Step 1: Medical assessment and pigment typing

Before any laser treatment, we perform a clinical assessment to determine:

• Diagnosis: Is this benign pigmentation or a lesion requiring a different medical path?
• Depth: Is the pigment epidermal, dermal, or mixed?
• Risk Profile: What is your “PIH risk”? This is critical for patients with melanin-rich skin or a history of scarring. (2,7)
• Drivers: Are UV exposure, hormones (melasma), or medications driving the pigment? (2–4)

Step 2: Medical-grade Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

The Q-switched (nanosecond) laser delivers high-energy pulses designed to fragment pigment or ink into microscopic particles, allowing your body’s immune system to clear them naturally. (6,8)

Why we use Q-Switched (Nanosecond) vs. Picosecond Lasers: While “Pico” lasers are often marketed for speed, the Q-switched nanosecond technology remains a gold standard for safety in high-risk pigmentation.

• Controlled Thermal Profile: Q-switched lasers provide a predictable thermal interaction with the skin. In many cases of complex pigmentation, the ultra-fast delivery of picosecond lasers can create significant photo-acoustic shockwaves that may inadvertently trigger inflammation and PIH in sensitive or pigment-prone skin.
• Stability: We prioritise the stability of the surrounding tissue. By using specific “low-fluence” Q-switched protocols, we can effectively clear pigment while keeping the skin “quiet” and avoiding the aggressive inflammatory response that leads to relapse. (8)

Step 3: Stabilization and “Result Insurance”

Laser is only one part of the solution. To prevent the pigment from returning, we focus on stabilizing the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). (2–4,7)

• Prescription Therapy: When appropriate, we use medical-grade topicals to suppress excess pigment production and reduce inflammation.
• Evidence-Based Actives: We build a regimen around Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide) for modulation, Azelaic Acid for anti-inflammatory support, and Barrier Repair to stop the “reaction spirals” that lead to new spots. (9,10)
• Dermal Therapist Integration: Consistent, gentle care with a therapist ensures your skin remains stable between and after laser sessions.