At Harley Street Medics, we treat all forms of pigmentation with advanced, medically-led solutions. Whether you’re dealing with sun damage, melasma, or uneven skin tone, our London clinic offers safe, targeted treatments for a brighter, more even complexion.
Pigmentation refers to the coloring of your skin, which is primarily controlled by melanin — a natural pigment produced by cells called melanocytes. When melanin production becomes uneven or overactive, it can lead to dark patches, spots, or overall uneven skin tone, commonly seen on the face, neck, or hands.
This condition can be triggered by various factors including sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, post-acne marks, or even genetics. Common pigmentation disorders include melasma, sun spots (solar lentigines), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and freckles. These concerns can affect all skin types, though they may present differently depending on your skin tone.
Melasma appears as large, symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches, commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. It’s strongly linked to hormonal changes such as pregnancy, contraceptive use, or hormone therapy and often worsens with sun exposure. Melasma is more common in women and those with medium to darker skin tones, and it can be persistent without professional treatment.
Sun spots are flat, well-defined brown patches caused by cumulative UV exposure over time, often appearing on the face, shoulders, chest, and hands. Unlike freckles, these do not fade with the seasons and are more common in mature skin after the age of 40. Long-term sun exposure accelerates their appearance, and they tend to deepen in color with age.
PIH occurs after inflammation or trauma to the skin — such as acne breakouts, burns, cuts, or cosmetic procedures — leaving behind dark or discoloured patches. It’s especially common in deeper skin tones, where the skin is more reactive to irritation or injury. These marks may fade over time, but persistent cases often need medical-grade treatments to fully resolve.
Freckles are small, round, light-to-dark brown spots that typically appear in sun-exposed areas like the nose, cheeks, and arms. They’re usually genetic and become more prominent with sun exposure, especially in individuals with fair skin. Freckles are harmless, often fading in winter, but some patients seek treatment for cosmetic reasons or to even out skin tone.
This type of pigmentation forms under the eyes and can range in color from brown to bluish or purple, depending on the cause. It may result from genetics, thin under-eye skin, blood vessel visibility, lifestyle factors like poor sleep, or chronic eye rubbing. While not a medical concern, under-eye pigmentation can create a tired or aged look and is one of the most requested cosmetic concerns in London clinics.
The time it takes for pigmentation to fade depends on the type, depth, and cause of the pigmentation, as well as your skin tone and the treatment used. In most cases, with proper skincare and professional treatments, pigmentation can start to fade within 4 to 8 weeks — with more noticeable improvements over 2 to 4 months.Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne or injury often begins to fade within 6 to 12 weeks with the right care. Melasma and sun spots, however, tend to be deeper and more stubborn, often requiring 3 to 6 months or longer to treat effectively — especially without sun protection or consistent aftercare.
At Harley Street Medics in London, we provide medically led pigmentation treatments tailored to your skin type, condition, and lifestyle.
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation and skin analysis. We’ll examine the type, depth, and distribution of pigmentation, assess your medical history and skincare routine, and identify any contributing factors such as sun exposure, hormones, or inflammation. Based on this, we’ll recommend the most suitable treatment or combination of therapies.
We offer a range of treatments — including chemical peels, laser therapy, medical-grade skincare, and topical prescriptions. Your personalised plan may involve a single treatment or a phased approach, depending on the severity of pigmentation and your skin’s tolerance. Our priority is always long-term safety, minimal irritation, and visible results.
Most pigmentation treatments are quick, non-surgical, and comfortable. Chemical peels take 15–30 minutes, while laser sessions typically last under an hour. You may feel mild tingling or warmth depending on the method used, but anaesthesia is not usually required. Our clinicians monitor your comfort closely throughout.
You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to protect your results and avoid complications. This may include using gentle cleansers, moisturisers, and daily SPF. Some redness or flaking may occur, depending on the intensity of the treatment, but most patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.
Chemical peels exfoliate the upper layers of pigmented skin, encouraging fresh, even-toned skin to resurface. We use medical-grade AHA, TCA, or combination peels depending on the severity and location of the pigmentation. This method is ideal for treating superficial melasma, sun spots, and uneven tone, while also improving skin texture and radiance. Peels are quick, minimally invasive, and require little to no downtime.
Mesotherapy involves microinjections of skin-brightening ingredients — such as glutathione, tranexamic acid, and vitamin C — directly into areas affected by pigmentation. It helps regulate melanin production, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin luminosity. This technique is especially effective for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It’s a gentle yet powerful option for patients who want gradual, natural results with minimal side effects.
We use advanced laser technologies to precisely target melanin deposits in the skin. The Helios III Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is ideal for treating deeper pigmentation like sun spots and dermal melasma, delivering energy that breaks down pigment particles without damaging the skin. For more stubborn or textured pigmentation, we offer fractional CO₂ laser — which resurfaces the skin while addressing pigment irregularities. Both options are performed with strict protocols to ensure safety, even on darker skin tones.
| Treatments | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Treatment 1 session | £399 |
| Standard Treatment 4 sessions | £1299 |
| Virtue Cell Conditioned Media Treatment 1 session | £499 |
| Virtue Cell Conditioned Media Treatment 4 sessions | £1599 |
| Virtue Exosomes Treatment 1 session | £699 |
| Virtue Exosomes Treatment 4 sessions | £1999 |
| Patch-Test | £50 |
Located in London’s medical hub, we deliver advanced skin treatments with a reputation for excellence and discretion.
Your treatment is overseen by qualified medical professionals with expertise in diagnosing and managing all types of pigmentation.
We don’t guess — we assess. Every plan is based on a detailed analysis of your skin type, pigmentation depth, and trigger factors.
We use the latest lasers (Helios III & CO₂), medical-grade peels, and mesotherapy solutions to safely target even the most stubborn pigmentation.
We focus on sustainable results, combining in-clinic treatments with customised skincare and sun protection advice to prevent recurrence.
Professional treatments like laser therapy, chemical peels, or topical medications can significantly reduce pigmentation. Consistent care and sun protection are key to long-term results.
Melasma is a type of pigmentation triggered by hormonal changes and often appears in symmetrical patches. General pigmentation can result from sun exposure, inflammation, or injury.
Use broad-spectrum SPF daily, wear hats when outdoors, and avoid harsh skincare products. Melasma during pregnancy (chloasma) can be managed with gentle care.
Scalp pigmentation is a cosmetic procedure that uses micro-needling and pigment deposits to simulate hair follicles, ideal for hair thinning or baldness.
Initial fading is often seen within 7–10 days, with continued improvement over several weeks. Multiple sessions may be needed depending on depth and skin type.
Home remedies like aloe vera, turmeric, and green tea extract may help mildly, but they’re less effective than clinical treatments and take longer to show results.
Some types of pigmentation can be long-lasting, but most can be significantly reduced or removed with the right treatment and aftercare.
Yes, especially with continued sun exposure or hormonal changes. Regular sunscreen use and maintenance treatments help prevent recurrence.
Treatments like ND:YAG laser, microneedling, and azelaic acid are safer options for darker skin, reducing the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.
The finest dermatological and aesthetic treatments tailored to your specific skin needs are our speciality at Harley Street Medics. Our clinic provides state-of-the-art procedures to help you attain the healthy, radiant skin you deserve, from sophisticated cosmetic solutions to professional skin care.
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