Pigmentation
Before removing a spot you need to know what it is. So this starts with a doctor’s examination, not with a laser.
What it is and when it is needed
The pigment in the spot absorbs the laser pulse and is broken into smaller particles, which the body clears by itself. Surrounding tissue, having less pigment, is affected less.
Spots of different origin respond differently. Sun-induced spots usually respond better than hormonal pigmentation, which tends to return — worth knowing before rather than after.
- Every spot is examined by a doctor before anything is done to it.
- Moles are not lasered until they have been assessed.
- Sun protection is what holds the result — without it pigmentation comes back.
Who it is for
This is for benign, superficial pigmentation once a doctor has confirmed its nature. If a spot is suspicious in shape, colour or change, the first step is diagnosis, not cosmetic correction.
- Sun-induced spots on the face and hands.
- Age spots.
- Post-inflammatory marks left by breakouts or injury.
- Uneven skin tone.
How it goes
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Examination
The doctor assesses the spots and separates those that can be treated cosmetically from those that need diagnosis.
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Preparation
No tanning or sunbeds for at least two weeks beforehand. Sometimes a preparatory skincare stage is prescribed.
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The procedure
Protective eyewear is worn. You feel a brief snap; the spot darkens immediately — that is the expected reaction.
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Healing
Over 1–2 weeks the darkened layer flakes away on its own. It must not be scrubbed or picked off.
Results
Straight after the treatment the spot looks darker, then gradually lightens. The final result is what you see some weeks after the last session.
Some spots lighten after one session; others need a course. Pigmentation can return — particularly with sun exposure and where hormones are involved — which is why SPF is part of the result rather than advice that follows it.
Aftercare
Afterwards the skin is especially sensitive to UV, and aftercare is what decides whether the result holds.
- SPF 50 daily on the treated area, all year round.
- Do not pick or scrub the darkened skin: it has to flake off by itself.
- Avoid saunas, sunbeds and hard exercise for a week.
- No acids or retinoids on the area for a few days.
- Plan treatments carefully in the sunny season — or postpone them.
Contraindications
Some of these are temporary. The decision is the doctor’s, having examined the skin and reviewed your medication.
- A suspicious mole or a changing lesion — diagnosis first, never a laser.
- A fresh tan, or a sunbed within the last two weeks.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Photosensitising medication (some antibiotics, isotretinoin, St John’s wort).
- Active infection, cold sores or broken skin in the area.
- A tendency to keloid scarring, photodermatoses — assessed individually.
Common questions
Can a mole be removed with the laser?
Moles are not treated until a doctor has assessed them. A suspicious lesion needs diagnosis, not cosmetic correction.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the origin and depth of the pigment. Some lighten after one, others need a course — the doctor will say after examining you.
Will the spot come back?
It can, particularly with sun exposure or where the pigmentation is hormonal. Daily SPF reduces that risk substantially.
Why did the spot go darker afterwards?
That is the expected reaction. The darkened layer flakes off by itself within 1–2 weeks and must not be picked.
Can it be done in summer?
Not on a fresh tan. It is safer to plan it for the darker months, when UV exposure is lower.
Who performs it
Maryna Prychepa
Dermatovenereologist
Marina is an experienced aesthetic physician specializing in injectable cosmetic treatments and skin rejuvenation. Her expertise includes Botox treatments, biorevitalization, mesotherapy, mesobotox, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) treatment, and hair restoration therapies. Marina is dedicated to achieving natural-looking results while providing personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Book
A request is not a confirmed appointment — we will call and agree the time.
Step 1 of 4
Choose a specialist
We start with a consultation — the doctor examines you and the treatment is chosen after that.