Pigmentation & PicoSure
A case exploring facial pigmentation, visible freckles and uneven tone.
Read the full case studyMelasma, sun spots, age spots and freckles. A personal skin assessment, with a plan that starts by understanding your pigmentation.
At MA360, we consider your skin tone, past treatments and the changes you have noticed before discussing suitable options. Visit our Hurstville clinic at 41–43 Dora Street.
$100 cosmetic consultation, redeemable towards suitable same-day treatment. Select “Hurstville Clinic” when enquiring.
Individual patient example. Results vary and are not guaranteed. Photography, lighting and angles may differ.
Explore the melasma example above and five more MA360 cases below. Each photograph links to its case history, so you can read beyond the comparison.
A case exploring facial pigmentation, visible freckles and uneven tone.
Read the full case study ↗
A closer look at a patient’s concerns about freckles and changes in skin tone.
Read the full case study ↗
A patient case with Dr Chun-Yen Huang, focused on visible pigmentation.
Read the full case study ↗
A case involving uneven pigmentation and raised skin concerns, assessed together.
Read the full case study ↗
This case considers pigmentation, uneven tone and persistent redness. These concerns may coexist, making an individual skin assessment useful when discussing treatment.
Read the pigmentation and redness case ↗These photographs illustrate individual cases, not typical or promised outcomes. Treatment suitability, response and recovery differ. A photograph cannot establish your diagnosis or predict your result.
Brown marks can look alike and behave differently. Your Hurstville consultation starts with the type of pigmentation, including whether more than one concern is present.
Melasma often appears as brown patches across the cheeks, forehead or upper lip. Sunlight, hormonal influences and a tendency to recur can make it frustrating to manage.
A melasma plan may begin with sun protection and topical care. Laser and light treatments need particular caution because they can worsen pigmentation. Your doctor will discuss whether a procedure is appropriate and how ongoing care fits into your plan.
Read DermNet’s melasma guide, revisit the melasma case above, or explore treatment planning below.
Sun spots, also called age spots or solar lentigines, develop on sun-exposed skin. Unlike freckles, they tend to remain visible throughout the year. People may notice them on the face, hands or other exposed areas.
Once the diagnosis is established, cosmetic options may include pigment laser or light-based treatment. Sun protection remains part of the plan. A new, changing, bleeding or unusual spot needs medical assessment before any cosmetic treatment.
Explore our pigmentation and solar lentigo treatment guide and DermNet’s solar lentigo information.
Freckles are small brown marks that often darken with sun exposure and fade in winter. They do not usually need treatment. If you would like to soften their appearance, we can discuss suitable options and the limits of treatment.
Pigment laser may lighten freckles, but this may be temporary. Sun protection helps reduce darkening; permanent freckle removal cannot be promised.
See the freckle comparison above, read about PicoSure laser, or visit DermNet’s explanation of freckles.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can remain after acne, irritation or a skin injury. It can be more persistent in darker skin tones. Treatment should also consider the cause of the inflammation, because further irritation may create more pigmentation.
Flat dark marks and indented acne scars need different assessment. If texture is also a concern, explore acne scar treatment and our local Hurstville acne scar guide.
Read DermNet’s post-inflammatory pigmentation guide or move to what your consultation covers.
There is no single best laser for every brown mark. Diagnosis, skin tone, pigment depth, previous reactions and your recovery preferences guide the choice.
Sun protection, topical care and managing irritation may be central to your plan, particularly for melasma or post-inflammatory pigmentation. A procedure may be deferred while your skin settles.
Read the pre-consultation guide ↗PicoSure is one of the pigment laser options discussed at MA360. Whether it is appropriate depends on your diagnosis and skin response; having melasma does not automatically make laser suitable.
Explore PicoSure ↗Sciton BBL is a light-based option that may be considered for selected sun-related pigmentation and uneven tone. Your clinician assesses suitability, including skin tone and any melasma or history of pigment changes.
Explore Sciton BBL ↗Comparing devices? Read our guide to choosing a pigmentation laser and PicoSure, BBL and other skin technology comparison. If texture is part of your concern, ask whether a staged plan or resurfacing has a role.
Possible treatment risks include irritation, burns, darker or lighter patches, scarring and recurrence. These risks depend on the treatment and your skin. Discuss alternatives, including no cosmetic treatment, before deciding.
Bring your skincare list and details of previous lasers, peels or reactions. Tell us when the pigmentation appeared, what makes it change and whether you have had recent sun exposure.
Your assessment considers pigment type, skin tone and sensitivity. We discuss expected benefits, limitations, risks, likely sessions, recovery and costs before you choose whether to proceed.
Ask how treatment may fit around work, events and travel. Your plan should include aftercare and review, particularly if pigmentation has returned after earlier treatment.
The cosmetic consultation fee is $100, redeemable towards suitable treatment performed on the same day. Treatment prices depend on the area, method and recommended course. Suitability and availability are confirmed at consultation.
MA360’s Hurstville clinic is at 41–43 Dora Street, Hurstville NSW 2220, convenient for patients from Penshurst, Allawah, Kogarah and surrounding St George suburbs.
We also see patients from Beverly Hills, Kingsgrove, Oatley, Blakehurst and Peakhurst. Visit the Hurstville clinic page for the clinic environment, doctor introductions and help planning your arrival.
For pigmentation and laser enquiries, choose Hurstville Clinic on the contact form. Check the address in your appointment confirmation: the Hurstville MediSpa is a separate location on Dora Street.
Practical answers about melasma, freckles, sun spots, laser suitability and planning a visit to Hurstville.
It depends on what is causing the pigmentation. Freckles, sun spots, melasma and post-inflammatory marks may need different approaches. An assessment at MA360 Hurstville helps determine whether skin care, laser, light treatment or a staged plan is appropriate. Compare the treatment pathways above.
These names commonly describe solar lentigines: persistent marks associated with sun exposure. They differ from melasma and freckles. A doctor should assess any new, changing or unusual spot before cosmetic treatment. See the sun spot and age spot guide.
Yes. Laser and light procedures can worsen melasma or trigger post-inflammatory pigmentation. They are not suitable for everyone with melasma. Discuss your history, skin care and alternatives during consultation, including a plan for recurrence and maintenance.
Permanent removal cannot be promised. Freckles may darken again with sunlight, new sun spots may develop, and melasma can recur. Your plan should set realistic expectations and include ongoing sun protection.
Suitability depends on your individual skin tone, diagnosis, previous reactions and the treatment used. Post-inflammatory pigmentation can be more persistent in darker skin. Your clinician may recommend preparation, a different method or deferring treatment; ethnicity alone does not determine the plan.
There is no fixed course that suits every patient. The area, pigment type, treatment method and your response affect the number and spacing of sessions. Melasma and mixed pigmentation may need ongoing management. Your proposed course is discussed after assessment.
Recovery depends on the procedure and your skin. Possible changes include redness, sensitivity, temporary darkening or flaking. Ask when you can resume usual skin care and activities, and allow for follow-up. Read the MA360 laser and BBL aftercare guide for questions to discuss with your clinician.
The cosmetic consultation is $100, redeemable towards suitable treatment performed on the same day. Treatment costs vary with the area, method and recommended course. Your options, suitability and pricing are discussed before proceeding. See what the consultation includes.
MA360 Hurstville is at 41–43 Dora Street, Hurstville NSW 2220. We welcome enquiries from Hurstville, Kogarah, Penshurst, Allawah, Beverly Hills and surrounding suburbs. View the location details or enquire and choose Hurstville Clinic.
Ogbechie-Godec and Elbuluk’s 2017 review discusses melasma triggers and treatment approaches, including topical and procedural options.
Mardani and colleagues’ 2025 systematic review examines clinical trials of sun spot treatments. The studies cover different methods and patient groups; they do not predict an individual MA360 result.
This page provides general information and does not replace a medical assessment. Case photographs and research are supporting information; your diagnosis and treatment plan require an individual consultation.
Whether you have persistent melasma, a sun spot that concerns you or freckles you would like to discuss, start with a personal assessment at MA360 Hurstville.
Choose “Hurstville Clinic” and tell us your skin concern. The team will contact you to arrange an appointment; submitting an enquiry does not confirm a booking.