Skin Pigmentation Treatment
If one laser pass were enough, pigmentation wouldn't be a problem.
Book Appointment80% of patients arriving with pigmentation complaints have tried other clinics; some say the pigmentation got worse. The reason: pigmentation is a multi-modality problem, and the wrong device on the wrong pigmentation type makes it worse.
Diagnosis is critical. Lentigo, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), Hori's nevus, Becker, café-au-lait — each has different mechanism and different treatment.
This page covers pigmentation types, which treatment fits which type, the risks, and realistic outcomes. At Ataşehir we use AI skin analysis + Wood's lamp exam to characterize each lesion, then build a 3–6 month personalized protocol.
Picosecond Laser — New Standard", body: "10⁻¹² second pulses break melanin photoacoustically. Low PIH risk. Excellent for lentigo, Hori, tattoos. Melasma — VERY carefully, low dose only.
IPL & BBL", body: "Broad-spectrum light for superficial sun spots + redness + photoaging. Not for melasma.
Chemical Peels", body: "Superficial (glycolic, salicylic, mandelic), medium (Jessner, TCA), Cosmelan/Dermamelan for melasma.
Topical Treatments", body: "Hydroquinone 2–4%, tretinoin, kojic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin C, tranexamic acid (topical or oral), niacinamide, SPF 50+.
Melasma — A Chapter of Its Own", body: "Hormonal + UV + heat trigger. Lifelong management. Full Q-switched laser worsens it. Realistic: 70–80% lightening, not complete clearance.
Timeline and Cost", body: "Lentigo: 1–3 sessions. Melasma: 6–12 month protocol. PIH: 3–6 months. Hori: 3–6 picosecond sessions. Plan and cost given after consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
One session enough?", a: "Only for superficial sun spots. Melasma and PIH require 3–6 months.
When to start?", a: "Year-round, but autumn-winter preferred for less sun exposure.
Can laser worsen pigmentation?", a: "Yes, with wrong device or dose. Diagnosis and parameters matter.
Is hydroquinone safe?", a: "Yes under physician supervision. 3 months on, 1 month off.
Pregnancy?", a: "No picosecond, no laser, no retinoid. Azelaic acid and glycolic peel allowed in limited form.
Smoking effect?", a: "Yes — vascular damage and oxidative stress worsen pigmentation control.
Stress effect?", a: "Yes — cortisol increases melanocyte activity.
Lasers available?", a: "Picosecond 1064/532, Q-switched, IPL/BBL, fractional CO₂.
Related Services
Pigmentation Treatment Protocol
Pigmentation treatment: melasma, sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Picosecond laser, IPL, peels, tyrosinase inhibitor protocols at Ataşehir clinic.
Book Appointment