Sun spots
Flat brown marks may develop on the face, chest and hands after cumulative UV exposure. A changing or unusual spot needs medical assessment before cosmetic treatment.
Pigmentation
Pigmentation Treatment Consultation in Adelaide
Review your pigmentation pattern, skin history and suitable options with W Medical Aesthetics.
Request a consultationUnderstanding your pigmentation
A pigmentation consultation provides an opportunity to assess sun spots, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and uneven tone. Identifying the pattern and its possible causes helps determine which options are appropriate.
Melasma and hormone-related pigmentation can worsen after unsuitable laser or light-based procedures. Assessment also considers pigment depth, rather than treating every brown mark in the same way.
Melasma
Brown or greyish patches may be influenced by hormones and sun exposure. Melasma is prone to recurrence and generally requires ongoing management.
Freckles
Small, often genetically influenced spots can darken with sun exposure. They are not necessarily the same as sun damage-related pigmentation.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
PIH means dark marks remaining after acne, irritation, injury or inflammation has settled. Active inflammation may need attention first.
Hormonal influences
Pregnancy, hormonal contraception and other hormonal changes can influence pigmentation. This may overlap with melasma rather than representing a separate diagnosis.
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What we assess before discussing an option
Skin type, UV exposure, medications, hormonal factors and previous reactions can affect how pigmentation is managed. Some procedures may need to be delayed or avoided.
A new, changing or otherwise concerning lesion should be assessed medically before a cosmetic procedure is considered.
- Skin tone and risk of post-inflammatory pigment changes
- Recent sun exposure or tanning
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and hormonal factors
- Medicines and products that may affect skin sensitivity
- Previous pigmentation flare-ups or procedure reactions
- The pigment pattern, depth and concerns you want to prioritise
Options discussed at your appointment
The appointment starts with clean-skin assessment and a review of pigmentation history, medications, recent sun exposure and previous reactions.
The clinic explains the role, limitations, relevant risks, recovery and costs of suitable options before anything is planned.
Light-based and laser options
BBL or laser may be considered for selected sun spots and other pigmentation concerns. Melasma requires particular caution because unsuitable treatment can worsen pigmentation.
Peels and skincare
Selected peels and pigment-aware skincare may form part of a gradual approach to uneven tone. Skin sensitivity and barrier condition matter.
Resurfacing where appropriate
CO2 resurfacing may be considered when pigmentation occurs with texture or sun-related changes. It is a more intensive procedure with specific risks and recovery needs.
A plan based on assessment
A different approach, a period of skincare and review, or no cosmetic procedure may be appropriate. There is no fixed procedure for every pigment pattern.
Timeline and review appointments
With some light- or laser-based procedures, treated pigment can temporarily darken before fading or shedding over the following days or weeks. This does not happen with every pigment type.
Individual responses vary. The number and spacing of appointments depend on pigment type, the procedure and recovery; further treatment is based on response and clinical need.
- Pigmentation can recur when triggers remain active.
- Melasma and PIH may need ongoing management.
- Skin response and unwanted effects are reviewed before another procedure.
- Sun protection and an appropriate home routine remain part of the discussion.
Downtime, risks and aftercare
Temporary redness, warmth, swelling or sensitivity can occur. Pigmentation may become darker or uneven, particularly in melasma-prone skin or skin with a history of PIH.
Procedure-specific risks may also include burns, infection or scarring. Recovery and risks vary and should be explained before you decide whether to proceed. Contact the clinic about unexpected or worsening symptoms.
Caring for pigment-prone skin
- Follow the aftercare instructions for the selected procedure.
- Use appropriate broad-spectrum sun protection and avoid tanning.
- Choose skincare that supports the skin barrier without unnecessary irritation.
- Ask when to pause or restart active skincare.
- Discuss heat exposure if it is a known trigger for your pigmentation.
- Arrange review if irritation or pigmentation worsens.
A focused skin consultation
W Medical Aesthetics offers an assessment-led discussion of your pigmentation concerns. Dr Wong reviews your history and explains why an option may or may not suit your skin.
Dr Kee Sing Wong, MBBS, FRACGP
Registered medical practitioner
AHPRA registration: MED0000996242
Registration status: Registered
Fees and alternatives
Ask the clinic to confirm consultation fees and provide an individual estimate for any recommended care. Costs depend on the option, area and plan discussed.
You can ask about alternatives, expected recovery and whether a broader skin consultation would better address concerns such as redness or texture.
Pigmentation questions
Can melasma go away permanently?
Melasma is prone to recurrence and is usually managed over time with sun protection, appropriate skincare and, where suitable, clinical procedures. A permanent result cannot be promised.
Can laser be considered for darker skin types?
Suitability depends on skin tone, pigment pattern, device and settings. Darker skin can be more prone to post-inflammatory pigment changes, so previous reactions and procedure history are reviewed before deciding whether laser or light-based care is appropriate.
How many appointments might I need?
There is no standard number for every pigmentation concern. Number and spacing depend on pigment type, the procedure used and how the skin responds between reviews.
Will pigmentation come back?
Pigmentation can return because pigment-producing cells may respond again to UV exposure, hormonal changes or inflammation. The relevant triggers depend on the type of pigmentation.
Take the next step
Arrange a pigmentation consultation
Discuss the marks or changes you have noticed, your skin history and possible next steps with W Medical Aesthetics in Adelaide.
Request a consultationGeneral information only; this does not replace an individual medical assessment. Suitability, response, recovery and maintenance needs vary. All procedures carry risks. Images are illustrative and do not show or predict treatment outcomes.