Pigmentation: Melasma and Sun Damage
Correct uneven skin tone.
Pigmentation is a condition that usually presents as brown patches on your skin, making your complexion look uneven. It occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin, usually triggered by factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, ageing, or skin injuries.
When exposed to UV radiation, the skin produces more melanin as a natural response, leading to tanning. This increased melanin serves as the skin’s defence mechanism to shield itself from further damage. At the Dermatology Institute of Victoria, our expert team offers tailored treatment plans to address pigmentation concerns and help you achieve a balanced, even complexion.
Common Types of Pigmentation
Let’s take a closer look at melasma.
Melasma is a specific type of pigmentation that predominantly affects women, although 10% of those affected are men. It typically appears on both sides of the face, commonly on the cheeks, forehead, nose bridge, and upper lip. There is a genetic predisposition to this condition and all races can be affected, however pigmentation is more prevalent in dark-skinned races such as Asians, Hispanics, Indians and people from the Middle-East or Northern Africa.
While the exact cause is unknown, it is often triggered by hormonal changes, including pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal contraceptives, and can be exacerbated by sun exposure. Schedule a consultation to find the right treatment plan for you.
Achieve a more balanced complexion.
Treating pigmentation is not just about addressing the visible symptoms. Our comprehensive approach includes preventive advice and strategies, to help you maintain your results and protect your skin from future damage.
Sun Damage
Sun damage refers to pigmentation changes and skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV radiation includes both UVA and UVB rays, which can harm the skin. Sun damage may appear as dark spots, freckles, or uneven skin tone, and can include conditions like age spots or sunspots. Schedule a consultation with our skilled practitioners to discover the right solutions for your skin concerns. Book a consultation here.
Pigmentation treatments we offer:
Fraxel Dual Laser
A non-ablative fractional resurfacing laser, designed to deliver controlled laser energy to rejuvenate and improve the skin's appearance. Learn more.
Light Skin Peel
A light skin peel involves the application of a gentle chemical solution to the outermost layer of the skin. Exfoliation of the dead skin cells helps to fade pigmented areas, promote cell turnover, and reveal a smoother and brighter complexion. Learn more.
*Suitable for treating fine lines and other skin concerns associated with sun damaged.
Erbium Laser
This laser precisely targets and removes the outer layers of damaged skin, revealing new, refreshed skin cells below. Learn more.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL treatment involves delivering quick pulses of broad-spectrum light energy to target specific vascularities within the skin. Learn more.
Fractionated CO2 Laser
An ablative fractional skin resurfacing treatment that uses a laser beam to target and treat specific areas of the skin, leaving surrounding tissues intact. Learn more.
*Suitable for stimulating collagen production and treating concerns associated with sun damaged.
Laser Genesis
This laser targets the deeper dermal layers, stimulating collagen production without causing damage to the surface of the skin. Learn more.
More treatment options include:
Photodynamic Therapy• Plasma Skin Resurfacing • Q-Switched YAG Laser • Vascular Laser
*Please note that results are individual and may vary. Results shown above are from the Light Skin Peel treatment.
Results achieved by our DIV team.
*Please note that results are individual and may vary. Results shown above are from the Fraxel Dual Laser treatment. (Performed by Melissa Woldhuis RN, MN, NP)
