What is the best treatment for melasma in Sydney?

At 99 Medispa Sydney, we approach melasma conservatively because aggressive treatment can trigger rebound hyperpigmentation. Picosure's gentle photomechanical mechanism is safer for melasma than thermal lasers. We typically combine low-energy Picosure sessions with strict sun protection (SPF 50+ daily) for gradual, safe improvement. Melasma is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management rather than a one-time cure.

How many sessions does pigmentation treatment require?

At 99 Medispa Sydney, simple sun spots and freckles often show significant improvement in 3-5 Picosure sessions. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) typically requires 3-5 sessions. Melasma requires ongoing management with periodic sessions. The exact number depends on pigmentation type, depth, and your skin tone (Fitzpatrick type). We provide a realistic estimate during your free consultation.

Is laser pigmentation treatment safe for dark skin?

At 99 Medispa Sydney, we select laser parameters specifically for your Fitzpatrick skin type. Picosure's picosecond technology is particularly suitable for darker skin types because the photomechanical mechanism generates less heat than thermal lasers, reducing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Our practitioners have extensive experience treating pigmentation across all skin types and adjust treatment conservatively for darker tones.

Will my pigmentation come back after laser treatment?

At 99 Medispa Sydney, the specific pigmented lesions treated with Picosure or Fotona are permanently cleared. However, the underlying tendency to produce excess melanin remains — particularly for melasma and sun-induced pigmentation. New pigmentation can develop with UV exposure, hormonal changes, or skin inflammation. Daily SPF 50+ is essential to maintain results, and many patients return for annual maintenance sessions.

What is the difference between Picosure and IPL for pigmentation?

At 99 Medispa Sydney, we use Picosure rather than IPL for pigmentation because Picosure delivers a specific wavelength (755nm) in picosecond pulses — more precise and safer than IPL's broad-spectrum light. Picosure shatters pigment mechanically rather than thermally, reducing the risk of burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It also treats a wider range of pigmentation types including stubborn melasma that IPL cannot safely address.

Concern

Pigmentation,
Sun Spots & Age Spots

Every type of pigmentation has a different cause — and a different solution

From melasma to sun spots to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, unwanted pigmentation is one of the most complex skin concerns to treat. Picosure and Fotona laser technologies target melanin at its source for visible, lasting improvement.

Book Your Free Consultation 0452 008 115

Understanding the Concern

Types of Pigmentation & Their Causes

Pigmentation disorders are not one-size-fits-all. Each type has a different cause, depth, and mechanism — which means each requires a different treatment approach. Accurate diagnosis is the most important step before any treatment begins.

Condition Types

Melasma

Symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches driven by hormonal changes and UV exposure. Affects both epidermal and dermal melanin — one of the most challenging types to treat.

PicosureInjectable Skin BoostersTopical Brightening

Chloasma pregnancy mask pigmentation on cheek

Pregnancy Mask (Chloasma)

Melasma triggered by pregnancy hormones. Typically appears on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. May fade after birth but often persists and requires treatment.

PicosureTopical Brightening

Solar lentigines sunspots on skin from UV damage

Sunspots (Solar Lentigines)

Flat brown patches from cumulative UV-induced melanocyte activation. Appear on the face, hands, décolletage, and forearms. Respond well to laser treatment.

Picosure Fotona 4D LED Light Therapy

Freckles (Ephelides)

Genetically predisposed and UV-responsive small brown spots. More visible in summer, fade in winter. Common in fair skin types and easily treated with laser.

Picosure Fotona 4D

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Dark spots left behind after skin inflammation — acne, eczema, burns, or aggressive treatments. More pronounced and persistent in darker skin tones.

Picosure LED Light TherapyInjectable Skin Boosters

Birthmarks (Café au Lait)

Flat, light to mid-brown patches present from birth or early childhood. Caused by a localised excess of melanocytes. Can be lightened significantly with laser.

Picosure Fotona 4D

Age Spots

Discrete flat brown spots from decades of cumulative sun exposure. Extremely common on the face, hands, and décolletage in adults over 40. Respond very well to laser treatment.

Picosure Fotona 4D LED Light Therapy

Acne scarring with post-inflammatory pigmentation on cheek

Acne Scars (with Pigmentation)

Atrophic pits and textural damage left by inflammatory acne, often combined with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Requires a combined approach targeting both the scar tissue and the discolouration.

Picosure Fotona 4DInjectable Skin Boosters

Why Treatment Matters

Depth Determines the Treatment

Pigment does not sit in one place. Melanin is produced by melanocytes at the base of the epidermis, packaged into melanosomes, and transferred upward through keratinocytes toward the skin surface. Some pigmentation — like freckles and surface sunspots — stays shallow in the epidermis. Other types, like melasma and dermal pigmentation, penetrate deep into the dermis where surface-level treatments cannot reach.

This is why the same laser setting that clears freckles can be completely ineffective — or even harmful — on melasma. Targeting the correct depth requires understanding where in the skin the excess melanin is sitting, and choosing the technology and wavelength that reaches precisely that layer.

Most pigmentation conditions require more than one type of treatment. A typical programme might combine ablative resurfacing to clear the surface, non-ablative wavelengths to address deeper pigment, skin boosters to nourish and brighten from within, and IV therapy to suppress melanin production systemically. Each layer of the problem needs its own solution.

Pigmentation also takes time — both to develop and to resolve. Melanin that has accumulated over years does not disappear after one session. Treated pigment must be broken down, reabsorbed by the body, and replaced with new, healthier skin cells. For most concerns, visible improvement builds progressively over 4–12 weeks per treatment cycle. Patience and consistency are as important as the treatment itself.

Diagram showing melanocytes at the base of the epidermis transferring melanin up through keratinocytes to the skin surface

Melanocytes sit at the base of the epidermis and transfer melanin upward through keratinocytes. Pigmentation depth determines which treatment can reach it. Source: MDPI / International Journal of Molecular Sciences (open access).

Treatment Comparison

Pigmentation Treatments Compared

Picosure

Picosecond laser (755nm)Epidermis to upper dermis

Picosecond pulses shatter melanin through a photomechanical mechanism — less heat than traditional lasers, making it safer for melasma and darker skin types. Best for sun spots, freckles, PIH, and general brightening.

Ablative Skin Resurfacing

Er:YAG laser (2940nm)Epidermis to superficial dermis

Er:YAG laser vaporises the outer pigmented layer and triggers fresh skin renewal from below. The most direct approach for surface pigmentation — significant results often visible after a single session.

Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing

Nd:YAG laser (1064nm)Deep dermis

Nd:YAG delivers heat deep into the dermis without breaking the surface — no downtime. Preferred for dermal pigmentation, melasma management, and clients who need to stay work-ready.

EndyMed RF Needling

RF microneedlingDermis (0.5–3.5mm)

RF energy delivered through fine needles remodels the dermis and accelerates cell turnover, reducing superficial pigmentation and improving overall skin texture.

Microneedling with Vitamin C

Collagen induction + vitamin C infusionEpidermis to upper dermis

Micro-channels allow high-concentration vitamin C to penetrate deep into the skin, inhibiting melanin production from within. A gentle, maintenance-friendly option.

Injectable Skin Boosters

Polynucleotides / hyaluronic acidIntradermal

Due to TGA advertising guidelines, we are unable to describe specific skin booster treatments or their effects in detail online. Injectable skin boosters work at the dermal level to nourish skin, improve hydration, and support overall skin quality alongside laser treatments. Come in for a complimentary consultation and our practitioners will recommend the most suitable option for your pigmentation concerns.

IV Therapy

Intravenous glutathione + vitamin C infusionSystemic

Due to TGA advertising guidelines, we are unable to describe specific IV therapy treatments or their effects in detail online. IV therapy works systemically to support skin health from within, complementing topical and laser pigmentation treatments. Come in for a complimentary consultation and our practitioners will advise whether IV therapy is appropriate for your concerns.

LED Light Therapy

Red & near-infrared photobiomodulationEpidermis + dermis

Red and near-infrared LED photobiomodulation stimulates cellular repair and collagen production without heat or UV exposure. For pigmentation, LED reduces post-inflammatory redness, supports skin recovery after laser sessions, and over a course of treatments improves overall skin tone and clarity. It is particularly valuable as a calming, anti-inflammatory complement to more intensive laser and injectable treatments.

Chemical Peels

Acid exfoliation (glycolic, TCA, Jessner's)Epidermis to mid-dermis

Acid exfoliation sheds pigmented surface cells and stimulates fresh skin renewal. Effective for PIH and diffuse sun damage, often combined with laser for layered results.

Topical Brightening Creams

Prescription & cosmeceutical topicalsEpidermis — surface maintenance

Prescription-strength and cosmeceutical creams containing ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, azelaic acid, retinoids, and niacinamide inhibit melanin production and accelerate cell turnover at the surface. Most effective as a daily maintenance protocol alongside in-clinic treatments — they sustain and extend results between sessions rather than replace them.

Real Results

Before & After

Real results from treatments at 99 Medispa Sydney. Individual results may vary.

Before and after Picosure pigmentation treatment 1

Before and after Picosure pigmentation treatment 2

Before and after Picosure pigmentation treatment 4

Before and after Picosure pigmentation treatment 5

Before and after Picosure pigmentation treatment 6

Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Book Your Free Consultation

Your consultation includes a thorough assessment of your pigmentation type, skin tone, and any contributing factors. Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective pigmentation treatment — we will explain exactly what you have and the best approach to treat it.

Your consultation is complimentary — no deposit required

Book Your Free Consultation Call or Text Us

Location

Sydney, NSW

Technologies

Picosure + Fotona

Sessions

3-5 Typical

Consultation

Complimentary