells. Clients describe it as a quick “rubber band snap”.
• Immediate reaction — Pigmentation may darken initially, almost like coffee grounds appearing on the surface. This is normal.
• Post-care cooling — Recovery Gel and SPF are applied to the skin.

Session details

• Time: 15 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on treatment size.
• Discomfort: Mild to moderate but manageable with cooling devices.
• Downtime: Minimal — most people can go about their day as normal.

Aftercare makes all the difference in healing and results. Think of it as protecting your investment.

Non-negotiable rules

• SPF 50+ daily — no exceptions.
• Don’t pick or scratch — as treated areas darken and flake, let them shed naturally.
• Hydrate with gentle cosmeceuticals — look for hyaluronic acid or soothing gels, not harsh actives.
• No harsh exfoliation, scrubs or chemical peels until fully healed (usually 1–2 weeks).
• No swimming, hot saunas or intense exercise for 48 hours to minimise irritation.

What to expect

• Pigmentation will darken within 24–48 hours.
• Mild redness or warmth for up to 48 hours.
• Natural flaking and fading over 5–10 days.
• Brighter, clearer skin is visible after 2–3 weeks.

Laser pigmentation removal is safe when done in a clinic, but like any medical-grade skin treatment, there are some possible side effects. Knowing these will help you feel confident and prepared before your first session.

Common temporary effects

• Redness and swelling: The body’s natural healing response. This usually settles within 24-48 hours.
• Mild discomfort or tingling: Often described as a sunburn-like sensation, which fades quickly.
• Darkening of spots: Pigment often darkens before flaking or fading. This is when the laser has targeted the melanin.
• Crusting or dryness: Some clients notice small scabs or flaky skin for a few days.

Less common risks

• Hypopigmentation: A light patch of skin where pigment has been reduced. This usually blends over time.
• Hyperpigmentation: Darker patches may appear in those prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation, especially in warmer months when UV exposure is higher.
• Scarring: Extremely rare when aftercare and professional laser settings are followed, but possible if skin is picked or scratched during healing.
• Infection: Open skin (though minimal with lasers) can be vulnerable if not kept clean. Using recommended aftercare creams helps protect against this.

A dermatology study found that over 85% of clients were satisfied with laser pigmentation removal results, especially for facial pigmentation removal, where results are most visible. Most side effects were temporary and resolved within days, proving modern laser technology is safe when used correctly.

Melbourne is a multicultural city, and I treat many clients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-V (medium to deep tones). These skin types can have pigmentation removal, but only if the laser is calibrated correctly.

Special considerations for deeper tones

• Risk of uneven lighting: Darker skin has more melanin, so if incorrect settings are used, patches of hypopigmentation may occur.
• Heat sensitivity: Deeper tones absorb more laser energy, so the risk of burns increases if the wrong wavelength or fluence is chosen.
• Choice of technology: Some cases benefit from vascular lasers or combination therapies, especially where pigmentation overlaps with redness or vascular changes
• Why an experienced clinic: Make sure you see practitioners who have experience with different skin tones. At Face Figurati, I adjust settings for skin tone and pigment depth to get safe and even results. Many of my darker-toned clients get great clearance with minimal side effects when treated gradually over multiple sessions.