Hyperpigmentation & Pigmentation Laser Treatment

IDS Clinic treats a full spectrum of pigmentation concerns including melasma, sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and freckles using advanced Q-switched, picosecond, fractional, and IPL laser technologies. Treatment is individualised based on pigmentation type and skin tone.

Hyperpigmentation — characterised by darkened patches or spots caused by an overproduction of melanin — is one of the most common aesthetic concerns among Asian patients in Singapore. IDS Clinic addresses the full spectrum of pigmentation conditions, from superficial sun spots and freckles to deeper, more challenging conditions such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and Hori's naevus. The clinic's doctors are trained to correctly classify pigmentation before treatment, as different conditions respond to different laser wavelengths and intensities. Misidentification — particularly of melasma, which can worsen with certain laser energies — can lead to post-inflammatory flaring. IDS Clinic's approach begins with a thorough skin analysis using Wood's lamp or digital imaging where appropriate to determine the depth and type of pigmentation. For superficial epidermal pigmentation such as sun spots, lentigines, and freckles, Q-switched Nd:YAG or KTP lasers and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) systems deliver selective photothermolysis to break down melanin deposits without damaging surrounding skin. These are typically low-downtime treatments with excellent outcomes over a series of sessions. For melasma — a chronic, hormonally influenced pigmentation condition — the clinic employs a low-fluence, multi-pass laser technique, sometimes referred to as a 'laser toning' protocol, using Q-switched lasers at sub-ablative energy levels to gradually clear pigmentation while minimising the risk of rebound darkening. Topical prescription agents such as hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid are often incorporated into the treatment plan to suppress melanogenesis between sessions. Picosecond lasers are used for both epidermal and superficial dermal pigmentation, leveraging ultra-short pulses to shatter pigment via photoacoustic rather than photothermal mechanisms — reducing heat-related side effects. This technology is particularly well-suited for mixed-depth pigmentation and can simultaneously improve skin texture. For deeper dermal pigmentation such as Hori's naevus or Ota's naevus, long-pulsed Nd:YAG or specialised 1064 nm picosecond protocols are used over multiple sessions. Realistic expectations, sunscreen diligence between sessions, and a maintenance plan are essential components of the treatment journey. Patients typically undergo 3 to 8 sessions spaced two to six weeks apart.