What it is
Pigment marks are darker patches of skin caused by excess melanin. On the face and hands they are most often sun spots or melasma. The two have different causes and are not treated the same way.
Why it happens
- Sun exposure accumulated over the years
- Hormonal change, pregnancy or contraception, in the case of melasma
- Inflammation of the skin, after acne or an injury
- Skin ageing, in the case of so-called age spots
What we can offer
What aesthetic medicine cannot do
Not every brown mark is harmless: a lesion that changes shape, colour or size should be shown to a dermatologist before any aesthetic treatment. Melasma comes back easily, especially without strict sun protection. Some marks call for laser, which is not offered at the practice.
Frequently asked questions
Can the marks come back?
Yes, especially without sun protection. SPF 50 applied every day, winter included, is a large part of what keeps the result.
How many sessions are needed?
A superficial peel is usually done as a course of 2 to 3 sessions 4 to 6 weeks apart, then maintenance. A medium peel is most often a single session. A first session can be repeated within 1 to 2 months if the result is judged insufficient.
Can every skin type be treated?
Olive to dark skin needs specific preparation and product choice, to limit the risk of marks after treatment. That is decided at the consultation.