Laser pigmentation removal
Effective pigmentation removal with the Fotona laser — age spots and sun spots, post-inflammatory and hormonal marks, freckles. The laser energy breaks down excess melanin, and the skin regains an even, uniform tone.
Laser pigmentation removal with the Fotona laser
Hyperpigmentation — freckles, age spots, sun-induced and post-inflammatory dark spots — develops as a result of overproduction or uneven distribution of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. It takes the form of brown patches and most often appears on the face, neck, décolletage, arms and hands. The Fotona™ laser allows the removal of hyperpigmentation of various origins. The Er:YAG laser technology destroys melanin within the skin layers; the broken-down pigment is cleared by the body, and the exfoliating effect speeds up epidermal renewal. After a series of sessions, the skin regains an even tone.
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Pigmentation laser vs melasma, Dye-VL and peels
Laser pigmentation removal works best for age spots, sun-induced and post-inflammatory marks, and freckles. Melasma (chloasma) is a hormonal type of hyperpigmentation with a character of its own — in this case, Cosmelan therapy is often more effective, supported by brightening peels. For superficial, diffuse pigmentation, Dye-VL (IPL) photorejuvenation and ClearLift also deliver good results. The right method is selected by a specialist during a consultation.
Laser pigmentation removal at Velvet Skin Clinic
Pigmentation removal is one of our core skin-tone treatments. In total, we have performed 25 931 laser procedures.
Source: Versum and Booksy reports, as of 30.06.2026. Data matching is approximate.
How laser pigmentation removal works
Selective photothermolysis
The Er:YAG laser energy is absorbed by melanin and destroys excess pigment in the skin.
Exfoliation and renewal
The ablative effect exfoliates the upper skin layers, speeding up epidermal renewal at the site of the pigmentation.
Even skin tone
After the treatment the dark spot first darkens, then gradually exfoliates and lightens over the following days.
During the treatment the skin is cooled with the Cryo6 cooling device, which keeps discomfort to a minimum. On the day of the treatment the skin may be red and slightly swollen — this settles within 1–2 days at most.
Pigmentation types we remove with the laser
What Laser pigmentation removal helps with
We use this treatment for 2 indications. It works slightly differently for each of them — below we describe exactly what it does in each case.
Skin hyperpigmentation
The laser energy is absorbed by melanin and breaks it down precisely, without damaging the surrounding skin. It is the first-choice method for sun-induced pigmentation and age spots — it works fastest, but requires strict sun protection after the treatment.
02Melasma and chloasma
With melasma, we use the laser cautiously and at reduced settings. This type of pigmentation reacts to heat and is easily aggravated, so we decide on laser treatment only after assessing how the skin has responded to depigmentation therapy.
Not sure which treatment is right for your concern? Explore the concerns we treat or ask during a consultation.
Bothered by dark spots and uneven skin tone? Book a consultation to choose the right pigmentation removal method.
Book a consultationWhat the research says about laser pigmentation removal
The publications below concern lasers and light sources used to remove pigmented lesions — sun spots, freckles and hyperpigmentation — the same mechanism used during this treatment.
Treating sun spots
A review paper in JAAD discusses treatment options for sun spots (lentigines), including lasers and light-based methods as effective options.
Ortonne et al., 2006 · PubMed →Light for spots and freckles
A clinical study showed significant improvement of lentigines and freckles after treatment with an intense light source.
Kawada et al., 2002 · PubMed →Laser and IPL for pigmented lesions
A comparison of Q-switched laser and IPL in treating freckles and lentigines — both methods effectively lightened the lesions.
Wang et al., 2006 · PubMed →The cited studies concern laser/light-based removal of pigmented lesions as a technology, not a specific device brand. The number of sessions is determined by a specialist; results may vary.
The treatment step by step
The procedure begins with a detailed review of your medical history and ruling out contraindications. The skin is cleansed and make-up is removed, and the treatment is performed. The skin is cooled with the Cryo6 cooling device, which keeps discomfort to a minimum. The treatment requires no downtime, though keep in mind that immediately afterwards the dark spots darken and then gradually exfoliate. The full result usually appears after a series of 3–5 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart.
Interview and qualification
Ruling out contraindications and assessing the type of pigmentation.
Skin cleansing
Make-up removal and preparation of the treatment area.
Laser treatment of the spots
Selective destruction of melanin with Cryo6 cooling.
Exfoliation and follow-up
The spot darkens and exfoliates after a few days; a follow-up visit after completing your course.
Post-treatment care — pigmentation removal
Immediately after the treatment the dark spots darken, and after a few days they begin to exfoliate — this is the expected and desired reaction. Strict sun protection is essential to avoid triggering new pigmentation.
Protect the area from the sun
For at least 4 weeks, keep the area out of the sun; use a high-protection SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Do not pick at flaking skin
Flaking at the treated spots is normal — let it come off on its own rather than removing it mechanically.
Gentle skincare
Use mild cleansers and soothing creams; skip alcohol-based products and exfoliants.
Avoid heat and vasodilation
For about 5 days, skip the sauna, intense exercise and hot baths.
Follow-up visit
After the series, book a follow-up (about 6 weeks after the last session) to assess the results.
Informational and educational material. Detailed recommendations are provided by a specialist; results and recovery are individual.
Before and after — real results
Photos from treatments at Velvet Skin Clinic, published with patients’ written consent. Results are individual and depend on the skin’s starting condition and the number of sessions in the series.
Before and afterThe photos come from treatments performed at Velvet Skin Clinic. Results are individual and may vary depending on the starting condition, the number of sessions and how the body responds.
See the clinic and the treatment — Laser pigmentation removal
Authentic photos from our Velvet Skin Clinic locations in Warsaw (Świętokrzyska — City Centre, Niepodległości — Mokotów).
Laser pigmentation removal — price in Warsaw
The price depends on the type, number and extent of the pigmentation. The full result usually appears after a series of 3–5 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart. We agree the plan and the exact quote during a consultation.
Key facts
See also — pigmentation, melasma, skin tone
Patients trust us
„I've been going to this clinic for over a year now, and honestly, the results have been amazing. I initially came in for two very different concerns — stubborn underarm pigmentation and active acne on my face — and I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. Both times, I was treated by Małgorzata Wołyńska, and I genuinely can't thank her enough. She's incredibly knowledgeable and always takes a thoughtful, tailored approach. What I really appreciate is that she doesn't just follow a standard protocol — she tried different combinations of treatments based on how my skin responded, and that made all the difference. The pigmentation I thought would never go away is practically gone, and my acne — which was quite severe when I started — has improved drastically. It’s not just the visible change, but how much more confident I feel now. Małgorzata was patient, supportive, and never rushed the process. She made me feel like my skin goals actually mattered. I fully trust her expertise and would recommend her and the clinic to anyone looking for real, lasting results. (translated from Polish)"
Divya · 2025review from Google„I had pigmentation therapy done and the results pleasantly surprised me. A very friendly place, no pressure or judgement at all. Everything went calmly, painlessly and in very pleasant conditions. (translated from Polish)"
Agata O. · 2025review from Google„Definitely one of the more pleasant places I've been to. Peace, quiet, good energy, and people who really know how to take care of a client. I didn't feel uncomfortable for a moment. It was worth coming, even despite the longer journey. (translated from Polish)"
Małgorzata K. · 2025review from GoogleContraindications to laser pigmentation removal
Every case is assessed individually by a specialist during the medical interview. The main contraindications:
Frequently asked questions — laser pigmentation removal
How does laser pigmentation removal work?
The treatment involves targeting the dark spots with laser light according to the principle of selective photothermolysis. The energy is absorbed by melanin and destroys excess pigment, while the exfoliating effect speeds up epidermal renewal. After a series of sessions, the skin regains an even tone.
Which laser is most effective for pigmentation?
There is no single “best” laser for everything — the method is matched to the type of pigmentation. Age spots and sun spots respond well to the Er:YAG laser, diffuse pigmentation to IPL photorejuvenation, and melasma often calls for a separate approach (e.g. Cosmelan). A specialist selects the method during a consultation.
Does the laser remove melasma?
Melasma (chloasma) is a hormonal, recurrence-prone type of hyperpigmentation and requires a cautious approach. A dedicated Cosmelan therapy is often more effective, with brightening peels as supporting care. Qualification for laser treatment in melasma is decided by a specialist after assessing the skin.
How many sessions are needed for pigmentation?
Usually a series of 3–5 sessions performed about 4 weeks apart. The number depends on the type, depth and extent of the pigmentation and on how the skin responds. After the series, a follow-up visit is recommended to assess the results.
What does the skin look like after laser pigmentation removal?
Immediately after the treatment the dark spots darken, and after a few days they begin to exfoliate — this is the desired reaction. The skin may be temporarily red. Strict SPF 50+ protection and staying out of the sun are essential to avoid triggering new pigmentation.
Laser, peel or Cosmelan — which to choose for pigmentation?
It depends on the type of pigmentation: sun-induced spots are treated differently from melasma. At the clinic we combine laser pigmentation removal, medical-grade chemical peels and Cosmelan therapy — we tailor the plan after assessing the skin during a consultation, taking the season into account.
How much does laser pigmentation removal cost in Warsaw?
Prices start from 350 zł and depend on the type and extent of the pigmentation. We agree the exact quote during a consultation. You will find the full price list on our pricing page, and you can book a consultation online or by phone.
Treatments are performed by our cosmetologists
Treatments at Velvet Skin Clinic are performed by certified cosmetologists with many years of experience in laser therapy, hi-tech devices and skincare treatments. After a consultation, we match the method and the specialist to your skin and goals.
Book your treatment — Velvet Skin Clinic
ul. Świętokrzyska 30
00-116 Warszawa · opposite the Palace of Culture and Science
tel. 500 53 30 30
See what the research says
The publications behind this treatment — with PMID identifiers and an assessment of the strength of evidence.