Hyperpigmentation and melasma at a glance
- The concern: dark spots, marks and an uneven complexion – from sun spots to melasma, hormonally driven changes that are harder to control
- Most common causes: UV radiation, hormonal influences (pregnancy, contraception), inflammatory skin processes (post-inflammatory pigmentation), genetics
- Treatments at ESTERA: chemical peels, microneedling with an appropriate skin-type assessment, laser protocols, mesotherapy – always with mandatory sun protection
- Important: melasma is a chronic condition that is controlled, not erased with one treatment; without SPF protection, every treatment loses its point
- Price: view our price list
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is any change in which the skin in a certain spot produces more pigment (melanin) than its surroundings. This group includes sun spots and age spots, dark marks that remain after acne or other inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, PIH) and melasma – symmetrical, map-like dark patches, most often on the cheeks, forehead and above the lip.
Although they all look similar as a „spot on the skin“, their causes and behaviour differ, so a correct assessment is the first and most important step.
What makes melasma different?
Melasma is a chronic, hormonally and light-driven condition that is easily aggravated – by the sun, by heat, even by overly aggressive treatments. That is why with melasma we do not speak of „erasing it with one treatment“, but of long-term control: a combination of gentle, repeated procedures, appropriate home care and strict sun protection throughout the year.
The same cautious approach applies to post-inflammatory pigmentation in darker skin types, where an ill-considered strong treatment can provoke new pigmentation.
How do we assess your spots?
At the examination we determine the type and depth of the pigmentation, your skin type and the factors that aggravate the condition – sun exposure, hormonal changes, previous inflammation or inadequate treatments. The choice of procedure, its strength and the number of treatments depend on this.
Which treatments help?
- Chemical peels – controlled removal of the surface layers of the skin and evening out of the complexion; the choice of acid and depth depends on the type of pigmentation and skin;
- Microneedling – with an appropriate assessment of skin type and the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation, it contributes to a more even tone and better skin quality;
- Laser protocols – targeted action on pigment and texture, in line with the doctor’s assessment;
- Mesotherapy – cocktails for evening out the complexion and revitalising the skin.
All pigmentation treatments have one shared condition: disciplined sun protection (SPF 50), because UV radiation can set every achieved result back.
What does a treatment plan look like?
A plan usually combines a course of gentler treatments several weeks apart, tailored home care and rules for sun exposure. With melasma, a realistic goal is significant softening and stable control, with occasional maintenance treatments. We monitor progress at check-ups and adjust the protocol as needed.
Frequently asked questions about pigmentation
Can spots be removed for ever?
Sun spots and certain marks can be significantly softened or removed, but without sun protection they can return. Melasma is a chronic condition: the realistic goal is control and softening, not permanent removal with one treatment.
What is the best treatment for melasma?
There is no single „best“ one – melasma is most successfully controlled with a combination of gentle procedures (e.g. tailored peels and mesotherapy), appropriate home care and strict SPF protection. Aggressive treatments can make it worse.
Is microneedling safe for darker skin and spots?
It depends on the skin type and the pigmentation. In darker skin types there is a risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation, so the needle depth, preparations and care are chosen carefully. Read more in the article on microneedling and the risk of PIH.
Can I have a peel in summer?
For stronger peels, a period with lower UV radiation is recommended – autumn and winter. Gentler protocols can be planned outside that season, but only with disciplined SPF protection.
Book an examination at the ESTERA Clinic in Vračar and get a realistic plan for an even complexion.
Book a consultation: +381 66 378 372
Treatment price list View the prices of our treatments Call us Book your treatment