Pigmentation Treatment

There is no single treatment that is considered the best for every patient. The most appropriate treatment depends on the type and severity of melasma, your skin type, underlying triggers, and medical history. Effective management often combines medical therapy, medical-grade skincare, professional in-clinic treatments, and strict daily sun protection. A personalised assessment is essential to determine the most suitable treatment plan.

Pigmentation — especially melasma — is often a chronic condition rather than a one-time problem. Even after successful treatment, the pigment-producing cells in your skin can be reactivated by triggers such as sun exposure, hormones, heat, and inflammation. This is why daily SPF, medical-grade skincare, and, in some cases, maintenance treatments are essential. Recurrence does not necessarily mean your treatment has failed — it is simply the nature of the condition and why long-term management is so important.

Yes. Pigmentation can be safely treated on darker skin tones when the correct treatments and techniques are used. Because darker skin contains more active melanin, treatment should always be tailored to your skin type to minimise the risk of further pigmentation. A personalised approach, combined with appropriate medical management, professional treatments, and daily sun protection, provides the safest and most effective results.

Cosmelan® is a professional depigmentation treatment designed to improve the appearance of stubborn pigmentation, including melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Unlike treatments that focus only on removing existing pigment, Cosmelan® also helps regulate excess melanin production, making it an effective option for managing recurrent pigmentation. Treatment includes an in-clinic procedure followed by a structured home-care programme to support and maintain results.

Yes. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is one of the most important parts of any pigmentation treatment programme. UV exposure can trigger and worsen pigmentation, making it more difficult to achieve and maintain results. Consistent daily SPF, combined with the right skincare and professional treatments, helps protect your skin and reduce the risk of pigmentation returning.

The length of treatment depends on the type and severity of your pigmentation, your skin type, and how well you follow your treatment plan. Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks, while more complex conditions, such as melasma, may require several months of treatment and ongoing maintenance. During your consultation, we'll provide a personalised treatment plan and discuss what you can realistically expect.

Yes. Hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are well-known triggers for melasma in people who are predisposed to developing pigmentation. In susceptible individuals, hormones such as oestrogen can stimulate melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment), particularly when combined with UV exposure.

If your pigmentation appears to be hormone-related, adjusting your contraceptive method or HRT may form part of your overall treatment plan. However, this decision should always be made in consultation with both Dr. Bangalee and your gynaecologist, taking your individual health needs into account.

Pregnancy itself is a common cause of melasma ('mask of pregnancy'). Treatment options during pregnancy are restricted — many brightening actives (retinoids, AHAs, hydroquinone) are contraindicated. Safe options are limited to gentle skincare and strict SPF use. Dr. Bangalee will advise the safest approach for pregnant patients.

Yes. Professional chemical peels can be highly effective in treating superficial pigmentation by accelerating cell turnover and encouraging the removal of pigmented skin cells. Different types of peels are selected based on your skin type, the cause of your pigmentation, and your treatment goals.

For best results, a series of peels combined with a personalised home-care routine is usually recommended. Deeper or more stubborn pigmentation, such as dermal melasma, may require more intensive treatments in addition to chemical peels, as determined during your consultation.

In most cases, no. While many forms of pigmentation can be significantly improved or even cleared, there is no guaranteed permanent cure — particularly for conditions such as melasma, which has a tendency to recur.

The goal of treatment is long-term control rather than a one-time fix. With the right combination of in-clinic treatments, a personalised home-care routine, and daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, most patients can achieve excellent, long-lasting results and keep pigmentation well managed.

Yes. We offer the Mesoestetic Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment following a consultation to determine whether it is the most appropriate treatment for your pigmentation concerns. As this is a specialised treatment that is ordered specifically for each patient, full payment is required upfront before the treatment is scheduled.