Laser can reduce pigmentation safely and effectively in suitable patients — but the key is diagnosis and selection. “Pigmentation” is a broad umbrella: some pigment sits superficially and clears well, some is hormonally driven or deeper and needs a slower plan, and some marks should never be treated without medical assessment.
At Chiswick Clinic, we begin with a doctor-led consultation to identify the type of pigmentation being treated, assess your skin type and risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and build a treatment plan. Treatment is then delivered by a doctor or an experienced laser therapist under medical supervision, with realistic expectations and careful aftercare.
Medically reviewed by Dr Bela (2026).
Hyperpigmentation is a general term for areas of skin that look darker than the surrounding skin. It happens when the skin produces or retains excess melanin (skin pigment). It can appear as patches of discoloured skin, uneven pigmentation, or marks left behind after inflammation.
Common triggers include:
Because different forms of pigmentation behave differently, the most important first step is to confirm what you are dealing with — not just treat what you see.
Laser technology works by delivering controlled laser energy into the skin. For pigmentation, the aim is to target melanin in a way that helps the body clear the pigment, while protecting surrounding skin.
In patient terms, laser treatment for pigmentation is designed to:
What you may notice immediately after laser pigmentation removal depends on the indication and the settings used. Some pigmentation darkens briefly before it fades. Other patterns respond more gradually over a course of treatments.
We keep explanations simple on purpose: the real clinical decision is choosing the appropriate treatment for your skin type and pigmentation issues, and pacing it to minimise risk.
[IMAGE: clinician-led consultation and laser treatment setting — patient education photo]
This page focuses on selected pigment patterns that can respond to laser in the right context. We do not treat “all pigmentation”. We treat what is safe and appropriate.
Melasma is often hormonally influenced and can be triggered by sun exposure, heat, and inflammation. It is one of the most common causes of disappointment when laser is used too aggressively.
If we treat melasma at all, we do it cautiously. That may include skin preparation, gentle settings, careful spacing between sessions, and a strong topical programme. In some cases, the safest decision is not to laser.
PIH is pigment that appears after inflammation — for example after acne, eczema, irritation, or a procedure. It is both a condition and a risk: it is also the type of pigment change that can occur after treatment if the skin is pushed too hard.
Laser may help selected PIH patterns, but only after we assess barrier health, skin type, and how reactive the skin is.
Many patients want a simple answer: “Is this the best treatment?” The more honest question is: “Is this the best treatment for my pigment, my skin type, and my risk profile?”
You may be a good candidate if:
We may advise a slower approach — or no laser — if there is a high risk of worsening pigmentation.
We will pause, delay, or advise against laser treatment if:
Pigmentation concerns can affect confidence and quality of life. They also require careful clinical judgement, because the wrong diagnosis or the wrong settings can make pigment worse.
Treatment may include:
Your consultation is delivered by one of our medical experts. Your treatment can then be carried out either by the same clinician or by one of our experienced laser therapists, depending on your needs and the treatment plan. This means decisions are made clinically, not commercially.
Chiswick Clinic is CQC registered, which means we are inspected against national standards for safety, governance and patient care.
Your consultation is doctor-led. We assess your skin concern, confirm suitability, and select the safest approach. If there is any doubt about diagnosis, we pause and investigate rather than treating blindly.
We use medical-grade lasers and structured protocols. The goal is controlled improvement with predictable healing, not aggressive treatment.
Appropriate insurance arrangements are in place for medical and laser practice.
Patch testing may be advised at the consultation depending on skin type, recent sun exposure, medical history, and prior reactions to treatments. Where patch testing is recommended, it becomes a mandatory safety step before we proceed.
Pigment responds at different speeds. Some patients see early improvement after the first treatment; others need a course for best results. We review response to the treatment and adjust the plan rather than pushing intensity.
Preparation and aftercare influence outcomes as much as the laser itself.
Pricing depends on the treatment area, the type of pigmentation, and whether you need a course.
Course packages: available after assessment
It can be safe and effective when the diagnosis is correct and the plan is tailored to your skin type. Some pigment responds well; some needs a slower topical-first approach; and some should not be treated with laser at all.
It depends on the type of pigmentation being treated, the depth of pigment, and how your skin responds. Some patients notice improvement after the first treatment; others need a course for best results.
Many patients have mild redness that settles within hours. Depending on the pigment pattern, the treated area may look darker at first before it fades. We explain what to expect in advance.
Sometimes, but only in selected cases and with a cautious plan. Melasma can worsen if treated aggressively. We usually focus on diagnosis, skincare preparation, and a gradual approach.
It can. Sun exposure and hormonal influences can trigger recurrence. Long-term maintenance is usually about sun protection, barrier support, and the right topical routine.
Not automatically. Darker skin can have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We assess suitability carefully and may recommend patch testing.
