Recovery
Results
Treatment Time
Aftercare
Pigment removal
- Pigment removal is achieved via lasers & chemical peels
- Pigment lasers include pico, fractional thulium & diode lasers
- Chemical peels include glycolic, lactic, retinoic peels, Cosmelan, Dermamelan & Vi Precision Plus
- In most, but not all cases, pico lasers are better than peels
- Peels offer faster results, however the overall efficacy is lower than lasers
- Home based skin care can augment pigment removal after lasers or peels
- The ideal pigment removal method depends on your skin type, pigment condition, skin sensitivity as well as downtime
At The Melasma Clinic, we focus only on melasma and pigmentation. With more than 25 years’ experience in dermatology, our team uses the latest lasers and peels to provide safe, tailored treatments for every form of melasma.
What are pico lasers & how are they different?
Pico lasers treat melasma by breaking down pigment with ultra-short pulses of energy that shatter melanin particles without overheating surrounding skin. This precise, low-thermal approach reduces recurrence risk and minimises inflammation compared to traditional lasers.
What types of chemical peels can remove pigmentation?
The two main peel types are termed novel peels & superficial peels. Novel peels are better than traditional superficial peels, but cost more.
Novel peels include: Cosmelan peel, Dermamelan as well as Vi Precision peel.
Superficial peels include: TCA, glycolic, lactic, salicylic & retinoic acid peels.
Peel type |
Novel peels | Superficial peels |
|---|---|---|
Examples |
Cosmelan, Vi precision | Glycolic, TCA, retinoic |
Speed of action |
Fast (1-4 weeks) | Slow (6-18 weeks) |
Number of treatments |
1-3 | 4-10 |
Which is better for pigment, peels or lasers?
Lasers provide a much better long term solution for melasma pigmentation as they not only remove pigment, but help prevent pigment rebound. Pico lasers, in the correct setting, can reduce pigmentation without the downtime & recovery of peels such as Cosmelan.
Peels can provide a slightly faster result, however the main disadvantage is that they have 7 to 12 days of redness, with skin irritation of up to 2 to 3 weeks.
How long will it take to remove pigment?
Pigment removal depends on your skin type, as well as the pigment diagnosis. As a guide-
- High contrast melasma: 2 weeks
- Low contrast melasma: 4 to 12 weeks
- Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation: 4 to 12 weeks
- Pigment drop out in ethnic skin: 4 to 12 weeks
*Pigment from dermal melasma, Ashy dermatoses, & inflammatory conditions can take up to 12 months to improve. Even with pico lasers the efficacy rate is low; around 50%.
Will lasers & peels be successful in all forms of pigmentation?
Both lasers & peels have a high efficacy rate in most forms of pigmentation, including melasma, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation as well as sun & age induced pigment, including age spots & freckles.
Conditions that don’t respond well to lasers (less than 60% efficacy rate) include Ashy dermatosis, as well as inherited causes of pigmentation.
For all cases of pigmentation, the chances of success is limited if you don’t practice optimal sun protection. Learn how to, here.
Why choose us for pigment removal? Our team brings together over 25 years of dermatology expertise, advanced technology, and proven experience. Beyond treating pigment, we actively educate and train other clinicians in pigment management, making us leaders in the field.
What are the next steps after pigment removal?
Step two is to turn off pigment production. This step is done via at home skin care using a mix of pigment correctors. These include key ingredients such as azelaic, ascorbic, kojic acids, niacinamide & retinols.
Step three is termed dermal remodelling. This step addresses cellular aging, which contributes to pigment production. Once the deeper layers of skin are remodelled, pigment production is decreased. We employ specific factional lasers, injectbales & skin care ingredients known as senolytics to effectively turn back the skin’s chronological age.
| Step one
Pigment removal Takes 3 to 12 weeks to complete Done in clinic |
Step two
Turning off pigment production In conjunction with step one, 3 to 12 weeks. Done at home |
Step three
Remodelling the dermis After week 12. Extending to 6 to 18 months. Done in clinic & at home |
What is the cost of treatment?
Costs vary with who is involved in your pigment removal program. Our clinic employs
experienced nurses, physicians & dermatologists. Depending on the complexity of your pigment, a clinician will be assigned to your case.
| Pigment removal | Dermatologist | Physician | Nurse (Brisbane) |
| Pico laser session | $1590 | $990 | From $590 |
| Fractional laser | $2990 | $1590 | From $990 |
| Cosmelan peel | $1990 | $1790 | From $1490 |
| Vi Precision Peel | $1590 | $1290 | From $890 |
What skin care ingredients can remove pigment?
Pigment-removing ingredients are often referred to as exfoliants. These include skincare acids such as glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and trichloroacetic acid. Retinoids form another class of exfoliants, working by accelerating cell turnover in the upper epidermis. Collectively, these agents reduce pigmentation by shedding pigmented cells from the skin’s surface layers.
What to consider before seeing us for pigment removal?
Sunscreen & sun protection is essential. Without adequate protection your chances of pigment removal is slim. Learning the correct application frequency, amount & sunscreen type is encouraged prior to starting your pigment removal journey. Learn how to use sunscreen.
Can I remove pigment at home?
You can, but it’s not a good idea as DIY chemical peels can end in disaster. If you want a safe & cost effective way of removing pigment at home, use some buffered glycolic acid ranging from 10 to 15% in concentration.
Salicyclic acid peels at 10 to 15% can be relatively safe as a DIY peel (providing your skin barrier function is intact). The most dangerous at home peels are glycolic peels & TCA peels.
