Pigmentation is basically defined as dark colour dots, spots, or patches on our face or body. Pigmentation disorders are very common in Singapore due to its intense hot weather. At our aesthetic clinic in Singapore, our medical doctors offer laser treatment to help address pigmentation concerns. We may recommend treatment options for pigmentation removal, helping you to achieve clearer and more even-toned skin.
Skin pigmentation is a common problem that can affect anyone, regardless of age or skin type. While it is not usually a serious condition, it can be unsightly and cause discomfort. Our clinic employs medical-grade treatments, including laser, to help address various types of pigmentation.
Melanocytes are specialised cells that produce pigments called Melanin. The amount of Melanin produced determines the colour of our hair, eye, and skin. When Melanocytes become damaged in skin, it affects melanin production, leading to pigmentation problems.
In general most pigmentation can be removed effectively with laser treatment in a few sessions with some requiring prolonged treatment durations. Hence, accurate diagnosis is the key in treatment of pigmentation disorders.
There is no one size fits all solution for pigmentation removal. But there are various options available for pigmentation removal such as aesthetic laser treatments, medical grade skin products or medications.
Pico laser is a laser treatment for skin pigmentation. It uses ultra-short pulses of laser energy to break down melanin into tiny particles, which are then naturally metabolised and cleared by the body. This approach may be helpful for addressing various pigmented lesions, including age spots and other forms of pigmentation.
The key innovation behind Pico laser lies in its ability to deliver laser energy in extremely brief pulses. These ultra-short pulses create a photomechanical effect, wherein the laser energy is absorbed by the target pigment or tissue without significant heat generation. This minimises the risk of collateral damage to surrounding skin, making it a safe option for pigmentation removal. The doctors may recommend a series of sessions, tailored to the individual’s pigmentation type and severity, to achieve optimal results.
Pico laser is recommended for:
Sylfirm X is a radiofrequency microneedling treatment that can treat pigmentation like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This technology targets the papillary dermis to improve skin elasticity and stimulate collagen production, which can also contribute to the reduction of pigmentation.
Sylfirm X combines the effects of microneedling with radiofrequency energy, delivering dual wave Radiofrequency to specific depths of the skin. This process helps to break down existing pigmentation and inhibit further melanin production. The number of sessions recommended will depend on the type and extent of your pigmentation, as well as your skin’s response to the treatment. Our doctors will design a personalised plan to address your concerns.
Sylfirm X is recommended for:
Pro Yellow Laser uses a specific wavelength of 577nm to treat vascular lesions such as rosacea and post-acne redness, and also pigmentation like melasma and solar lentigines (sun spots). This targeted approach allows for optimal treatment of both redness and unwanted pigmentation.
The 577nm wavelength emitted by the Pro Yellow Laser is selectively absorbed by haemoglobin in blood vessels and melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair colour. When the laser light is applied to the target area, it is absorbed by these chromophores, leading to the coagulation of blood vessels or the fragmentation of melanin particles. The recommended number of sessions for pigmentation removal will be determined during your consultation, based on the type and depth of your pigmentation.
Pro Yellow Laser is recommended for:
Our Hollywood Carbon Laser Peel provides an instant glow to the skin and can also help with pigmentation. It uses a carbon lotion as a photoenhancer to gently exfoliate the skin’s surface and break down unwanted melanin production that causes the skin to appear uneven. This approach can contribute to a brighter and more even skin tone.
The procedure begins with the application of a thin layer of a carbon-based lotion to the patient’s face. This lotion is left to dry and adhere to the skin’s surface. The carbon particles in the lotion have a strong affinity for laser light absorption. Subsequently, a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is used to emit high-energy, short-duration pulses of light that are specifically absorbed by the carbon particles on the skin’s surface. Carbon laser peels can be performed as a standalone treatment or as part of a series to address mild pigmentation and improve overall skin radiance.
Carbon laser peel is recommended for:
There are many different types of pigmentation with different causes and treatment modalities. Immediate accurate diagnosis can usually be made on the spot by careful inspection of the pigmentation shape, colour, and distribution.
Some of the common pigmentation are:
Freckles are small, flat, brown spots that appear on the skin. They are usually clustered together and most often found on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the face, shoulders, arms, and hands. While not harmful, various treatments, including laser options, are available for those seeking freckle removal.
Sun spots, also known as age spots or liver spots, are small, dark patches that occur on the skin. They’re caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, and tend to be more common in people over the age of 50. Sun spots can be treated with a variety of methods, including laser therapies, designed to target and break down the excess pigment.
Nevus of Ota is a type of melanocytic nevus characterised by its blue-grey colouration, typically found on the face. While benign, laser treatments may help lighten the nevus for cosmetic concerns. The doctors will assess the condition and recommend the most suitable approach for pigmentation removal in such cases.
There are a number of factors that contribute to skin pigmentation. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its colour, and the amount of melanin produced by the body is determined by genetic factors. Sun exposure also plays a role in skin pigmentation, as UV light can stimulate the production of melanin. Other factors that can affect skin pigmentation include certain medications, hormones, and injuries. Understanding these factors is advisable for optimal pigmentation removal and prevention.
Inflammation causes a temporary increase or decrease in the pigments for healing due to the trauma experienced by the skin. For example, scars that form as a result of acne, eczema, burns, or other injuries will trigger a natural healing process which can cause the skin to become darker in colour, leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The fluctuation in hormones can trigger melasma, which shows up as small, dark patches. This is very common during pregnancy. The clinic understands the complexities of hormonally induced pigmentation and can recommend treatment plans to address these concerns.
Laser treatment for pigmentation is an effective solution for reducing dark spots, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. These laser treatments work by delivering targeted light energy that is absorbed by the melanin in your skin. The energy breaks the melanin into smaller fragments, which are gradually cleared away by the body’s natural processes. Different laser wavelengths can treat pigmentation at various depths, allowing for precise and customised care.
At V Medical Aesthetics, we offer advanced laser treatments for pigmentation using technologies like Pico Laser. Our doctors will recommend the most suitable option based on your pigmentation type, skin condition, and desired results—ensuring a safe and effective approach to clearer, more radiant skin.
Opting for laser pigmentation removal may result in the following:
Skin pigmentation is not always permanent. While some forms—such as melasma or age spots—may be more persistent, many types can be effectively reduced with the right treatment. In Singapore, high UV exposure contributes significantly to pigmentation concerns. At V Medical Aesthetics Clinic, laser treatments can visibly lighten pigmentation, but long-term results require proper sun protection and consistent skincare to prevent recurrence.
Sun protection. Sun protection. Sun protection.
Almost 80% of pigmentation problems root from the same cause: sun exposure. We cannot stress enough the importance of sun protection in determining the success of pigmentation removal treatment and its long term prevention of recurrence, especially in Singapore’s sunny climate.
Sun protection can be in the form of physical protection, such as bringing an umbrella, wearing covered clothing and masks, or chemical protection, such as oral or topical sunscreen. Consistent and diligent sun protection is crucial to maintain the results of your laser treatment and prevent future dark spots and other pigmentation issues.
There are a few risks associated with skin pigmentation treatments, but they are typically mild and temporary. The most common side effects include redness and mild peeling at the treatment site, which usually subside within a few days following the treatment.
In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as an allergic reaction or infection. If you experience any severe side effects after a skin pigmentation treatment, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Overall, the laser and other pigmentation removal treatments are safe and effective for most people when performed by experienced medical professionals.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – it depends on the severity of your pigmentation, the type of laser treatment or procedure you undergo, and how quickly you want to see results.
For milder cases of pigmentation, you may only need to treat your skin every month or so. However, if your pigmentation is more severe, or if you’re undergoing a course of laser pigmentation removal, you may need more frequent sessions, as recommended by your doctor.
It’s always best to consult with a medical doctor to get the most accurate advice for your individual situation. They can help you develop a treatment plan that fits your needs and expectations.
The recovery time for skin pigmentation treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment you undergo and the intensity of the treatment. For example, some laser treatments for deeper skin pigmentation may require a few days of recovery, while superficial pigmentation treatments might have minimal to no downtime.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when it comes to skin pigmentation treatment and recovery, as each case is unique. In general, however, you can expect some redness and possibly slight peeling after treatment, which should subside within a few days.
If left untreated, tan, brown, or dark brown pigmentation may take months to years to resolve naturally. Some pigmentation that appears as blue-grey may either be permanent or resolve over a protracted period of time if left untreated. While most pigmentation is benign, it can be a cosmetic concern for many individuals in Singapore.
In rare cases, untreated skin pigmentation may also be associated with or mask more serious skin conditions. It is important to consult a medical doctor for regular check-ups so that any changes in pigmentation can be monitored.
Before your pigmentation treatment, your skin will be cleansed, and a topical numbing cream may be applied to minimise discomfort during laser or other procedures. Once the numbing has taken effect, the laser or RF microneedling treatment will proceed. You may feel a slight prickling or stinging sensation as the energy penetrates the skin, but this should subside quickly.
Immediately after treatment, the treated area may be slightly red, but this typically subsides within the day. Some treatments, particularly those for more significant pigmentation, may cause mild swelling, which usually resolves within a week.
You can expect to resume normal activities post-treatment. It is best to apply SPF protection daily and avoid prolonged sun exposure, strenuous exercises, active ingredients, and exfoliatives to prevent any skin irritation or complication.
The results of your pigmentation removal treatment may last for several months, and possibly up to a year or more, depending on the individual and the type of pigmentation treated. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your skin after treatment.
Several factors can influence whether your skin pigmentation returns after treatment. In most cases, treated pigmentation is permanently removed. However, the most important factor is the type of treatment you undergo.
Medical aesthetic treatments like laser procedures may help reduce existing pigmentation. However, the underlying tendency to develop pigmentation can persist. Smaller areas of pigmentation may have a higher chance of recurrence compared to larger, more diffuse areas. Pigmentation located closer to the surface of the skin might also be more likely to return than pigmentation that is located deeper in the skin.
Your individual response to treatment and your lifestyle also play a role. Some people are more prone to developing new pigmentation due to factors like sun exposure and hormonal changes. Be sure to protect your skin against pigmentation-causing factors to prevent new pigmentation from developing.
If you are concerned about the possibility of your skin pigmentation returning after a laser treatment, be sure to discuss this with your doctor before starting any type of treatment. They can provide you with personalised advice on maintenance and preventative measures.
V Medical Aesthetics and Laser Clinic has 16 clinic outlets across Singapore, located at:
Novena, Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut, Tanjong Pagar, Bedok, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Woodlands, Serangoon, Boon Lay, Jurong East, Yishun and Toh Payoh.
Click here for clinic address.
By Appointment Only
Mon – Sat : 10.30am – 8.30pm, closed on Sun & Public Holidays.