Pigmentation Treatments

Pigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin – the natural pigment that gives skin its colour. In Dubai’s climate, strong year‑round UV exposure is a major trigger, but hormonal fluctuations, skin inflammation, and genetic factors also play significant roles.

Common pigmentation types treated at ELEMENTAL:

• Melasma – symmetrical brown or grey‑brown patches, typically on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or chin. Often triggered by hormonal changes (pregnancy, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy) and sun exposure. Melasma can be challenging to treat and requires a carefully planned, multimodal approach
• Solar lentigines (sun spots / age spots) – flat, brown spots on sun‑exposed areas such as the face, hands, décolletage, and shoulders. Caused by cumulative UV exposure over many years
• Post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – dark spots that remain after an inflammatory skin condition such as acne, eczema, or injury. More common and often more persistent in darker skin phototypes (Fitzpatrick IV–VI)
• Ephelides (freckles) – small, light brown spots that darken with sun exposure. Common in individuals with fair skin (Fitzpatrick I–II)
• Periorbital hyperpigmentation (dark circles) – pigmentation around the eyes, which may be constitutional (genetic), vascular, or related to skin laxity and tear trough anatomy
• Diffuse uneven skin tone – generalised discolouration and loss of radiance, often due to a combination of sun damage, environmental factors, and natural ageing

A thorough clinical assessment is mandatory before any pigmentation treatment. Dr. Nikolic will determine the type, depth (epidermal vs. dermal vs. mixed), and cause of your pigmentation, as treatment protocols differ significantly between these categories.

Dr. Olivera Nikolic develops individualised treatment plans based on clinical assessment, pigmentation type and depth, skin phototype (Fitzpatrick scale), medical history, and patient goals. Treatment may include one or more of the following evidence‑based modalities.

For Superficial and Mild Pigmentation:

• Prescription topical therapies – including retinoids, hydroquinone (under medical supervision), azelaic acid, kojic acid, and vitamin C serums. These agents work by inhibiting melanin production and accelerating skin cell turnover
• Chemical peels – superficial to medium‑depth peels using alpha‑hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta‑hydroxy acids (BHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or combination formulations. Peels exfoliate pigmented skin cells and stimulate collagen production, improving both pigmentation and overall skin texture. Light peels have minimal downtime (1–2 days of mild flaking)

For Moderate to Deep Pigmentation (including Melasma and Sun Spots):

• Laser therapy – Q‑switched Nd:YAG, fractional non‑ablative, and picosecond lasers are used to target and fragment melanin deposits within the skin. Laser energy is delivered in controlled pulses, breaking pigment into tiny particles that the body’s immune system naturally removes over several weeks. Lasers are particularly effective for stubborn, deep pigmentation that does not respond to topical treatments or peels alone . All laser procedures at ELEMENTAL are performed in a DHA‑compliant laser environment with appropriate safety measures and using FDA‑ and DHA‑approved devices
• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) – broad‑spectrum light therapy that targets superficial pigmentation and vascular lesions. IPL is well‑suited for sun spots, freckles, and generalised redness but is generally less effective for deeper or hormonally driven pigmentation such as melasma
• PRP (Platelet‑Rich Plasma) therapy – may be used as an adjunct to laser or microneedling to enhance skin regeneration and reduce post‑inflammatory pigmentation. As per DHA regulations, PRP is permitted for the face

For Resistant or Mixed Pigmentation (e.g., Melasma with Dermal Component):

Combination therapy – sequential or combined use of topical agents, chemical peels, and laser treatments, often with strict sun protection and maintenance protocols. Melasma, in particular, requires a long‑term management approach rather than a single ‘cure’, as recurrence is common with UV exposure or hormonal fluctuations

Step 1 – Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
Dr. Nikolic will review your medical history, assess your skin phototype, examine the pigmentation under appropriate lighting (and, where indicated, using a Wood’s lamp to determine pigment depth), and discuss your treatment goals. She will explain the diagnosis and which modalities are clinically appropriate for your specific condition. You will have the opportunity to ask questions before providing written informed consent, as required by DHA regulations 

Step 2 – Pre‑Treatment Preparation
Depending on the planned treatment, you may be advised to:

• Avoid sun exposure and use broad‑spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen for at least two weeks before treatment
• Discontinue certain topical products (retinoids, exfoliants) for a specified period
• Avoid photosensitising medications where clinically appropriate

Step 4 – Aftercare and Recovery
You will receive written aftercare instructions. Expected downtime varies by treatment:

• Topical therapies and light chemical peels: minimal to no downtime; mild redness or flaking for 1–3 days
• Medium peels and laser therapy: 2–7 days of social downtime (redness, mild swelling, possible pinpoint crusting)
• Post‑treatment sun protection is essential to prevent recurrence and protect healing skin

Results are not immediate. Pigment clearance following laser or chemical peel treatment occurs gradually as the body removes fragmented melanin:

• Initial improvement may be visible after 4-8 weeks
• Optimal results are typically seen after completing a course of 3–6 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart 

*Regulatory disclosure: In compliance with DHA Standards for Medical Advertisement Content and applicable UAE laws, there is no guarantee that the result will be the same for every patient, as individual responses to treatment vary based on skin type, pigmentation depth, and adherence to aftercare . Dr. Nikolic will provide honest, realistic expectations during your consultation. No exaggerated claims, no guaranteed outcomes – only professional, evidence‑based medical advice.

At ELEMENTAL Day Surgical Center, your safety and clinical outcomes are our highest priorities. As a DHA‑licensed day surgical hospital, we operate at hospital‑grade safety and hygiene standards. DHA regulations require that non‑surgical cosmetic procedures be provided in licensed health facilities that permit plastic surgery and/or dermatology services – including hospitals and day surgical centres . ELEMENTAL meets and exceeds these requirements.

• DHA‑licensed dermatology specialist – Dr. Olivera Nikolic holds an active DHA professional license in dermatology and is authorised to perform medical and procedural dermatology within her scope of practice
• Full regulatory compliance – All procedures strictly adhere to DHA Standards for Non‑Surgical Cosmetic Procedures (Version 2.1), including facility requirements, infection control, laser safety protocols (minimum room area 7.5m², non‑reflective surfaces, laser safety signage), and informed consent standards
• DHA‑approved laser environment – Our laser treatment rooms comply with DHA requirements: no carpets, non‑reflective surfaces, appropriate wall colours, laser safety signs, and protective measures to prevent stray laser radiation 
• Diagnosis before treatment – Every patient receives a thorough clinical assessment before any procedure is recommended. Dr. Nikolic perform treatments only clinically indicated
• Sterile clinical environment – All procedures are performed using single‑use sterile consumables, DHA‑approved devices, and strict aseptic technique
• Private, unhurried consultations – Each patient receives dedicated time for thorough assessment, discussion, and questions. We never rush
• Transparent, ethical practice – No misleading claims, no guarantees of specific results – only honest, professional medical advice
• Integrated care pathway – From diagnosis to treatment, everything under one roof

• Experienced dermatology specialist – Dr. Olivera Nikolic, DHA‑licensed dermatologist with over 30 years of clinical experience
• Evidence‑based treatment – all modalities supported by clinical evidence and international dermatology guidelines
• Individualised treatment plans – no one‑size‑fits‑all solutions; protocols tailored to pigmentation type, depth, and skin phototype
• Combination therapy expertise – Dr. Nikolic integrates multiple modalities (topicals, peels, lasers) when clinically appropriate, particularly for challenging conditions such as melasma
• DHA‑compliant laser safety – all laser procedures performed in a DHA‑approved environment with appropriate safety measures 

Book Your Consultation
If you are troubled by persistent pigmentation, melasma, or uneven skin tone, the first step is a thorough clinical consultation with Dr. Olivera Nikolic. She will assess your skin, explain your diagnosis, and develop a personalised treatment plan based on clinical evidence and your individual needs.

To schedule a private consultation at ELEMENTAL Day Surgical Center, please contact us via phone, WhatsApp, or our online booking system.