Pigment laser

Laser treatment for melasma, freckles, dark spots, birthmarks and tattoos (Blemish Eraser)

A short-pulse picosecond laser fires energy that shatters pigment beneath the skin into tiny particles, which the body then clears on its own. Suited to deep freckles, dark birthmarks, dark spots and tattoos, with a dermatologist assessing the depth of the pigment first.

SkinDermisFat layerSMAS layerLaser beamPigment
Illustration: picosecond pulses break pigment apart mechanically (photoacoustic effect) with little heat to the surrounding tissue

How pigment lasers work

Melanin and tattoo ink are particles that absorb certain wavelengths of light well. When an extremely short laser pulse hits them, the energy is released so quickly that the particles shatter before heat can spread and damage the surrounding skin. White blood cells then clear these fragments through the lymphatic system over the following weeks. Older nanosecond (Q-switched) lasers deliver longer pulses, so they generate more heat and carry a higher risk of post-treatment darkening. Picosecond lasers deliver pulses roughly a thousand times shorter, so they can use lower energy, break pigment into finer particles and suit Thai skin, which darkens easily. The clinic offers 1064 nm for deep pigment and darker skin, and 532 nm for superficial pigment.

Which lesion, which approach

ConcernDepthApproximate sessions
Sun freckles, superficial frecklesEpidermis1–3 sessions
Post-acne and post-inflammatory dark marksEpidermis to upper dermis3–5 sessions, with topical treatment
Deep freckles (Hori's naevus), naevus of OtaDermis5–10 sessions, 6–8 weeks apart
MelasmaMixed, both layersLow-energy toning as part of the melasma programme
Black/blue tattoosDermis6–10 sessions, 6–8 weeks apart
Coloured tattoos (red, green)DermisMore than black; some colours do not fade completely

On the day

Examination under magnification and Wood's lampTo distinguish freckles, melasma, birthmarks or lesions that should be sent for histology, and to judge the depth so the right wavelength can be chosen
Numbing cream for 30–45 minutesFor high-energy spot treatment. Full-face toning mode usually needs no numbing cream
Laser for 10–30 minutesA mild stinging heat. Treated spots turn white or grey temporarily (frosting), which is a normal reaction
Cold compress and ointmentA thin layer of antibiotic ointment on high-energy spots, and sunscreen before you leave
The first 1–2 weeksDays 1–2 bring slight redness and swelling, and treated spots darken into thin scabs that fall off on their own by day 5–10. Do not pick them. Avoid strong sun for at least 1 week. Darker skin may develop temporary dark marks, which the doctor controls with topical medication. The result of each session is clearest at 2–3 months
The device we use

The clinic uses a Thai FDA-registered pigment laser [device name] with 1064/532 nm wavelengths. The doctor can tell you the device name and the parameters used on request

Not suitable if you

Are pregnant, have had strong sun exposure within 2 weeks, have taken isotretinoin within 6 months, have a cold sore or skin infection in the treatment area, have a history of keloids, or have a lesion suspected of being a tumour, which must be excised and sent for histology rather than lasered

Pink lip laser

Lips darkened by accumulated pigment, smoking or embedded lipstick dye can be treated with a low-energy pigment laser across the whole lip, 3–5 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart. The lips are red, dry and flaky for 3–5 days. It should not be done during an active cold sore or if you have had dark lip tattooing, because some inks turn black under the laser. Avoid dark or matte lipstick for 3 days afterwards.

Results from our patients

Prices

Full-face pigment laser (toning), 1 session
Skin examination, full-face laser, cold compress, sunscreen
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Spot treatment for freckles/birthmarks
Priced by the size and number of spots, confirmed before starting
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Tattoo removal, per square inch, per session
Numbing cream, laser, aftercare ointment
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Pink lip laser, 1 session
Both upper and lower lips
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Related services

Frequently Asked Questions

Will freckles come back after laser?

A freckle that has been cleared does not return in the same spot, but sun-exposed skin can form new ones. Daily sunscreen is therefore part of the treatment.

Can darker skin be treated? Is there a risk of dark marks?

Yes, using the 1064 nm wavelength and appropriately adjusted energy. There is a risk of temporary darkening, which usually fades on its own within 1–3 months, and the doctor prescribes topical medication to help.

Can a tattoo be removed completely?

Black and blue inks respond well, generally within 6–10 sessions. Red, green and yellow inks and some eyebrow tattoo pigments fade slowly or incompletely. The doctor gives you an honest assessment before you begin.

Can melasma be treated with a pigment laser alone?

We do not recommend it. Melasma responds to laser but returns quickly without topical treatment and sunscreen, and excessive energy can make it darker. We therefore use low energy only as part of the melasma programme.

Free doctor consultation, no obligationMessage us privately on LINE or WhatsApp and the doctor will suggest the right approach for you