Treatments / Pigmentation & Medical Peels
Pigmentation — Controlled, Not Bleached
Melasma, sun damage, post-acne marks and uneven tone need different answers. We start by identifying which one you have.
Doctor-led
every treatment
4 clinics
South India
4.6★
Google rating
Honest
advice first
What is pigmentation & medical peels?
Pigmentation is treated at Dolce Estetica with medical peels and laser toning, chosen according to which type of pigmentation you actually have. Melasma, post-acne marks and sun damage look similar but behave completely differently. Melasma in particular is a chronic, relapsing condition that is managed rather than cured, and aggressive treatment can make it worse — which is why the diagnosis always comes before the device.
This is for you if…
- ✓Dark patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip in a melasma pattern
- ✓Tanning and sun damage from year-round exposure
- ✓Dark marks left behind after acne
- ✓Uneven overall tone or dullness
- ✓Lip pigmentation or dark circles being assessed by a doctor
We assess first
- •Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding — most pigmentation treatment is deferred
- •Skin with a fresh tan or active sunburn
- •Anyone unwilling to use daily sun protection — without it, pigmentation returns whatever we do
- •Active infection, eczema flare or broken skin in the area
- •Anyone currently using an unlabelled skin-lightening cream, until it has been reviewed by the doctor
Your consultation screens all of this — honestly.
How it works
1
Identify the type
Melasma, post-inflammatory pigmentation and sun spots look similar but behave completely differently. A doctor examines the pattern, edges and distribution before anything is prescribed.
2
Protect first
Daily broad-spectrum sun protection is established before treatment begins. In coastal Kerala and Karnataka, where UV stays high year-round, this is part of the treatment and not general advice.
3
Treat conservatively
Medical peels are usually the starting point — chemical peel or yellow peel, depending on what was found. Laser toning is added where it is suitable for your pigmentation type.
4
Maintain
Pigmentation, especially melasma, relapses with sun, heat and hormonal change. A maintenance plan is agreed rather than stopping the moment skin looks clear.
What results to expect — honestly
Realistic goals are meaningful lightening, slower and less frequent relapse, and a routine you can sustain. Timelines are measured in months, not weeks. Melasma in particular is chronic and relapsing — some patients achieve long stretches of near-clear skin, most will see some return with sun exposure or hormonal change and will need maintenance. Any promise of permanent removal is inconsistent with how pigmentation behaves.
What decides your cost
We do not publish rates, because a figure quoted before a doctor has seen you is guesswork. Here is what actually moves the number — and you get the full, itemised quote at your consultation, before anything begins.
Which type of pigmentation you have
Melasma, sun damage and post-acne marks differ in plan and cost
Which peel is appropriate
Ranges from a basic medical peel to a deeper yellow peel programme
Area treated
Under-eye or lip costs less than a full face
Maintenance
Melasma needs ongoing care; this is planned upfront
We quote openly and in full — at your consultation, once a doctor has seen what you actually need. We do not publish rates, because a number without an assessment behind it is guesswork, and every quote we give is itemised before anything begins. Ask us on WhatsApp or at your visit and you will get the complete figure with nothing added later. EMI options are available on courses.
Your questions, answered
How much does pigmentation treatment cost?
It depends entirely on which type of pigmentation you have, which peel or device is appropriate, and how large an area needs treating — an under-eye peel and a full-face programme are very different treatments. We quote in full at consultation, after the pigmentation is properly identified. Guessing a price before diagnosis would be meaningless.
Can melasma be cured permanently?
No. Melasma is a chronic, relapsing condition. Treatment aims at meaningful lightening, slower relapse and sustainable maintenance rather than permanent removal. Sun protection is the single most important factor in keeping it controlled.
Can laser make pigmentation worse?
Yes, if it is too aggressive or used on the wrong type of pigmentation. Melasma in particular can rebound darker after heavy thermal treatment, and the risk is higher on darker skin. This is why sun protection and conservative peels are established before any device is considered.
Which clinics offer laser toning and carbon peel?
Laser toning, carbon peel and Hollywood peel are currently available at our Cherthala and Edapally (Kochi) clinics. Chemical peels and yellow peels are available at all four clinics — Calicut, Cherthala, Edapally and Mangalore.
Do I still need sunscreen after pigmentation treatment?
Yes, daily and reapplied. Ultraviolet and visible light are among the strongest triggers, and in coastal Kerala and Karnataka UV levels stay high through most of the year. Without daily protection, pigmentation returns regardless of the treatment done.
Are skin-lightening creams from the pharmacy safe?
Not necessarily. Unlabelled creams containing undeclared steroids are a recurring cause of worsened, harder-to-treat pigmentation. If you are using a cream that lightens rapidly and you do not know its full ingredient list, bring it to your consultation.
Available at all Dolce Estetica clinics
Edapally, Kochi · Cherthala · Calicut · Mangalore
Related treatments
This page is for information only and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. All treatments follow consultation with a qualified practitioner.