At Kent Skin & Laser Clinic, our consultant dermatologist-led team offers medical-grade laser and IPL treatment to reduce the appearance of pigmented marks. Based in Canterbury, we welcome patients from across Kent, including Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover, Deal and the surrounding areas.
What is Pigmentation?
Pigmentation happens when the skin produces more pigment, called melanin, in certain areas. The most common cause is cumulative sun exposure over the years, though hormonal changes and some medications can also contribute to certain types of pigmentation.
Common concerns include:
- Sun spots or age spots on the face, hands or chest
- Patchy or uneven skin tone from sun exposure
- Other pigmented marks that have been assessed as suitable for laser or IPL
Assessment beforehand is important. Some forms of pigmentation, such as melasma, respond differently to treatment and can be made worse by standard laser or IPL, so they need a more tailored approach. You can read more on our melasma page and our page on age spots.
Any new, changing or unusual mark should be checked by a clinician before treatment, and we may recommend a dermatology consultation first.
Our Approach to Pigmentation Treatment
Laser Treatment
Medical-grade laser technology targets excess pigment in a specific area, encouraging it to fade over a course of treatment while protecting the surrounding skin.
IPL Treatment
Intense pulsed light (IPL) can be used for pigmentation spread across a wider area, such as sun damage on the face, hands or chest. It works by targeting the pigment in the skin so that it darkens and gradually clears.
Following your assessment, we will advise which option suits your skin and your type of pigmentation. Treated spots usually darken slightly before flaking away over 1 to 2 weeks, revealing more even-toned skin. Individual results vary.
Why Choose Kent Skin & Laser Clinic?
Pigmentation needs an accurate assessment before treatment begins. Patients choose us because we provide:
- Consultant dermatologist-led care, with laser treatment overseen by Dr Mark Hudson-Peacock, Consultant Dermatologist and the clinic's Laser Protection Supervisor
- Medical-grade laser and IPL systems
- Careful assessment of the cause of your pigmentation, including whether melasma is involved
- A consultation and patch test at the start of every course, so settings suit your skin
- Experienced laser practitioners, many of whom have worked with us for years
- Over 20 years of laser expertise
We welcome patients from Canterbury and across east Kent, including Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover and Deal.
What Happens at the Appointment?
Your first visit is a consultation, during which we will:
- Assess your pigmentation to confirm the likely cause
- Review your medical history and skin type
- Confirm whether laser or IPL is suitable
- Carry out a patch test
- Agree a treatment plan
Laser or IPL is then applied to the pigmented area, targeting the excess pigment while protecting the surrounding skin. Most concerns need 1 to 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, although larger or more stubborn areas may need further treatment.
Downtime is minimal. Treated areas may darken and flake for 1 to 2 weeks. Daily sun protection afterwards is important to help prevent new pigmentation forming, and our team will talk you through simple aftercare at your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes pigmentation?
The most common cause is cumulative sun exposure over the years. Hormonal changes and certain medications can also contribute to some types of pigmentation, which is why we assess the cause before recommending treatment.
How many pigmentation treatment sessions will I need?
Most concerns need 1 to 3 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Larger or more stubborn areas may need additional treatment, and we will give you a realistic plan at your consultation.
What happens to pigmentation after treatment?
Treated areas typically darken slightly before flaking away naturally over 1 to 2 weeks, revealing more even-toned skin underneath. Individual results vary.
Is pigmentation treatment suitable for melasma?
Not always. Melasma can be worsened by some laser and IPL treatments, so it needs a careful, tailored assessment rather than standard pigmentation treatment. Our team will advise at your consultation.
How can I stop pigmentation coming back?
Daily sun protection is the most important step in helping to prevent new pigmentation from forming. It is also sensible to avoid excessive sun exposure, particularly on treated areas.
How much does pigmentation treatment cost?
Laser and IPL sessions for pigmentation cost £250 to £350 per session, and each appointment lasts 30 minutes. The number of sessions depends on your skin and the area treated.
Book this treatment
Price
£250 to £350 per session
Fees
Vary by area of treatment and are confirmed at your consultation
Appointment
30 minutes
Downtime
Minimal, some temporary darkening before fading
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“I have, over many years, visited the Skin & Laser Clinic and have always found the staff extremely skilled and friendly, explaining clearly throughout what can be achieved when I’ve requested treatment for pigmentation, rosacea etc. I have the utmost trust in all the clinicians as I know they have had thorough training and I wouldn’t go anywhere else for treatments. Thank you for many years of “being there”.”
Tiggy · Patient review