Melasma and Solar Lentigo

Facial dark spots are among the most visible signs of photoaging and chronoaging. Among the most common, melasma and solar lentigo reflect an alteration in pigmentation processes and a weakening of skin tissue. Treating them effectively means not only lightening the pigment but regenerating the skin from within, restoring its balance, vitality, and resilience. At Image Regenerative Clinic, every pigmentation treatment begins with an accurate dermatological evaluation and develops into an interdisciplinary pathway, where aesthetic medicine and regenerative medicine act synergistically to achieve natural and long-lasting results.

Treatment Overview

Appropriate for

For individuals with melasma, sunspots, photoaging, or hormone-related hyperpigmentation.

Age

From 25 years old and up

Procedure Details

Approximately 30–60 minutes

Sessions and frequency

According to medical evaluation

Precautions

Avoid sun exposure, heat, and aggressive peels; use sun protection and soothing skincare.

Plan Your Treatment

Schedule a video consultation or a call from the clinic

About the Treatment

At Image Regenerative Clinic, each treatment journey begins with a precise dermatological evaluation and evolves into an interdisciplinary approach, where aesthetic medicine is integrated with regenerative medicine to achieve visibly natural and clinically lasting results.

Dermatological diagnosis and interdisciplinary approach

The first step is always a specialist diagnosis aimed at identifying the nature and depth of the pigment (epidermal, dermal, or mixed), distinguishing between different types of hyperpigmentation, and detecting possible hormonal or inflammatory factors that sustain its persistence.

When needed, the dermatological evaluation is complemented by an interdisciplinary approach, dermatological, regenerative, and nutritional, to rebalance systemic factors influencing skin response.
Only healthy, metabolically balanced skin can respond effectively to aesthetic treatments.

Melasma and Solar Lentigo: two faces of hyperpigmentation

Melasma, or chloasma, is a chronic facial hyperpigmentation that appears as brown-grayish patches with irregular borders, typically located on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip.
It is more frequent in women and may be associated with hormonal imbalances or oral contraceptive use, but is often aggravated by sun exposure and oxidative stress.

Solar lentigines, on the other hand, are small brown spots caused by chronic UV damage.
They are among the earliest visible signs of cutaneous photoaging and reflect the skin’s reduced ability to repair sun-induced cellular damage.

In both cases, the key lies not only in lightening but in restoring the skin’s regenerative capacity.

Regenerative treatment and selective laser therapy
Regenerate before correcting

The real secret at Image to achieving visible and long-lasting results is to regenerate before correcting.
Every skin has its own “biological memory”: if the tissue is fatigued, dehydrated, or inflamed, any laser treatment risks acting only on the surface.
To regenerate means to restore the skin to an optimal state of cellular vitality, oxygenation, and self-repairing ability, so the laser can act precisely, safely, and effectively in depth.

This philosophy translates into the integration of the Lipogems® treatment, an exclusive, signature protocol of Image Regenerative Clinic.
Lipogems® uses one’s own microfragmented adipose tissue, naturally rich in stromal cells and growth factors, to stimulate the biological regeneration of the dermis.
Skin treated with Lipogems® becomes denser, more uniform, and resilient, providing the ideal foundation for subsequent laser treatments.
It is this synergy between autologous regeneration and selective technology that ensures stable, natural, and truly regenerative outcomes.

Laser and selective photobiomodulation technologies

After restoring tissue health, next comes the use of state-of-the-art lasers, calibrated to target melanin deposits and pigmentation disorders precisely.

Q-Switched and Non-Ablative Fractional Laser

They act selectively on pigment, breaking it down into micro-particles that are naturally eliminated through skin metabolism.
The controlled thermal effect stimulates neocollagenesis and improves texture, tone, and radiance.

Vascular lasers and controlled-spectrum IPL

These treat mixed or vascular-associated hyperpigmentations, improving microcirculation and promoting chromatic uniformity.
The goal is not only to remove the spot but to regenerate a new skin balance, where the tissue regains its natural defense and renewal capabilities.

Maintenance and prevention

After the initial treatment cycle, a personalized dermatological maintenance and targeted skincare program consolidates long-term results.
Daily photoprotection is an integral part of the protocol: it protects regenerated skin and prevents new hyperpigmentation.
Periodic follow-up sessions and clinical monitoring help maintain the results over time.

Clinical benefits

  • Gradual and natural lightening of dark spots
  • Improved skin brightness and tone uniformity
  • Structural regeneration of the dermis with increased collagen production
  • Reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Overall regenerative rejuvenation and lasting results

Precautions

Before treatment

  • Avoid sun exposure and UV lamps for at least two weeks
  • Do not use peels or topical retinoids
  • Apply SPF 50+ daily

After treatment

  • Moisturize the skin with soothing and antioxidant cosmetics
  • Avoid saunas, intense workouts, and temperature fluctuations for 48 hours
  • Maintain daily photoprotection even during winter months

Signature Element – Lipogems®

Lipogems® represents the distinctive signature of Image’s approach: an autologous, safe, and natural technology that regenerates skin tissues from within, creating the ideal foundation for any subsequent aesthetic treatment.
This is the difference between correcting and regenerating: the first improves appearance, the second restores biological vitality.

At Image, regeneration is always the starting point, the secret that transforms every treatment into an authentic, stable, and long-lasting result.

Plan Your Treatment

Schedule a video consultation or a call from the clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does melasma tend to come back even after treatment?

Melasma is a chronic pigmentation disorder influenced by hormonal fluctuations, UV exposure, and oxidative stress.
Even when pigment is removed, sun exposure or hormonal triggers can reactivate melanocyte activity.
That’s why a long-term maintenance plan is essential to keep results stable.

What is the best time of year to treat dark spots?

The most suitable period is autumn and winter, when UV exposure is minimal.
During the summer, maintenance or preparatory antioxidant and regenerative protocols are recommended to protect and balance the skin.

Can medications or cosmetics worsen melasma?

Yes. Certain oral contraceptives, hormone therapies, or photosensitizing fragrances can exacerbate melanin activity.
Throughout treatment, it’s important to use non-photosensitizing, alcohol-free, fragrance-free skincare products to prevent flare-ups.

Can laser treatments be performed on all skin types?

Yes, with the right medical protocol.
For darker skin tones, non-ablative lasers with adjusted energy settings are used to minimize post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and ensure safe, controlled results.

Should the skin be prepared before starting a pigmentation treatment?

Absolutely. At Image Regenerative Clinic, a dermal preparation phase precedes all procedures, using antioxidants, brightening skincare, and microbiome-balancing products.
This step enhances the skin’s tolerance, optimizes laser effectiveness, and minimizes the risk of side effects.

Want More Info?

If you need more information feel free to give us a call on: +39 02 76280736 or contact us using the form below.

Attention

The information available on the website istitutoimage.it is intended solely for informational purposes and is in no way a substitute for specialist medical advice. The contents are drafted in compliance with Art. 56 of the FNOMCeO Code of Ethics and the Ministerial Circular dated 18/12/2024. The information published has been prepared by qualified doctors and surgeons and is solely for educational purposes:

  • it does not in any way constitute a diagnosis;
  • it does not replace the direct doctor-patient relationship;
  • it must not be used as a prescription for treatments or as a basis for autonomous therapeutic decisions.

To assess suitability for aesthetic medicine treatments or plastic surgery procedures, a specialist medical consultation is always required.

For any questions, the Image Regenerative Clinic team is available with no obligation. Read the full Disclaimer.

Mission

This website is aimed at users seeking qualified and up-to-date information about regenerative aesthetic medicine, plastic surgery and longevity programs. Its contents are intended to provide general knowledge and are not a substitute for the doctor-patient relationship. Image Regenerative Clinic is committed to offering scientifically supported treatments and therapies with the utmost transparency and in full compliance with current regulations.

Website Authors

Dr. Carlo Tremolada – OMCEO Milan registration no. 30098  All the contents and images on this website have been written, reviewed and approved by the internal Medical-Scientific Committee coordinated by Dr. Carlo Tremolada, in compliance with Art. 56 of the FNOMCeO Code of Ethics and current regulations on healthcare advertising.

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