Pigmentation laser | hyperpigmentation treatment

Procedure Time
30 minutes (estimated)

Back to Work
Next day

Anaesthetic
Take paracetamol 30 minutes before procedure (if no contraindications)

Used for
hyperpigmentation treatment, sun damage skin treatment/sun damage on the face, pigmentation, freckle removal

For skin type
suitable for type 1-3 Fitzpatrick scale, not suitable for dark skin

Body area treated
face, neck, chest or hands

Patch test required
Yes- at least 24 hours before treatment

One-off treatment or course
Course of 3 (one per month)

Duration of Results
Permanent with correct skincare to maintain results

Risks & Complications
Soreness, swelling, redness, burns, blistering, scarring, uneven skin tone, hypopigmentation*

What is hyperpigmentation and sun damage on the face?

Sun damage is a common form of hyperpigmentation – it presents as dark patches on the skin, known as sun sports, which are caused by UV sun damage on the face or ageing. The best treatment for sun spots or treatment for sun damage is Laser pigmentation removal.

Dr Leah clinic provide laser pigmentation treatment using our harmony laser. The IPL laser is attracted to the darker pigment, shatters the pigment and draws it to the surface. With this laser facial, the darker pigment flakes off 5 days after treatment . This hyperpigmentation treatment will work as an effective sun damage skin treatment, freckle removal treatment, and reduce dark blemishes and sun spots. As it an IPL treatment it also has the added benefit of rejuvenating the skin - after a course of Pigmentation Reduction Laser treatments you will be left with a brighter, clearer, and more even skin tone.

Pigmentation laser treatment is suitable to remove sun damage on face, sun damage on decolletage or sun damage on hands.

It is worth noting that our Pigment laser (IPL) for hyperpigmentation treatment is not a suitable treatment for hormonal pigment such as melasma- for this type of pigmentation we recommend Obagi Nu derm.

Results

Before

Pigmentation removal laser (sun spot removal)

After

Pigmentation removal laser (sun spot removal)

Before

Pigmentation removal laser before and after

After

Pigmentation removal laser before and after

Before

Décolletage pigmentation laser

After

Décolletage pigmentation laser

Is Pigmentation Laser Treatment Right For Me?

This laser facial treatment can treat:

Hyperpigmentation treatment/pigmentation treatment
Sun damage treatment/sun damage on the face
Sun spots
Uneven skin tone on face
Freckle removal
Sun damage on decolletage
Sun damage or sun spots on hands or forearms

Pigment laser (IPL) for hyperpigmentation treatment is not a suitable treatment for hormonal pigment such as melasma.

If you are wondering how to get rid of sun damage on your face or how to get rid of freckles - the process is as follows:

The first step of this laser pigmentation removal is your attendance at a FREE face-to-face pigmentation laser consultation and test patch. This can be booked online and during this consultation your Dr Leah Skin therapist will be able to assess what type of hyperpigmentation you have and if pigmentation laser treatment is right for you. We will perform a test of the laser on your skin on the day of this appointment and can advise you on the skincare products you will need to help treat your pigmentation.
Providing you do not have any reaction to the test patch you can have your first pigmentation laser treatment 24 hours later.
Prior to your treatment you should stop all retinol products, glycolic acid or other AHA containing products or hydroquinone containing products should stop them 3 days before having laser. You will need to make sure you do not have a tan on your face so avoid sunbathing the face for 14 days before your laser treatment and no sunbed use for 14 days before . Avoid self-tanning products on the face for 7 days before treatment
During the treatment a gel will be applied to your face and the laser treatment performed, it is a quick and straight forward procedure which should take no more than 20 minutes. During treatment, some patients may feel discomfort and we advise clients to take 2 paracetamol 30 minutes before their appointment.
Immediately after treatment, there may be some mild redness and swelling at the treatment area. For the first 5 days the pigmentated areas will look darker in colour, before flaking off over time
SPF must be worn for 2 weeks after treatment and a full list of aftercare advice will be discussed on the day of treatment.
You will likely require 3 pigmentation laser sessions, each 1 month apart.

BOOK CONSULTATION & TEST PATCH ONLINE request a callback call to book

Laser Pigmentation Removal Reviews

Here’s what our clients have to say…

I have always hated my freckles and wanted an even skin tone, so I researached freckle removal treatments and found Dr Leah freckle removal laser, I had 3 sessions and my freckles are gone, I am delighted with my new even skin tone.

Beth, 34

I needed sun spot removal and with Dr Leah hyperpigmentation laser treatment, they are gone now, I also used a product Dr Leah Clinic gave me which will stop them coming back and I wear the sun cream that they gave me everyday. Delighted with the result.

David, 52

I had a lot of pigmentation and sun damage on my face from using sunbeds in my younger days, following my second child it got even worse and my skin just looked very uneven. When I came to Dr Leah Clinic the lady, I saw said was mixture of hormonal pigment plus sun damage I use products they gave me to treat the hormonal pigment first and then had pigment laser to remove the rest of the dark marks on my skin. It is amazing. It was really getting me down and has made a huge difference to my confidence.

Denise, 34

Treatment Price

Removal of 1-2 sun spots on face

Course of 6 (£100 per treatment)

£600

Pigmentation removal face

Course of 3 (£240 per treatment)

£720

Course of 6 (£220 per treatment)

£1,320

Décolletage pigmentation removal treatment

Course of 3 (£240 per treatment)

£720

Course of 6 (£220 per treatment)

£1,320

Back of hands sun damage removal treatment

Course of 3 (£240 per treatment)

£720

Course of 6 (£220 per treatment)

£1,320

Backs of hands and forearms sun damage removal

Course of 3 (£265 per treatment)

£795

Course of 6 (£250 per treatment)

£1,500

To view our full price list, please click here

More About Pigmentation Laser Treatment

How to get rid of freckles?

This pigmentation laser treatment can cover large areas of sun damage for effective sun damage treatment as well as freckle removal. Common areas where freckle patches tend to form are those most exposed to the sun such as over the nose, across the cheeks, forehead and hands. For those researching how to get rid of freckles, our laser pigmentation removal treatment is an excellent option for you as it has a quicker recovery than many other ablative laser treatments.

Can I remove sun damage on hands?

Our pigmentation laser is an effective way to remove the appearance of sun damage on hands.

What should I do before my laser pigmentation removal treatment?

• Clients on retinol products, glycolic acid or other AHA containing products or hydroquinone containing products should stop them 3 days before having laser
• You will need to make sure you do not have a tan on your face so avoid sunbathing the face for 14 days before your laser treatment and no sunbed use for 14 days before
• No fake tan can be on the face on the day you have laser so avoid self-tanning products on the face for 7 days before treatment

What can I expect during and after treatment?

During treatment, some patients may feel discomfort and we advise clients to take 2 paracetamol 30 minutes before their appointment.

Depending on your skin type (and the lesion being treated), some redness and swelling may be visible and the pigmented area will initially go darker and will remain darker for around 5 days before it fades.

What is the aftercare after pigmentation laser treatment?

• Immediately after treatment, there may be redness and swelling at the treatment area (this can feel like mild sunburn).
• The application of a cool pack during the first few hours after treatment will reduce any discomfort.
• The application of sudo crem is recommended and can be done at home that evening
• The pigmentation will get worse (go darker) initially before flaking off
• Avoid sun exposure to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation or darker pigmentation. SPF 50 sunscreen is a MUST.
• Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin as this may darken any areas of pigmentation.
• Avoid hot baths, exercise and heat treatments, and treat the skin gently – as if you had sunburn – for the first 24 hours.

How many pigmentation laser treatments will I need and are results permanent?

You will need a minimum of 3 treatments and will need to wear an SPF daily and use a pigment suppressing cream which we can provide you with to maintain the result long term.

Can I go on sunshine holiday during my pigmentation laser treatment?

Yes, but you need to wear factor 50 SPF on your face and wear a hat in the sun and you need to wait 2 weeks after returning from holiday before having your next session if you get any sun burn or tan on your face while away.

Who is this treatment not suitable for?

• Not suitable for Asian or black skins as will cause pigmentation. Clients with a very dry and sensitive skin may need to use products to fortify the skin barrier prior to treatment – your aesthetic skin therapist will be able to advise you on this on the day of your consultation and test patch.
• Any clients who have a reaction to the test patch (burn, blister or pigmentation) will not be able to have this treatment.
• Cannot be performed on anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding
• Cannot be performed on anyone who has had a suntan on the skin within 14 days before treatment
• Cannot be performed on anyone on photosensitising medication such as lymecycline or doxycycline
• Not suitable if you have active acne – we will need to prescribe you skincare to treat your breakouts first
• Clients on retinol products, glycolic acid or other AHA containing products or hydroquinone containing products should stop them 3 days before having laser