Pigmentation Treatment
What Is It?
Pigmentation on the skin is not a single picture. Marks that build up over years of sun exposure, hormonally driven melasma, and the darkening left after an injury or a spot all form by different mechanisms — and they are not managed the same way.
That distinction directly determines success. In sun-related marks, clearing the pigment comes to the fore; in hormonal pigmentation the same aggressive approach can make the picture worse, and a more cautious, longer route is needed there. The first job is therefore not to treat the mark but to understand what type of mark it is.
How Is It Done?
At examination the type of mark, its borders, its depth and how long it has been present are assessed. Where a hormonal component is suspected, current medication and contraception are reviewed. Skin type is recorded; in darker skin the risk of post-treatment darkening is higher, so settings are kept cautious.
The protocol is built around the type of mark and usually includes more than one component: chemical treatments, laser and mesotherapy among them. A session averages 30 minutes; a plan of around 3 sessions is common, though the number varies by type. Home care is an inseparable part of the protocol — sun protection in particular is as decisive as the sessions themselves. Months when the sun is weak are more suitable for planning.
Who Is It For?
Suitable for people with sun spots, age spots, hormonal darkening or marks left after spots. The clearest response is seen in marks with defined borders that sit close to the surface.
With hormonally driven pigmentation the expectation is framed differently: the aim is not to erase but to lighten and to slow recurrence. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, tanned skin, active skin infection, recent isotretinoin use and photosensitising medication all change the planning and are assessed individually at examination. Where a mark is new, has irregular borders or is changing colour, dermatological assessment is requested first.
Process & Recovery
Mark type analysis
The type, borders, depth and duration of the mark are assessed; where a hormonal component is suspected, medication is reviewed. Skin type is recorded. Photographs are taken.
Session day
The planned method is applied, with topical anaesthetic cream beforehand where needed. The session averages 30 minutes, followed by repair care.
First week
Depending on the method there may be redness, darkening and fine flaking; temporary darkening of the mark is an expected stage. Sun protection is used without interruption.
Between sessions
Time is left for the skin to recover. In this window, adherence to home care is as decisive as the session itself.
End of protocol and protection
Assessment is made once the protocol is complete, by photographic comparison. Maintaining the result depends on continuing sun protection.
Results & Duration
Lightening comes as sessions accumulate; no marked change is expected after the first session. After some methods a temporary darkening of the mark is a normal stage and no cause for alarm.
Response varies markedly by type: superficial sun-related marks show a clearer difference, while hormonal pigmentation takes longer and tends to recur. Maintaining the result depends directly on sun protection — stop protecting and the pigmentation returns.
What Is Not Promised
Pigmentation treatment does not promise to erase marks; the aim is to reduce their appearance and balance skin tone. Hormonally driven pigmentation tends to recur, and that is the nature of the condition rather than a failure of treatment.
No particular percentage of lightening, session count or duration is guaranteed. It is no substitute for sun protection — without it, any lightening achieved returns. Where a mark is new or changing, dermatological assessment comes first.
Key Benefits
- Balanced skin tone
- Brighter appearance
- Individual protocol
“With pigmentation, whoever hurries loses. Going aggressively at hormonal pigmentation in particular can lighten it in the short term and leave a darker picture later. The right question is not “how fast can we lighten it” but “which kind of mark is this”.”
— Dr. Sinan Akyürek
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my pigmentation disappear completely?
The aim is to reduce its appearance and balance tone. Superficial sun-related marks show a clearer difference; hormonal pigmentation takes longer and tends to recur.
Why is the type identified first?
Because the same method does not suit every mark. An aggressive approach that works on a sun spot can make hormonal pigmentation worse.
How many sessions are needed?
A plan of around 3 sessions is common, though the number varies with the type and depth of the mark.
My mark darkened after treatment — is that normal?
After some methods a temporary darkening is an expected stage. Sun protection is maintained without interruption during this period.
Is sunscreen essential?
Yes, it is an inseparable part of the protocol. Without it, any lightening achieved returns.
Can it be done in summer?
Months when the sun is weak are more suitable for planning. The right timing for you is decided by your doctor according to your skin type and sun exposure.
Can it be done during pregnancy?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are among the situations that change the planning; the approach in that period is discussed separately at examination.
I have a new mark — can it be treated directly?
Where a mark is new, has irregular borders or is changing colour, dermatological assessment is requested first. Aesthetic treatment is planned after that.