By Dr Alannah Neville
Pigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns seen in clinic. It can be caused by cumulative sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, inflammation, and the natural ageing process. These changes often appear as freckles, age spots, or diffuse patches of uneven tone, which can leave the skin looking tired and older than it is.
Modern aesthetic medicine offers highly effective solutions for managing pigmentation, one of which is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy.
IPL works by delivering controlled pulses of light at specific wavelengths. These wavelengths are absorbed by excess melanin in the skin, heating and breaking down the pigment into smaller particles. Over time, the body naturally processes and eliminates these particles, resulting in clearer, more even-toned skin.
In this case, treatment was carried out with:
530 nm filter on Fitzpatrick skin type III
Single pulse mode, 10 ms at 22 joules
These carefully selected parameters ensured that energy was safely delivered to the pigment while minimising risk to the surrounding tissue.
Immediately after treatment, it is normal to see redness and temporary darkening of the pigment, which gradually fades as the skin renews itself. These results were achieved after just one treatment (with a patch test performed beforehand).
Results continue to improve over time, as pigmentation lifts to the surface before shedding away — revealing a brighter, rejuvenated complexion.
A course of treatments is often recommended for optimal results, alongside tailored medical-grade skincare to maintain and protect improvements.
Equally important is prevention. Daily use of a high-factor, broad-spectrum SPF is vital for minimising further pigmentation and protecting the skin’s long-term health.
By combining professional treatments with consistent homecare, patients can achieve a synergistic effect — maximising results and ensuring long-lasting skin clarity and confidence.
Head to our contact us page if you want to transform your patients skin confidence.