Diagnosis First · Laser By Depth · Pacific Plaza
Pigmentation removal in Singapore works when the pigment is named before a device is chosen. Dr Sin Yong examines each mark for type and depth, then matches a picosecond laser, low-fluence toning, a cream or a physical removal method to it, with settings adjusted for Asian skin. This page sets out which approach suits which pigment, and where laser is not the answer.
A laser for pigmentation works because melanin absorbs certain wavelengths far more than the skin around it. Which wavelength is chosen depends on how deep the pigment sits: shorter wavelengths stay near the surface, longer ones such as 1064 nm travel further into the dermis.
Pulse length decides what happens on arrival. A picosecond pulse is so brief that the pigment shatters from pressure before much heat spreads, while a nanosecond pulse relies more on heating. Less heat matters in Singapore, because most patients have Fitzpatrick III to V skin, where inflammation from treatment can itself switch on new pigment.
So the same laser that lifts a sun spot can darken melasma, and the diagnosis comes before the device. The six common types are described on facial pigmentation types.
At A Glance
These are the usual ranges at Atelier. Your own plan is set after examination.
What It Treats
Most faces carry more than one type, and each is treated on its own terms. Where melasma is present, it sets the energy limit for the whole face.
| Pigment | Where it sits | Usual approach | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun spots and freckles | Epidermis | Targeted picosecond laser (785 nm); a 532 nm emission for the most superficial spots | Shallow, well-bordered pigment responds readily to short pulses |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Epidermis, dermis or both | Settle the inflammation, then gentle 1064 nm toning or R2 Glow | Heat can deepen it, so energy stays low |
| Dull, uneven tone | Mostly epidermal, often with redness | A course of R2 Glow | Calming background inflammation lets brightness follow |
| Hori's naevus | Dermis | 1064 nm or picosecond laser in spaced, conservative sessions | Creams cannot reach it, and darkening between sessions is common |
| Melasma | Epidermal, dermal or mixed | Sun protection and prescription creams first; low-energy laser only once stable | Heat is a trigger, so it is managed rather than removed |
| Seborrhoeic keratosis | A raised surface growth | Removed with CO2 laser, radiofrequency or shave after examination | It is a plaque, not a pigment deposit |
| Pigmented mole | A cluster of pigment cells | Dermatoscope first; removal or excision for testing | A mole is examined, never simply lasered |
Who It Suits
Laser pigmentation removal suits most skin types once the settings fit the skin. The risk that shapes every plan in Singapore is darkening after treatment, and it rises with background melanin.
Who should wait: anyone with a recent tan, active acne or eczema on the area, irritation from strong actives, or a photosensitising medicine; and anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, for whom elective laser is deferred. A mole or spot that is changing, bleeding or unlike its neighbours is examined first and, where needed, sent for dermatological assessment.
The Decision
Creams and laser do different jobs. Lightening creams carry most of the work in melasma and post-inflammatory marks, alongside sunscreen. A single, sharply bordered sun spot usually responds better to laser. Dermal pigment such as Hori's naevus sits beyond the reach of any cream.
Where a cream is part of the plan, the options include hydroquinone in supervised courses, azelaic acid, cysteamine, retinoids and, after screening for clotting risk, oral tranexamic acid. Several of these are prescription medicines, and whether one suits you is decided at a consultation.
Laser is not the right tool when the pigment is still being produced, for example by active acne, friction or eczema, or when the diagnosis is uncertain. Melasma follows its own melasma treatment plan. Sometimes the plan Dr SY recommends is no laser at all. A broader overview sits in the pigmentation treatment guide, and how we quote explains what changes the length of a plan.
On The Day
Recovery
Expect redness and warmth for a few hours. Treated sun spots turn darker and form a fine crust that flakes away over several days. Use a bland moisturiser, pause retinoids and acids as advised, and wear sunscreen every day. If melasma is present, keep away from heat as well.
Day-by-day detail is on pico laser aftercare and pico laser downtime. Redness that persists, or darkening that appears weeks later, should be shown to the clinic early.
Safety
Common: redness, warmth and mild swelling that settle within hours; temporary darkening and crusting over treated spots.
Less common: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a new brown patch a few weeks later, which is the main risk in Fitzpatrick III to V skin and more likely after sun exposure; pinpoint bleeding or small blisters with stronger settings.
Rarer but important: pale, mottled spots after frequent repeated toning of one area, and rebound darkening when melasma is treated as if it were a sun spot. Picosecond delivery reduces heat spread; it does not remove these risks.
Return: sun spots can recur with further sun, post-inflammatory marks with new inflammation, and melasma is chronic. Hori's naevus responds slowly. Daily sun protection is the one measure that helps every type.
Dr Sin Yong holds a Key Opinion Leader appointment with DEKA.
Atelier Aesthetics · Owned by AYA
9 Scotts Road, Pacific Plaza #12-01A, Singapore 228210 · +65 8023 7170
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