TREATMENTS
Pigment Laser
Pigment laser treatment is an advanced laser procedure designed to safely reduce unwanted pigmentation and restore a clearer, more even skin tone. Pigmentation develops when excess melanin, the natural pigment responsible for skin colour, accumulates within the skin. While melanin plays an essential role in protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, excessive or uneven melanin production can lead to visible dark patches, age spots and other pigmentary concerns.
Patients commonly seek pigment laser treatment for conditions such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, freckles, sun spots, age spots (solar lentigines), café-au-lait patches and selected benign pigmented lesions. These conditions can affect the face, hands, chest and many other areas of the body, often becoming more noticeable with age and repeated sun exposure.
Laser treatment works by delivering carefully selected wavelengths of light that are specifically absorbed by melanin within the skin. The laser energy breaks the pigment into tiny fragments, allowing the body’s natural immune system to gradually remove the excess melanin over the following weeks. Because the laser selectively targets pigment while minimising damage to surrounding tissue, treatment is both highly effective and safe when performed by an experienced laser dermatologist.
Professor Firas Al-Niaimi uses advanced pigment-specific laser technologies to tailor treatment according to the type and depth of pigmentation being treated. Depending on the diagnosis, patients may benefit from PicoWay Laser Treatment or other advanced laser systems. You can also read more about the wider range of Laser Treatments for Pigmentation available at the clinic.
The number of treatment sessions required varies according to the condition being treated, the depth of the pigmentation, skin type and individual response. Superficial pigmentation often responds quickly, whereas more complex conditions such as melasma may require a combination of laser treatment, prescription skincare and ongoing sun protection to achieve the best long-term results. For patients with additional signs of sun damage or uneven skin texture, treatments such as Laser Resurfacing or Fractional Laser may also be recommended as part of a personalised treatment plan.
Treatment is quick and generally takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Most patients describe the procedure as very tolerable, with only mild discomfort during treatment. Cooling devices or cooling gel can be used to improve comfort where required, and most patients are able to resume their normal daily activities shortly afterwards with minimal downtime.
Before recommending laser treatment, Professor Firas Al-Niaimi performs a detailed dermatological assessment to establish the exact diagnosis. This is particularly important because different pigmentation disorders require different treatment approaches, and certain conditions may respond better to combined therapies than to laser treatment alone.
As an internationally recognised consultant dermatologist and laser specialist, Professor Firas Al-Niaimi has extensive experience treating pigmentation disorders using the latest evidence-based laser technologies. Every treatment is individually tailored to achieve the safest possible procedure and the best cosmetic outcome, helping patients achieve brighter, clearer and more evenly toned skin.
What is Laser Pigmentation Removal?
Pigmented lesions are often caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure, effects of ageing, or flat moles and freckles (which are common signs of natural pigmentation). Laser Pigmentation Removal is a safe, popular, non-invasive treatment that removes or minimises skin pigmentation and dark spots on the skin through the use of sound waves. Nd:Yag Laser Treatment uses light of a specific wavelength that treats the targeted melanin to break down the pigmentation without damaging the surrounding dermis. When Dr Firas Al-Niaimi creates your bespoke plan (tailored to your specific needs and skin pigmentation disorder), he may advise a strategy that includes combining other non-surgical procedures that will work in harmony with your laser treatment to ensure optimum results. Laser treatment is particularly popular for face pigmentation as this is an area that can cause extreme self-consciousness.
How does Laser Treatment work for Pigmentation?
Laser Pigmentation Treatment is designed to remove the excess melanin in your skin, which is caused by a melanin-producing cell called a melanocyte. When the laser is directed onto the highly pigmented area, the laser is well absorbed by the areas of concentrated pigmentation- and not well absorbed by normal tissue – so the laser stimulates your body to eliminate unwanted excess pigment.
Can Laser Pigmentation Removal work on Dark Skin?
Some laser treatments can work well on people with dark skin; however, Laser Pigmentation Treatment can cause discolouration in the skin. Dr Al-Niaimi will advise you as to whether your skin is suitable for the procedure. It is advised that if you have a fresh tan or have used tanning treatment that you wait for the tan to fade before undergo any laser treatment.
What is the Laser Pigmentation Removal Recovery Time?
After your treatment your skin may feel sore, as if it has been sunburned, and the area may be slightly swollen. The skin may also flake; however this is nothing to worry about and is the natural process of removing pigment for the skin. You will be able to return to normal activity immediately after the treatment and your skin should heal completely after one- two weeks.
Laser Pigmentation Removal Aftercare
Gentle cleansing of the skin and sometimes the application of an antibiotic ointment will help the treated area heal quickly after your laser treatment. Dr Firas Al-Niaimi will always provide you with a comprehensive aftercare plan and advise you on any concerns you may have.