Pigmentation and melasma
Pigmentation and melasma treatment at Chamak Clinic, Chennai
The type of pigmentation found first, then a plan that suits it.
Pigmentation means patches of skin that are darker than the rest. Melasma, sun spots, freckles and the marks left after pimples all look alike but behave differently.
What causes pigmentation and melasma?
- Sun exposure, the most common trigger in India
- Hormones: pregnancy, the pill and thyroid changes
- Inflammation from acne, eczema, injuries or harsh products
- Steroid creams and some cosmetics
- Insulin resistance, which darkens the neck and underarms
- Family tendency
Signs to look for
- Brown patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip
- Freckles and sun spots
- Dark marks after pimples
- Darkening around the eyes, neck or underarms
The doctor identifies the type first, because a treatment that helps one kind can worsen another. Melasma, for example, can darken with heat and harsh treatments.
Most plans combine daily sunscreen, a prescribed cream and in-clinic peels or laser.
Types of pigmentation and melasma
- MelasmaSymmetrical brown patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip.
- Post-inflammatory pigmentationDark marks after pimples, cuts or rashes.
- Sun spots and frecklesSmall brown spots on sun-exposed skin.
- Acanthosis nigricansVelvety darkening of the neck, underarms or knuckles, linked to insulin resistance.
How the doctor treats it
- Daily sunscreen and a prescription pigment cream: the base of every plan.
- Chemical peels to speed up clearing.
- Q-switch laser toning for suitable pigmentation.
- Checks for causes such as hormones, thyroid or insulin resistance where the pattern suggests them.
- A maintenance routine, because pigmentation tends to return with sun and heat.
The doctor decides what is right for you after examining you. A prescription is written only when one is appropriate.
Your treatment journey
- Consultation
The doctor examines your skin or scalp, asks about your history and medicines, and orders tests only if they are needed.
- Preparation
Prescribed creams, sun care or a test spot first, so the skin is ready and the risk of irritation stays low.
- Treatment
In-clinic sessions, spaced over weeks, alongside a home routine that does most of the daily work.
- Aftercare
Review visits, home care and a maintenance plan, so the improvement lasts.
Treatments for pigmentation and melasma at Chamak Clinic
- Chemical peelMedical-grade peels for acne, marks, uneven tone and dull skin.
- Q-switch laser for pigmentationLaser toning for tan, sun spots, freckles and uneven skin tone.
- MedifacialA doctor-chosen cleansing, exfoliation and hydration facial.
- MicrodermabrasionGentle mechanical exfoliation of the skin surface.
- Under-eye dark circle treatmentPeels, under-eye fillers or boosters, chosen for the cause.
Home care that helps
- Sunscreen (SPF 50) every morning, reapplied outdoors; an umbrella or cap in the sun.
- The prescribed cream exactly as directed.
- No bleaching, scrubbing or lemon on the skin.
- Avoid steroid creams unless a doctor prescribes them.
When to see a doctor
- Patches that keep spreading or darkening
- Pigmentation after a new medicine or cream
- Darkening of the neck or underarms with weight gain
- A spot that changes shape, bleeds or itches
Also on Chamak
- Pigmentation & dark spots: the home care the doctor builds on
- Online consultation for pigmentation and melasma, if you cannot come to Kandigai
Your doctor
Dr Rohini K
Pigmentation Treatment: questions
Does melasma go away for good?
Melasma can be controlled well but tends to return with sun, heat and hormones. Maintenance care keeps it at bay.
Are pigment creams from the chemist safe?
Many over-the-counter fairness creams contain steroids that thin the skin and worsen pigmentation over time. Use only what a doctor prescribes for you.
How long before I see a change?
Usually six to twelve weeks of creams and sunscreen, faster with peels or laser.
Is laser safe for melasma?
Gentle laser toning can help some people alongside creams. Strong settings can worsen melasma, so the doctor chooses carefully.
Can pigmentation be treated in pregnancy?
Sunscreen and a few safe creams, yes. Peels, lasers and most pigment creams wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Do I need a consultation before a treatment?
Yes. Every treatment starts with a consultation. The doctor examines you and advises a procedure only if it suits you; many can be done the same day.
How much does a treatment cost?
The consultation is ₹500. Treatment prices depend on the area, what is used and the number of sessions, so the doctor gives you the exact price after examining your skin — before anything is done.
Not sure where to start with pigmentation and melasma?
A consultation comes first: Dr Rohini K examines you, explains the options that suit you, and tells you the plan and the price before anything is done.
Far from Chennai? Consult a skin doctor online: photos and a chat, and a prescription when one is right.