Laser Pigmentation Removal

Pigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns we see. Whether it’s freckles, sunspots, age spots, or uneven patches, excess pigment can make the skin look dull or older than it feels.

Laser pigmentation removal is a targeted treatment that uses light energy to break down excess melanin in the skin. In simple terms, it helps reduce unwanted pigment so your complexion looks brighter and more even.

Laser technology has become an important part of modern dermatology and cosmetic medicine. When used correctly, it allows us to treat specific pigment without unnecessarily affecting the surrounding skin. However, successful treatment relies on understanding exactly what type of pigmentation is present and where it sits in the skin. That part matters more than most people realise.

How does Laser Pigmentation Removal Work?

Laser treatments work by delivering controlled light energy into the skin. That light is selectively absorbed by melanin, which is the pigment responsible for dark spots.

Once absorbed, the energy either gently heats or shatters the pigment into smaller fragments. From there, your body’s natural healing processes gradually clear those fragments away over the following weeks.

Results depend on several factors, including:

• The type of pigmentation
• How deep the pigment sits
• Your skin tone or fitzpatrick skin type
• Your overall skin health

In most cases, a series of treatments is required for best results. Pigment rarely develops overnight, and it usually doesn’t resolve in a single session either.

What Laser Pigmentation Removal Treats

Not all pigmentation behaves the same way. That’s why proper diagnosis is essential before starting pigmentation removal treatment.

Solar Lentigos (Sun Spots)

Solar Lentigos are flat brown spots caused by cumulative sun exposure over time. They typically respond well to Excel V+ laser treatment. This laser treats the excess melanin within these spots, breaking it down so that the body can naturally clear it away.

After treatment, the sun spots often darken temporarily before flaking or fading over 1–2 weeks. Ongoing sun protection is critical to prevent recurrence.

Freckles (Ephelides)

Freckles are small, concentrated pigment deposits that darken with sun exposure. While laser can lighten them effectively, there is usually a genetic component. This means they often return with further sun exposure. Treatment using the Fraxel laser targets the pigment causing an initial darkening and then lightening of the freckles, creating a more even skin tone.

Freckles will most likely reoccur upon excessive sun exposure. Wearing SPF daily is essential in maintaining results achieved with laser treatments.

As well as daily sunscreen to prevent sun damage, maintenance treatments are important if you wish to preserve long-term results.

Age Spots

Age spots form as melanin production becomes more uneven over time, often combined with repeated sun exposure. Depending on your skin colour and type, Excel V+ laser, Ruby laser or Fraxel laser may be suitable treatment options. Laser can break up these clusters of pigment, helping to reduce the appearance of age spots. A treatment course is usually required.

Birthmarks

Birthmarks appear in a wide range of colours with the most common types including dark red or maroon “port-wine stains“, light brown “café-au-lait” spots, and bluish-grey “Mongolian spots”. Some pigmented birthmarks sit deeper in the skin and require staged treatment. Laser pigment removal is often performed using the Excel V+ or Ruby laser. Improvement tends to be gradual, and complete removal is not always possible. Outcomes depend heavily on depth, birthmark colour, skin tone, and lesion type.

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

PIH develops after inflammation or trauma to the skin, such as acne, burns, injury, sun damage or irritation. Treating PIH requires caution as adding excessive heat or inflammation can worsen it.

For this reason, treatment often involves a combination approach including laser, skincare, and sometimes chemical peels. Progress is typically gradual and requires patience.

Melasma

Melasma is one of the most complex forms of pigmentation, appearing as grey to grey-brown patches and is more common in darker skin types. It is influenced by hormones, heat, sun exposure, and genetics.

Unlike sun spots, melasma cannot be eliminated. It can be managed, but it has a high risk of recurrence.

In many cases, heat-based laser treatments are not the first choice for melasma because the heat energy may stimulate more pigment. Alternative skin treatments such as Cosmelan Peel Program, Chemical Peels, and skincare are often more appropriate to fade pigmentation.

This is why correct diagnosis is critical. A thorough professional consultation is essential to correctly diagnose the form of pigmentation that is being experienced and create a treatment plan that is effective and tailored to your skin type.

The Treatment Process

Every pigmentation removal journey begins with a consultation.

We assess your skin type, perform a VISIA Skin Analysis Scan, identify the exact form of pigmentation, and determine whether laser is appropriate. In some cases, we perform a test patch first to confirm how your skin responds.

Treatment time varies. A small spot may take 15–20 minutes. A larger area such as the full face may take closer to an hour.

Most people describe the sensation as a quick snapping or warm flick feeling. Cooling methods are used to maintain comfort, and numbing may be applied when necessary.

After treatment, the skin may appear red or slightly swollen, similar to mild sunburn. Pigmented areas typically darken before flaking away over 7–14 days.

While downtime is usually minimal, sun protection during healing is essential.

Prep + Aftercare

Preparing for Pigmentation Removal

Preparation helps improve both safety and results.

In the weeks leading up to treatment, we often recommend skincare products that:

• Regulate pigment production
• Support gentle lightening
• Strengthen the skin barrier

Ingredients such as niacinamide, retinol, mandelic acid, phytic acid, licorice extract, and arbutin can be helpful when introduced appropriately.

Consistent sunscreen use is non-negotiable. Ideally, preparation begins 2–4 weeks before treatment.

Before Laser Pigmentation Removal

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 2–4 weeks
• Stop strong actives such as retinoids and exfoliating acids 3–5 days prior (unless directed otherwise)
• Avoid the use of fake tan
• Keep the skin hydrated and avoid waxing or invasive procedures

Laser Pigmentation Removal Aftercare

What you do after treatment plays a major role in maintaining results.

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
• Use gentle skincare and avoid harsh actives for 3–5 days
• Resume regular skincare after about one week, unless advised otherwise

Hydrating serums, antioxidants, and vitamin C serums can help protect and prolong your results. Avoiding direct sun exposure can also prevent further unwanted pigmentation forming.

Consistency is key. Pigmentation is often triggered by sun and inflammation, so prevention is just as important as correction.

Important Considerations for Laser Pigment Removal

Laser pigmentation treatment is suitable for most skin types, but effectiveness and safety can vary depending on your tone and the type of pigmentation. Conditions like melasma are more complex and may not respond well to lasers, so alternative skin treatments are often recommended. Likewise, darker skin tones are limited in the types of lasers that can used without causing further pigmentation.

Temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, scabbing, or mild flaking can occur, but these are usually short-lived and part of the natural healing process.

At Victorian Cosmetic Institute, our experienced team provides professional assessments to determine the most suitable approach for your skin.

Where to get laser pigmentation removal in Melbourne

Laser treatments can be a solution to combat skin pigmentation, improve uneven skin tone and reduce deposits of excess melanin. Not all patients are suitable for laser and an initial consultation is required prior to treatment.

At Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we use advanced laser technology with a focus to help maximise the effectiveness of laser treatments for pigmentation removal.

Phone 1300 863 824 to speak to one of our friendly team members who will help to schedule your consultation, or if you prefer you can book online.