Pigmentation Laser Programme & Laser Toning
At Midland Skin we offer Pigmentation Laser Programme & Laser Toning treatment for patients in Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Worcester and the Midlands.
Pigmentation Laser Programme & Laser Toning
Midland Skin has a selection of lasers that can improve hyperpigmentation, serving Birmingham, Solihull, and the West Midlands. Hyperpigmentation is, in fact, one of the most common reasons people seek laser treatment. It simply means there’s too much pigment in the skin.
Treating pigmentation safely and effectively requires two things:
- Understanding the cause of your pigmentation
- Assessing your skin phototype (your natural skin colour), as this guides which lasers are safest and most suitable
At Midland Skin, all pigmentation concerns begin with a consultation. We assess the cause and type of pigmentation, then offer a treatment plan tailored to your skin. If laser is appropriate, we will recommend a pigmentation laser programme.
Quick facts about Pigmentation Laser Programme & Laser Toning [TO UPDATE]
- You need three 45 minute treatments – one every 3 to 4 weeks
- The results get better with time and at one year there is an average reduction in inflammatory spots of 97% according to clinical studies
- There are no harmful side effects
- The treatment is safe in all skin tones and all year round
- You do not need to take long-term tablets or creams
- There can be short-lived purges which can be managed with medications
Laser Treatments for Pigmentation
At Midland Skin, we use a range of laser technologies to target different types and depths of pigmentation safely. Here are some of the laser treatments we offer for hyperpigmentation:
- Laser Toning (more details below): For melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and sun damage. It’s safe for all skin tones, including darker skin, and also helps improve skin texture and brightness over time hence it being one of the secrets to Korean Glass Skin. Safe for skin types 1 to 6.
- BBL (BroadBand Light): A versatile treatment that reduces sun-induced pigmentation, evens out tone, and enhances overall skin brightness. Safe for skin types 1 to 5.
- 3D Miracle: Combines gentle resurfacing and brightening to lift superficial pigmentation and boost glow. Safe for skin types 1 to 6.
- Fractional Laser (e.g. Halo): Reaches deeper pigment while also improving skin quality, pores and early signs of ageing. Safe for skin types 1 to 5.
- Fully Ablative Laser: Clears stubborn surface pigmentation by removing the topmost layers of skin. Safe for skin types 1–2.
Scarlett Greenwood
Common Causes of Hyperpigmentation
There are several types of pigmentation we may treat with laser therapy, such as:
- Melasma – often hormonally driven and seen on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – dark patches that occur after any form of injury or inflammation, such as after acne, an insect bite, or surgery. Pigmentation after acne deserves special mention as this is one of the most common concerns we see.
- Sun damage – including sun spots and general solar bronzing, which is when the whole skin tone darkens and becomes more dull
- Mixed pigmentation – many people have more than one type, such as melasma with PIH
- General facial rejuvenation – you may be offered laser treatment for hyperpigmentation for general rejuvenation or maintenance of a brighter, clearer complexion – akin to ‘Korean Glass Skin’.
Laser Toning in Detail
What Is Laser Toning?
Laser toning uses a low-energy, large spot Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. It’s especially helpful for:
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Dull or uneven skin tone and early signs of ageing
How Laser Toning Works
Laser toning clears pigment in a gradual, non-destructive way. It works by:
- Breaking up pigment using low-energy pulses of laser. Nanosecond laser pulses create mild photo-acoustic shockwaves that fragment mature pigment granules without harming surrounding cells. Over time, the pigment is naturally cleared, and melanin production is reduced1.
- Improving skin quality: The laser pulses stimulate the upper dermis, increasing collagen-building signals like TGF-β and heat-shock proteins, which can improve skin quality2.
What Is Happening Under the Skin?
Biopsy and microscopy studies show:
- Melanosomes (pigment granules) are broken down into “ghost” granules without harming healthy cells3
- Melanocytes (pigment cells) stay intact but reduce their activity significantly4
- Keratinocytes (skin cells) contain less pigment after several treatments, with no damage to the cell structure3
- Dermis shows no scarring or collagen damage; instead, pigment is gradually absorbed by immune cells3,5
What to Expect at a Laser Toning Session
- Frequency: Sessions are done once every 3 weeks and take about 15 minutes. The treatment is offered by our doctors and therapists.
- Total treatments: Usually 5–10 sessions, depending on your response. Laser toning is a slow and cumulative treatment where results are gradual as melanin producing cells gently turn down their activity through the mechanisms above.
- Comfort: It’s a very easy treatment to undergo. No anaesthetic is needed. You’ll feel a light prickling or tapping and mild warmth. Redness settles in a few hours. You should attend without any makeup. You should remain tan free through the whole period of treatment.
- Downtime: Minimal. You can apply SPF or make-up straight after.
- Why 3-week gaps? This spacing avoids the risk of pale patches (mottled hypopigmentation), which is more common with overly frequent treatment1.
Combination Treatments
Laser toning often works best as part of a broader plan. We may recommend:
- Laser Genesis: Adds deeper heating for collagen stimulation; done before the toning pass in the same session
- BBL: Targets redness and sun damage; often done two weeks before laser toning
- 3D Miracle: Gently smooths the skin and boosts clarity
- Fractional laser (e.g. Halo): Improves texture and pigment at multiple skin depths
- Topicals or oral medications: Used alongside laser to optimise results and reduce relapse
Things to Know
- Results vary and can’t be guaranteed
- Some people may need maintenance treatments
- Pigment can recur, especially with sun exposure or hormonal triggers
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is rare but possible
- Rarely, white mottled patches may occur – these can be permanent
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Ready to get started? Book a consultation with our team at Midland Skin. Friendly, expert advice tailored to you.
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References used for this article
About the Author
This page has been written and/or medically reviewed by Dr Sajjad Rajpar, Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Director of Midland Skin, Birmingham.
Dr Rajpar is on the GMC Specialist Register in Dermatology and has over 20 years’ experience in clinical dermatology. He provides clinical oversight to ensure the information on this page is accurate, balanced and consistent with current dermatology practice.
Dr Sajjad Rajpar
Date last updated: 6th Mar 2026
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Expert, consultant led care in dermatology, skin surgery, eyelid surgery, lasers and aesthetics.
Disclaimer
The content on this website is provided for general information only. It is not, and must not be treated as, medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation for any particular treatment. We make reasonable efforts to keep information accurate and up to date, but medicine and technology change, and content may not reflect the most current evidence, guidance, product information, or individual practice. You should not rely on this website to make decisions about your health or treatment. Always seek personalised advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Any examples, images, testimonials, and outcome descriptions are illustrative only. Results vary between individuals and no outcome can be guaranteed.
