Pigmentation Treatment in LondonMelasma, sun spots & uneven tone
Pigmentation treatment aims to even out darker patches and spots on the skin, such as melasma, sun spots and marks left after blemishes. At Harley Street Aesthetics in London, our doctor-led team offers the Signature Pigmentation Programme, a three-phase, needle-free in-clinic programme from £349 per session, planned after a free consultation.
Not sure what kind of pigmentation you have? Take a selfie and our AI, trained on more than 15,000 faces with input from doctors, maps where darker spots and uneven tone show on your forehead, under-eyes, nose, cheeks and upper lip. It tells you which pattern your photo appears most consistent with, such as melasma or sun spots, and you receive a personal PDF report to bring to your free online consultation.
Step 1
Take or upload a selfie
Face a window in soft daylight, bare-faced if you can, with hair off your forehead.
Step 2
AI review of your skin tone
Your face is mapped on your device, then an AI model describes where pigmentation shows.
Step 3
Receive your report
Read your result, download your PDF and book a free 15-minute online consultation if you would like to discuss it.
Your photo is used only to prepare your report and is not stored on this website. A copy of your report, which can include your photo, is emailed to you and kept by the clinic for your consultation. This is general information, not a diagnosis; your pigmentation type and suitability are confirmed by a qualified practitioner.
At our London clinic
The Signature Pigmentation Programme
Three-phase, needle-free programme for facial pigmentation and uneven tone. Most plans are 2–6 sessions; your practitioner confirms yours at consultation.
01
Prepare
A needle-free, heat-free brightening treatment is massaged into the skin after a soothing preparation gel.
02
Renew
33% stabilised colostrum with a pH 1.5 renewal complex works on the pigmented surface layers while helping calm the skin.
03
Perfect
Finishing brightening treatments refine the renewed skin, supported by a clinician-prescribed skincare plan and daily SPF 50.
Signature Pigmentation Programme prices in London
Sessions
Price per session
Course total
2 sessions
£349
£698
3 sessions
£349
£1,047
4 sessions
£349
£1,396
5 sessions
£349
£1,745
6 sessions
£349
£2,094
Your clinician recommends the number of sessions at consultation; a patch test is booked first where advised. Other pigmentation treatments, including peels and laser, are listed on our pricing page.
Most flat, brown facial pigmentation can be treated, although each type behaves differently. Melasma appears as soft-edged brown or grey-brown patches, often on both cheeks, the forehead or the upper lip, and is influenced by hormones, sunlight and heat. Sun spots, also called solar lentigines or age spots, are flat, clearly defined spots on areas that see the most sun.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the darker mark left after a spot, a rash or an injury has healed, and is more common and longer-lasting in deeper skin tones. Freckles are small, light-brown flecks that darken in summer, and photodamage is a wider, mottled unevenness from years of sun exposure.
Raised, changing or irregular marks are not treated as cosmetic pigmentation. Your clinician looks at the type, depth and cause of your pigmentation before suggesting any plan, because the right approach depends on it.
What is the difference between hyperpigmentation and melasma?
Hyperpigmentation is the umbrella term for any area of skin that is darker than the skin around it, and melasma is one specific type of hyperpigmentation. Other types include sun spots, freckles and the marks left after inflammation such as acne.
Melasma is different because it is driven by overactive pigment cells that respond to hormones, ultraviolet and visible light, and heat. It usually appears as symmetrical patches rather than individual spots, and it often becomes more noticeable in summer, during pregnancy or when starting hormonal contraception.
This matters for treatment. Sun spots can respond well to treatments that target the pigment directly, whereas melasma can darken if the skin is irritated or overheated, so it needs a gentler approach and long-term sun protection. A clinician can usually tell the types apart by examining your skin, sometimes with a magnifying light, and by asking about your history.
Is pigmentation treatment safe for darker skin tones?
Pigmentation can be treated safely across all skin types, from Fitzpatrick type I to VI, but deeper skin tones need particular care. Pigment cells in darker skin react more strongly to heat and inflammation, so an overly aggressive treatment can leave new darker or lighter patches behind.
For this reason, the Signature Pigmentation Programme is needle-free and heat-free, and its strength is adjusted to your skin. Where it is appropriate, your clinician will recommend a patch test before your first full session to see how your skin responds.
Your consultation covers your skin type, any history of darkening after spots, waxing or previous treatments, and any medicines or skincare you use. If a treatment is not suitable for you, or another approach would carry less risk, your clinician will say so. Daily broad-spectrum sun protection is important for every skin tone during and after treatment.
Can pigmentation be cured, or does it come back?
Some pigmentation fades well and stays faded, while other types are managed rather than cured. Sun spots and post-inflammatory marks often respond well, although new spots can form with further sun exposure, and new breakouts can leave new marks.
Melasma is a long-term condition. It can be improved, but it tends to return with sunlight, heat, hormonal change or pregnancy, so a maintenance plan is part of treating it. That usually means daily broad-spectrum sun protection, a clinician-prescribed skincare plan at home, and occasional maintenance sessions.
Freckles are inherited, so they lighten with treatment but can reappear each summer. Being realistic about this from the start helps you choose a plan that suits your skin and your budget. Your clinician will explain what is likely for your type of pigmentation, how to protect the result, and when a review appointment makes sense.
How does the Signature Pigmentation Programme work?
The Signature Pigmentation Programme is a three-phase, in-clinic programme for flat facial pigmentation and uneven tone, carried out without needles or heat. In the first phase, Prepare, a brightening treatment is massaged into the skin after a soothing preparation gel.
In the second phase, Renew, 33% stabilised colostrum is paired with a pH 1.5 renewal complex that works on the pigmented surface layers, while the colostrum helps calm the skin. In the third phase, Perfect, finishing brightening treatments refine the renewed skin.
Between visits, a clinician-prescribed skincare plan and daily SPF 50 support the in-clinic work. Your practitioner decides the strength and timing of each phase for your skin type and pigmentation. Other options at the clinic, such as chemical peels, laser or Virtue RF microneedling, may be suggested instead where they suit your skin better.
How many sessions will I need, and how much does it cost?
Most people need between 2 and 6 sessions of the Signature Pigmentation Programme, priced at £349 per session. A course therefore costs from £698 for 2 sessions to £2,094 for 6 sessions, and your clinician recommends the number for you at consultation.
Sessions are usually spaced a few weeks apart so the skin can settle and renew between visits. Changes are gradual: lighter, more defined marks such as sun spots and freckles often fade sooner than melasma, which tends to improve slowly over several months and needs ongoing care.
Your progress is reviewed at each visit, and the plan can be adjusted if your skin responds faster or more slowly than expected. A patch test, where advised, is booked before your first session. 0% finance options are available, subject to status, so the cost of a course can be spread over several months.
Treatment is planned and overseen by our doctor-led team at 2 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH. Any new, changing or raised mark is checked medically before cosmetic treatment is considered.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Pigmentation Treatment is not suitable for everyone. During your consultation, our GMC-registered specialists will assess your suitability based on your medical history, skin condition, and aesthetic goals.
Flat facial pigmentation such as melasma, sun spots or post-blemish marks
Uneven or patchy skin tone from sun exposure
People willing to use daily SPF and a home skincare plan
New, changing, raised or irregular marks (need a medical check first)
Active skin infection, broken skin or a flare of eczema in the area
Pregnancy or breastfeeding (discuss timing at consultation)
Risks & Side Effects
All medical procedures carry some degree of risk. At Harley Street Aesthetics, our Consultant-led approach minimises complications. We believe in full transparency so you can make an informed decision.
Redness & tingling
Common
Mild redness or tingling during and shortly after a session, usually settling within hours to a few days.
Dryness
Common
The skin can feel dry or tight for a few days as it renews. Your practitioner advises on aftercare.
Temporary darkening
Uncommon
Pigmentation can look darker for a short time, or flare if the skin is irritated or exposed to sun. A patch test helps reduce this risk.
Irritation or reaction
Rare
An allergic or irritant reaction is possible. Tell your clinician about any sensitivities before treatment.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies between individuals. Below is a general guide — your consultant will provide personalised aftercare instructions during your appointment.
1
Day 0–1
After Your Session
Mild redness or warmth is normal. Avoid makeup, heat and exercise for the rest of the day.
2
Day 2–5
Skin Renews
The skin can feel dry or tight. Follow your home skincare plan and apply SPF 50 every morning.
3
Weeks 2–6
Next Sessions
Further sessions are usually spaced a few weeks apart and reviewed each time.
4
Ongoing
Maintenance
Daily sun protection and any maintenance sessions help protect your result, especially for melasma.
Important Medical Information
All pigmentation treatment treatments at Harley Street Aesthetics are performed exclusively by GMC-registered Consultant Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons. Our practitioners hold FRCS, MRCP, and equivalent specialist qualifications.
Individual results may vary. The information provided on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. A full medical consultation is required before any treatment to assess your suitability, discuss risks, and set realistic expectations.
All before-and-after images shown are of real patients who have given consent for their images to be used. Results depicted are individual outcomes and are not guaranteed.
Harley Street Aesthetics — 2 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH · 10 Harley Street, London W1G 9PF · 5th Floor, Ingram House, 227 Ingram Street, Glasgow G1 1DA
Pigmentation FAQs
What is melasma?
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Melasma is a common, long-term skin condition that causes soft-edged brown or grey-brown patches, usually on both cheeks, the forehead, the bridge of the nose or the upper lip. It is linked to hormones, sunlight and heat, and is more common in women and in medium to deeper skin tones. It can be improved and managed with treatment and daily sun protection, but it can return.
How do you get rid of pigmentation on the face?
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The best way to reduce facial pigmentation depends on its type and cause. Options include in-clinic programmes such as the Signature Pigmentation Programme, chemical peels or laser, combined with a clinician-prescribed skincare plan and daily broad-spectrum sun protection. Because some types, such as melasma, can worsen with the wrong treatment, an assessment by a clinician is the safest first step.
Is pigmentation treatment safe on dark skin?
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Yes, when the treatment is chosen and adjusted for your skin type. Darker skin reacts more strongly to heat and inflammation, which can cause new patches if a treatment is too aggressive. The Signature Pigmentation Programme is needle-free and heat-free, and a patch test is recommended where appropriate. Your clinician explains the risks for your skin before any treatment is booked.
How much does pigmentation treatment cost in London?
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The Signature Pigmentation Programme at our London clinic costs £349 per session. Most plans are 2 to 6 sessions, so a course costs from £698 to £2,094. Your clinician confirms the number of sessions at a free online consultation, and 0% finance options are available, subject to status. Other pigmentation treatments and a patch test are listed on our pricing page.
Does the Signature Pigmentation Programme hurt, and is there downtime?
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Most people find it comfortable, as it uses no needles and no heat. You may notice some tingling during the renewal phase and mild redness or dryness for a few days afterwards, which your practitioner will explain. Most people return to normal activities straight away, using daily SPF 50 and avoiding strong sun exposure while the skin renews.
How long do pigmentation treatment results last?
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How long results last depends on the type of pigmentation and how well the skin is protected afterwards. Sun spots and post-inflammatory marks can stay faded for a long time with good sun protection, while melasma and freckles tend to return with sunlight, heat or hormonal change. A maintenance plan and daily broad-spectrum SPF help protect your result.
Do I need a patch test before pigmentation treatment?
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A patch test is often recommended, particularly for deeper skin tones, sensitive skin or a history of reacting to skincare or treatments. A small amount of the treatment is applied to a discreet area so your clinician can check how your skin responds before your first full session. Your clinician will tell you at your consultation whether you need one.
Does the free AI skin analysis replace a consultation?
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No. The free AI skin analysis reviews a selfie and gives general information about where darker spots and uneven tone show, and which pattern your photo appears most consistent with. It cannot examine your skin or review your medical history, so it is not a diagnosis. Your pigmentation type, suitability and safety are only confirmed by a qualified practitioner.
Should I see a doctor about a dark spot?
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Yes, if a mark is new, changing in size, shape or colour, itchy, bleeding, raised or looks different from your other spots, see your GP or a dermatologist before any cosmetic treatment. These changes need a medical check. Cosmetic pigmentation treatment is only for flat pigmentation that a clinician has assessed as suitable.
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Not sure what your pigmentation is?
Upload a selfie for a free AI skin analysis that maps where darker spots and uneven tone show on your face. You receive a personal PDF report and can book a free online consultation from your result.
