If you’ve gone through laser treatment for pigmentation but don’t see the improvement you hoped for, you’re not alone. Many people in Singapore and elsewhere experience this frustration. Before giving up, it helps to understand the possible reasons why. If you’re considering laser treatment for pigmentation in Singapore, it’s worth learning from approaches often used for acne scars, since both conditions overlap when it comes to pigmentation concerns.
This article explores why results may fall short, what you might be doing wrong, what treatments are available in Singapore, and how you can maximize visible improvement.
Why Pigmentation Can Be Hard to Treat
Melanin is a natural pigment that is found in your skin. When melanin accumulates unevenly, it causes pigmentation. Melasma, freckles, UV damage, acne scars, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are all common causes of skin discoloration. Although lasers are a common choice, not all pigmentations react in the same manner, and several different elements have an impact on the final results.
Why Your Pigmentation May Not Improve After Laser Treatment
1. Incorrect Diagnosis
Different pigmentation types sit at different skin depths. Freckles may respond well to lasers, while melasma or deeper pigmentation may resist or worsen. If the diagnosis isn’t accurate, the chosen treatment might miss the mark.
2. Unsuitable Laser Type or Settings
Lasers come in many forms—Q-switched, Pico, and fractional. The wrong wavelength or energy settings may either be too weak to break pigment or too harsh, leading to rebound pigmentation.
3. Not Enough Sessions
It is rare for pigmentation to vanish completely after just one visit. In many cases, numerous sessions are required, depending on the severity of the situation. If one ceases progress prematurely or if sessions are spaced out excessively, improvement will be delayed.
4. Sun Exposure
UV exposure is a common culprit. Even small amounts before or after treatment can reactivate pigment cells and undo progress.
5. Poor Aftercare
If you don’t apply sunscreen, use products that are too harsh, or scratch skin that has been treated, pigmentation can get worse. The care that comes after the treatment is just as necessary.
6. Internal and Lifestyle Factors
Hormones, genetics, and some medicines can speed up the production of melanin. If these problems aren’t effectively managed, pigmentation may come back even after treatment.
Latest Laser Treatments Available in Singapore
You may want to consider the possibility of using newer or more advanced lasers that are accessible in your area if you have experienced unsatisfactory outcomes.
- Picosecond (Pico) lasers: Deliver ultra-short pulses to shatter pigment more efficiently with less heat damage.
- Q-switched Nd:YAG: A proven option for certain pigment types.
- Fractional lasers: Target both texture and pigmentation by encouraging skin renewal.
Topical creams, peels, or light-based devices are used with laser therapy in several clinics to achieve more satisfactory results.
Choosing the Right Treatment for the Right Pigmentation
- Freckles and lentigines: Often respond well to Pico or Q-switched lasers.
- Melasma: Needs gentler, multiple sessions and strict sun protection to avoid rebound. This is especially important when undergoing laser treatment for pigmentation, as improper care can lead to recurrence.
- Acne-related pigmentation: Lasers are frequently employed in conjunction with scar treatments to reduce the appearance of dark markings.
To see real change, you need to choose the right laser for your skin type and the level of your pigmentation.
Suitable Candidates for Laser Treatment
If you meet the following criteria, you might be a suitable candidate for the treatment. Many clinics also use these guidelines to assess whether someone is eligible for laser treatment for pigmentation.
- Your pigmentation has been adequately diagnosed.
- You understand multiple sessions may be needed.
- You’re committed to sun protection and aftercare.
- You don’t have active infections or uncontrolled skin conditions.
Laser treatment alone might not be enough for individuals who have extremely dark skin or who are experiencing hormonal imbalances.
Cost Factors in Singapore
The cost of laser therapy for pigmentation can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Laser type: When compared to older Q-switched systems, pico lasers are more expensive.
- Number of sessions: A greater number of treatments will be required if the pigmentation is darker.
- Clinic and doctor expertise.
- Treatment area size: The number of sessions for laser treatment for pigmentation often varies depending on how large the affected skin area is.
In Singapore, a session usually costs between SGD 150 and SGD 1,000; however, buying a package can help minimize the cost of each session.
Dos and Don’ts for Better Results
Dos
- Always use sunscreen that protects against a wide range of rays.
- To get ready for treatment, don’t tan or use harsh exfoliants.
- Complete all of the recommended sessions.
- After treatment, use gentle cleansers and moisturizers on your skin.
Don’ts
- Skip sunscreen or expose your skin to ultraviolet radiation.
- Select or scrape skin that is mending. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, look into some of the resources that are available to you.
- Go overboard with sessions in an effort to get results quickly
- Use skincare products that irritate too soon after therapy.
FAQs
Q: Why hasn’t my pigmentation improved after a few sessions?
A: Deeper or mixed pigmentation often needs more treatments. Diagnosis and laser choice also matter. In many cases, doctors suggest laser treatment for pigmentation to target stubborn or recurring discoloration.
Q: Can pigmentation come back after laser?
A: Yes. Sun, hormones, or skin injury can cause recurrence. Maintenance treatments and daily SPF are essential. For long-term control, many patients continue with periodic laser treatment for pigmentation alongside sun protection.
Q: Is one laser session enough?
A: Rarely. Most pigmentation issues require a series of sessions for noticeable fading. This is especially true with laser treatment for pigmentation, where gradual improvement is expected over multiple visits.
What Acne Scars Teach Us About Pigmentation
The same lasers that are used to cure pigmentation are also utilized to treat acne scars. Doctors also cure dark markings when they treat scars. The lesson? When you get more than one type of treatment and regular follow-up care, you get better benefits. Just like with color, it’s better to wait and have a plan than to expect things to go quickly.
Takeaway
Don’t think lasers don’t work for you just because your laser treatment for pigmentation hasn’t made a difference yet. The problem may lie in misdiagnosis, wrong laser type, insufficient sessions, poor aftercare, or ongoing triggers like the sun and hormones. By correcting these, you can increase your chances of real improvement.
Remember: improvement, not perfection, is the realistic goal. With proper mindset and care, you can get brighter, more even-toned skin over time.
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One Face Clinic – Dr David Ng Cheow Hua
1 Tras Link #02-01
Orchid Hotel
Singapore 078867
Phone: +65 6222 2262
Whatsapp: +65 9822 2989
