Pigment Spot Laser Removal

Laser pigment spot removal targets melanin-rich lesions — solar lentigines (sun spots), age spots, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — using selective photothermolysis. The laser wavelength is selectively absorbed by melanin, shattering pigment granules into fragments that are subsequently cleared by the immune system, leaving skin more even-toned.

Pigmented lesions on the face and body — including solar lentigines (flat sun spots and age spots), seborrhoeic keratoses, freckles, melasma patches, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne, trauma, or inflammation — are among the most common skin concerns across all age groups. Laser-based pigment removal is the most targeted and effective non-chemical method available for clearing these lesions, using the principle of selective photothermolysis to destroy melanin-containing cells without damaging surrounding tissue. Selective photothermolysis relies on the preferential absorption of specific laser wavelengths by the target chromophore — in this case melanin. Q-switched lasers (Nd:YAG at 1064nm or 532nm, or ruby at 694nm) deliver extremely short pulses of laser energy (nanoseconds or picoseconds in duration) that are absorbed by melanin granules within pigmented cells, generating rapid thermal expansion and a photoacoustic shockwave that shatters the melanosomes into smaller fragments. These fragments are then recognised as cellular debris, engulfed by macrophages, and transported via the lymphatic system for clearance over the weeks following treatment. At CBP Klinika Brno, laser pigment removal is performed with settings adapted to the type, depth, and skin background of each lesion. Superficial solar lentigines on lighter Fitzpatrick skin types respond rapidly — often clearing significantly in one to two sessions. Deeper pigmentation such as dermal melasma or longstanding post-inflammatory changes requires more sessions and more conservative settings to avoid post-treatment inflammation triggering further melanin deposition (paradoxical darkening). Before treatment, the practitioner assesses each pigmented lesion using dermoscopy or Wood's lamp evaluation to confirm the nature and depth of the pigmentation and to rule out any lesions requiring dermatological assessment rather than cosmetic laser treatment. After laser delivery, treated spots temporarily appear darker (a process called graying or immediate darkening) before the pigment fragments disperse over the following two to four weeks. Sun avoidance and consistent broad-spectrum SPF 50 application in the treated area is mandatory for the months following treatment to prevent recurrence.