Say Goodbye to Dark Spots: A Guide to Treat Uneven Pigmentation with LaseMD Ultra

Uneven pigmentation is one of the most common concerns we see in clinic and one of the most frustrating to manage on your own.

It can show up as dark spots after sun exposure, lingering pigmentation after acne, or an overall uneven tone that makes your skin look dull or inconsistent. Many patients in Richmond BC come to us after trying multiple products without seeing the level of improvement they were hoping for.

LaseMD Ultra is one of the professional treatments we use to support pigmentation concerns. In this guide, we’ll walk through what causes uneven pigmentation, how LaseMD Ultra works, and what you can realistically expect from treatment.

What Causes Uneven Pigmentation?

Uneven pigmentation happens when melanin—the pigment that gives your skin its colour—is produced or distributed unevenly.

We see this develop for a few key reasons:

• Sun exposure: the most common driver. Over time, UV exposure triggers excess melanin production, which can show up as dark spots or areas of uneven tone.

• Inflammation: this includes acne, irritation, or any kind of skin injury. As the skin heals, it can leave behind darker areas, especially in patients prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation.

• Hormonal influences: often associated with melasma, this type of pigmentation tends to appear in more diffuse patches and can be more persistent.

• Aging: as skin turnover slows and cumulative sun exposure builds, pigmentation becomes more noticeable and takes longer to fade.

Pigmentation doesn’t always present the same way. It can show up as isolated dark spots, clusters of discoloration, or a general unevenness across the skin.

That’s why identifying the type of pigmentation is an important first step, because how we approach treatment depends on what’s actually driving it.

How LaseMD Ultra Targets Pigmentation

LaseMD Ultra is a non-ablative fractional laser, which means it works beneath the surface of the skin without removing the top layer.

When we’re treating pigmentation, the goal isn’t to aggressively remove dark spots, it’s to support controlled, gradual skin renewal.

The laser creates microscopic treatment zones in the skin. This triggers a healing response, encouraging the skin to shed older, pigmented cells and replace them with newer, more evenly toned cells over time.

As your skin naturally cycles and renews, areas of pigmentation can begin to soften and blend more with the surrounding skin. This is why the change tends to look more natural rather than abrupt.

Because pigmentation varies in depth and cause, results are not immediate. Most patients require a series of treatments to build consistent improvement and maintain clarity over time.

What Types of Pigmentation Can Be Treated?

Sun Spots and Photodamage

Sun spots are one of the most common and visible forms of pigmentation.

They typically develop over time in areas exposed to UV light, such as the cheeks, forehead, and chest.

LaseMD Ultra can help support improvement by encouraging turnover in these pigmented areas. Over time, spots may appear lighter and less defined, depending on their depth and how consistently the skin is protected afterward.

Post-Acne Pigmentation

After acne heals, it’s common for darker marks to remain, especially in patients prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

LaseMD Ultra supports the skin’s natural renewal process, which can help these marks fade more efficiently over time.

It’s important to note that ongoing breakouts need to be addressed alongside treatment. Otherwise, new pigmentation can continue to develop.

Uneven Skin Tone

Sometimes pigmentation isn’t about individual spots, it’s about overall inconsistency.

Skin can appear patchy or dull due to a combination of sun exposure, environmental factors, and slower cellular turnover.

In these cases, LaseMD Ultra works more globally, helping to refine the skin and support a more even, balanced appearance over time.

Melasma Considerations

Melasma is a more complex form of pigmentation.

It’s influenced by hormones, heat, and sun exposure, and it tends to be more persistent and reactive than other types.

LaseMD Ultra may be used cautiously as part of a broader plan, but it’s not always the first approach. Managing melasma often involves a combination of targeted skincare, strict sun protection, and carefully selected treatments.

This is where a personalized plan becomes especially important.

What to Expect From Pigmentation Treatment

Pigmentation treatment requires patience and consistency.

After LaseMD Ultra, it’s not uncommon for some areas of pigmentation to appear slightly darker before they begin to fade. This is part of the normal skin renewal process, as the treated pigment rises to the surface before gradually shedding.

Over the following weeks, we typically see gradual improvement in overall clarity and tone. Rather than one noticeable change, results tend to build over time, especially when treatments are performed in a series.

Sun protection plays a critical role in how well pigmentation responds. Without consistent SPF use, new pigmentation can develop, or existing pigmentation can return, even if the treatment itself was effective. This is one of the most common reasons patients feel their results didn’t last.

Because pigmentation often has multiple underlying triggers, consistency matters. For most patients, a combination of in-clinic treatments, follow-up sessions, and a supportive at-home routine leads to the most reliable and lasting improvement.

Preparing for and Recovering From Treatment

Every pigmentation treatment starts with a consultation. We assess your skin type, the type of pigmentation present, and any contributing factors such as sun exposure or previous treatments. This helps determine whether LaseMD Ultra is appropriate and how to approach it safely.

Before treatment, we may recommend adjusting certain skincare products, particularly those that can increase sensitivity.

After treatment, your skin may appear pink and feel slightly warm. Some dryness or a lightly textured feel can occur as the skin renews.

Post-treatment care typically focuses on:

• Gentle, supportive skincare

• Avoiding unnecessary irritation

• Strict sun protection

• Supporting the skin barrier

This isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things consistently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many treatments are typically recommended for dark spots?
This depends on the type and depth of pigmentation. Many patients benefit from a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart to build gradual improvement.

Is pigmentation permanent, or can it return?
Pigmentation can return, especially with ongoing sun exposure or underlying triggers like hormones. Maintenance and prevention are an important part of long-term results.

Is LaseMD Ultra suitable for all skin tones?
Suitability depends on your skin type and the type of pigmentation being treated. A consultation allows us to determine the safest and most effective approach.

Can pigmentation concerns reappear without sun protection?
Yes. Without consistent sun protection, pigmentation can redevelop, even after successful treatment.

Considering Pigmentation Treatment in Richmond BC?

Uneven pigmentation is common, but it’s not something you have to manage on your own.

LaseMD Ultra is one of the professional options we offer at Thrive Medical Aesthetics in Richmond BC to support clearer, more even-looking skin. The key is a thoughtful approach; understanding your skin, setting realistic expectations, and building a plan that works over time.

If you’re looking to treat uneven pigmentation with LaseMD Ultra, we recommend starting with a consultation. We’ll assess your skin and guide you toward an approach that supports long-term, consistent results.