Sun Damage & UV-Induced Pigmentation
The most common cause - contributing to sunspots, freckles, and general skin tone unevenness. Typically superficial and responds well to targeted light and laser treatment.
Skin Concern - Melbourne & Canberra
Hyperpigmentation & Discoloration. Targeted Clarity.
Sun spots, uneven skin tone, post-inflammatory marks - pigmentation concerns are among the most common we see, and the most frustrating to address with skincare alone. We offer two clinically targeted treatments that address pigmentation at its source.
A consultation is recommended to assess your pigmentation and confirm the most appropriate approach. Results vary between individuals. Not all pigmentation types respond equally to treatment.
Two targeted treatments
TGA cleared devices
Melbourne & Canberra
Understanding The Concern
What Causes Hyperpigmentation and Discoloration.
Pigmentation develops when melanin is produced unevenly or in excess. Understanding the type and cause helps determine the right treatment and set realistic expectations.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Flat darkened marks left after acne or skin inflammation - the skin produces excess melanin at the site as part of healing. Can persist for months or years after the original inflammation.
Melasma
Hormonal pigmentation - symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches driven by hormonal factors and worsened by sun. A complex condition requiring careful management and realistic expectations.
General Skin Tone Unevenness
A diffuse unevenness without a clearly defined lesion - often a combination of mild sun damage, post-inflammatory changes, and declining skin cell turnover. Responds well to targeted treatment.
What Our Clients Present With
Pigmentation Concerns We Commonly Address.
Sunspots & Solar Lentigines
Flat, well-defined brown spots from cumulative UV exposure - typically on the face, hands, and chest. Among the most responsive to laser and light treatment.
Freckles & Diffuse Sun Damage
A diffuse distribution of fine freckles or sun-related pigmentation across the face and chest - reflecting years of UV exposure. Responds progressively over a course of sessions.
Post-Acne Marks & PIH
Flat brown or red-brown marks left after acne or inflammatory events. Often more distressing than the original acne. Multiple sessions typically needed for meaningful improvement.
Uneven Skin Tone & Blotchiness
General unevenness - some areas darker, some lighter - without a clearly defined lesion. A combination of mild sun damage, post-inflammatory changes, and skin quality decline.
Melasma
Symmetrical patches of brown or grey-brown pigmentation on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip - driven by hormonal factors and worsened by sun. Your practitioner will discuss a realistic approach at consultation.
Treatments For This Concern
Two Targeted Approaches to Pigmentation.
PicoSure Pro
Picosecond laser - precise pigment targeting, minimal downtime
PicoSure Pro delivers ultra-short picosecond pulses of laser energy - shattering pigment particles into smaller fragments the body can more readily clear. The picosecond pulse duration creates a photoacoustic effect rather than a purely photothermal one, targeting pigment precisely with less heat to the surrounding tissue.
What it may help address
- Sunspots and solar lentigines
- Freckles and diffuse sun damage
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- General skin tone unevenness and dullness
- Melasma - with appropriate protocol and realistic expectations
Picosecond technology
Precise pigment shattering with less thermal damage to surrounding tissue
Multiple wavelengths
Targets different pigment types, depths, and colours
Minimal downtime
Treated spots darken briefly before gradually fading
Versatile
Also available with Focus lens for fine line and skin quality improvement
Melbourne clinic only. Course of sessions recommended. Sun protection essential. Results vary.
Learn more about PicoSure ProAlma Harmony - SR
Broadband light - diffuse pigment and skin tone treatment
Alma Harmony SR uses broadband light (BBL/IPL) to deliver targeted light energy to pigmented concerns across a broader treatment area. The SR application selectively targets melanin - the light energy is absorbed by the pigment, heating and breaking it down while leaving surrounding tissue unaffected. Well suited to diffuse sun damage and uneven skin tone across the face, neck, or body.
What it may help address
- Sunspots and solar lentigines
- Diffuse sun damage and freckling
- General skin tone unevenness
- Mild post-inflammatory discoloration
- Redness and vascular concerns as a secondary benefit
Broadband light
Covers a broader treatment area efficiently - suited to diffuse concerns
Dual action
Targets both pigment and superficial vascular concerns
Both clinics
Available at Melbourne and Canberra
Minimal downtime
Mild redness for a few hours following treatment
Course of sessions recommended. Not appropriate for all skin types - suitability confirmed at consultation. Sun protection essential. Results vary.
Learn more about Alma HarmonyChoosing Your Treatment
PicoSure Pro vs Alma Harmony SR.
| Focus | PicoSure Pro | Alma Harmony SR |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Picosecond laser | Broadband light (BBL/IPL) |
| Best for | Defined spots, PIH, melasma, deeper pigment | Diffuse sun damage, uneven tone, surface pigment |
| Precision | High - spot-specific targeting | Broader coverage - diffuse concerns |
| Downtime | Minimal - spots darken briefly | Minimal - mild redness for a few hours |
| Clinic | Melbourne only | Both clinics |
Your practitioner will recommend the most appropriate treatment - or a combination - at consultation.
Sun Protection Is Essential
Before and After Treatment - SPF Is Non-Negotiable.
Before Treatment
Avoid unprotected sun exposure for at least 4 weeks before treatment. Daily SPF 50+ sunscreen recommended.
After Treatment
The skin is more UV-sensitive after treatment. Daily SPF 50+ is essential - unprotected sun exposure can undo progress.
Long-Term
Pigmentation will recur without consistent sun protection. Treatment addresses existing pigmentation; SPF helps prevent it returning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between PicoSure Pro and Alma Harmony SR?
PicoSure Pro uses picosecond laser - highly targeted, precise, effective for defined spots, PIH, and melasma. Alma Harmony SR uses broadband light - broader coverage, better suited to diffuse sun damage and general skin tone unevenness. Your practitioner will recommend the most appropriate option at consultation.
Does Pigmentation Come Back After Treatment?
Treatment addresses existing pigmentation, but without consistent sun protection, and in the case of melasma, hormonal management, pigmentation can and often does recur. Committing to daily SPF 50+ is the most important factor in maintaining results long-term.
Can I Have Treatment If I Have Melasma?
Yes, but melasma is complex and outcomes are less predictable than for other pigmentation types. A thorough consultation is essential to discuss realistic expectations and the most appropriate approach. Some melasma presentations are better managed with topical treatments alongside or instead of laser or light therapy.
Is PicoSure Pro Available in Canberra?
No. PicoSure Pro is available at our Melbourne clinic only. Alma Harmony SR is available at both our Melbourne and Canberra clinics for pigmentation and skin tone concerns.
When Will I See Results?
Treated pigmented lesions typically darken briefly in the days following treatment before gradually fading. Initial improvement is often visible within two to four weeks of the first session. Progressive improvement continues over the course of treatment. Results vary between individuals.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most clients require a course of three to six sessions for meaningful improvement - the exact number depends on the pigmentation type, depth, and individual skin response. Melasma typically requires more sessions and ongoing maintenance. Your practitioner will advise at consultation.
Our Clinics
Available at Our Clinics
Pigmentation - Melbourne
Melbourne - Camberwell
PicoSure Pro - Alma Harmony SR
795 Burke Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124
+61 491 338 888
Mon-Sat: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM - Sunday: Closed
Pigmentation - Canberra
Canberra - Braddon
Alma Harmony SR
101/16 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612
+61 484 897 666
Tue-Sun: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM - Monday: Closed
Ready to Address Your Pigmentation Concerns?
Book a consultation at our Melbourne or Canberra clinic. We will assess your pigmentation, discuss your treatment options, and design an approach suited to your specific presentation.
Results are not guaranteed and vary between individuals. Not all pigmentation types respond equally to treatment. PicoSure Pro and Alma Harmony are TGA-cleared medical devices. PicoSure Pro is available at our Melbourne clinic only. Sun protection before and after treatment is essential.