Highlights
Brown spot treatment in Geneva
Skin pigmentation, whether brown spots, melasma, solar lentigines or hyperpigmentation, is a common aesthetic concern affecting complexion clarity and evenness. Aesthetic medicine offers several treatments to correct these
skin imperfections and restore smooth, radiant skin. Pigmentation lasers, chemical peels and depigmenting treatments effectively reduce pigmentation spots for an even complexion.
What causes spots on the face and body ?
A pigmentation spot results from increased or disorganised melanin production by melanocytes.
Melanin gives skin its colour, and melanocytes are the cells producing it.
Pigmentation problems are caused by factors influencing this production.
• Sun exposure : UV rays stimulate melanin production, which is why we tan, but excess pigment causes persistent spots.
• Hormones : hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or contraceptive use, play an important role in melasma.
• Ageing : with age, cell renewal slows and melanocyte activity changes.
• Genetic factors.
• Skin inflammation : infections, acne, skin damage and even certain aesthetic treatments can cause local inflammation leading to post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Depigmenting ingredients used in aesthetics and creams
The main depigmenting ingredients used in aesthetics and creams are :
• Hydroquinone : a potent inhibitor of melanin production, it is very effective but its use is regulated to avoid irritation risks. It occurs in onions, fruit, seeds, tea, coffee, beer and wine. Its use is permitted only in compounded preparations such as Kligman's formula, and is currently prohibited in over-the-counter cosmetics.
• Arbutin : a hydroquinone derivative found in cranberry and blueberry leaves.
• Kojic acid : derived from rice fermentation, it has natural brightening and antioxidant properties and acts gently on spots.
• Vitamin C : known for its antioxidant effects, it lightens spots, stimulates collagen production and brightens the complexion.
• Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) : support cell renewal, exfoliate the skin surface and reduce pigmentation spots.
• Azelaic acid : a gentle ingredient suitable for sensitive skin that reduces hyperpigmentation and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Tranexamic acid : an effective depigmenting agent, ideal for melasma-prone skin through its action on pigmentation and inflammation.
• Phytic acid : found in cereal seed husks.
• Citric acid : derived from lemons.
• Niacinamide or vitamin B3 : found in plant roots and mushrooms.
These ingredients are often combined to maximise effectiveness and provide personalised solutions for a more even, luminous complexion.
The different types of pigmentation spots
Distinguishing different pigmentation spot types is essential to understand appropriate solutions.
Sun spots :
solar lentigines, often called age spots or brown spots, generally appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands and décolletage.
They result from prolonged UV exposure, causing excessive melanin production.Melasma
: characterised by diffuse brown patches, melasma mainly affects women and often appears on the face (cheeks, forehead, nose).
Melasma is associated with hormonal changes, explaining its appearance during pregnancy (hence the name “pregnancy mask”) or contraceptive use.Post-inflammatory pigmentation
: these spots develop after skin inflammation, for example following acne lesions, injuries or incorrectly performed aesthetic treatments.
Inflammation stimulates melanin production, creating persistent spots.Ephelides or freckles
: ephelides, commonly called freckles, are small pigmentation spots appearing mainly on fair skin and often in sun-exposed areas, such as the face and arms. They are genetically determined and become more visible with UV exposure. Unlike other pigmentation spots, freckles are not considered a sign of ageing or skin damage.
Pigmentation spot treatment
Aesthetic treatments effectively reduce pigmentation spots and even the complexion. Depending on spot and skin type.
Laser and chemical peels are the most effective methods.
Treatments remove pigment but do not correct melanocyte dysfunction. Results are therefore temporary, and pigmentation returns one or several years later depending on lifestyle, particularly sun exposure.
Depigmenting peel
A depigmenting peel is an effective, non-invasive way to treat pigmentation spots and even the complexion. Suitable for pigmentation concerns such as melasma, solar lentigines and post-inflammatory pigmentation, it uses powerful exfoliating agents such as glycolic, trichloroacetic or kojic acid. These remove superficial skin layers, supporting cell renewal and visibly reducing spots.
Combining these ingredients produces visible results, including clearly improved skin evenness in 84% of cases after 2 treatments, a substantial reduction in melasma (72%) and smoother skin with less pronounced fine lines after several sessions for 83% of patients.
Sun exposure is contraindicated for two months. The peel cannot be performed on tanned skin.
Laser for pigmentation spot treatment
Laser choice depends on spot type and pigmentation depth.
Two laser types can be used :
• Depigmenting laser.
• Ablative laser.
Depigmenting lasers use a light beam with a very short pulse, around a nanosecond, to fragment pigment.
Depending on pigment depth, a Q-switched KTP laser (epidermal pigment) or Q-switched Nd :Yag laser (dermal pigment) is used.
A small scab may develop in the treated area, which the patient should keep moisturised daily. One or several sessions may be needed.
Dr Romano prefers ablative laser. Its mechanism is pigment vaporisation. This treatment is more complex but treats any pigmentation type (depigmenting laser is not indicated for melasma, for example).
When correctly performed, ablative laser treatment does not cause post-inflammatory pigmentation. Although used to remove spots, depigmenting lasers can cause local inflammation that worsens pigmentation.
How can pigmentation spots be prevented ?
Certain daily habits can effectively prevent pigmentation spots and preserve natural skin radiance.
• Use daily sun protection : applying broad-spectrum sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) daily is essential, even in cloudy weather. This protects against UV rays, the main cause of pigmentation spots.
• Choose antioxidant-rich skincare : creams and serums containing vitamin C, vitamin E or ferulic acid help neutralise free radicals that damage skin and stimulate melanin production.
• Moisturise regularly : good hydration maintains a healthy skin barrier, limiting inflammation and post-inflammatory pigmentation risks.
• Limit sun exposure : reduce exposure time, particularly between 10h and 16h, and wear hats or protective clothing to limit brown spot risk.
• Use gentle skincare : avoid harsh products or treatments, as repeated inflammation or irritation can cause post-inflammatory pigmentation.
• Use brightening ingredients preventively : vitamin C or azelaic acid help prevent melanin imbalances, even the complexion and reduce early pigmentation.
How much does facial pigmentation spot treatment cost ?
In Geneva, medical treatments to reduce pigmentation spots start at CHF 300 per session. This starting price applies regardless of method, whether laser or peel. Technique selection depends on pigmentation depth and cause. Session cost may vary according to treatment area size and the observed skin response.
A quotation is provided at the first consultation, when Dr Romano explains achievable results, the cost per session and the number needed.
Medical references on pigmentation spot treatment
- Pigmentation spots result from changes in melanin production or distribution in the skin, a biological mechanism involving melanocytes and studied in scientific publications from the Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research Journal.
- Different hyperpigmentation forms, such as solar lentigines or melasma, require medical assessment to identify their cause and adapt treatment, an approach documented in Dermatologic Clinics.
- Chronic sun exposure plays a major role in certain pigmentation changes associated with photoageing, a phenomenon extensively studied by researchers from the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
- Medical treatments for pigmentation disorders rely on precise understanding of skin physiology and individual skin responses, subjects explored in publications from Experimental Dermatology Journal.
- Medical technologies used to manage pigmented lesions must meet high safety requirements, particularly those established in Switzerland by Swissmedic.
- International knowledge of skin pigmentation and related diseases is regularly enriched by research from the International Federation of Pigment Cell Societies.
Frequently asked questions about pigmentation spots in Geneva
How can facial spots be removed naturally in 3 days ?
Pigmentation spots cannot disappear naturally in only 3 days. However, certain treatments may reduce them : a lemon mask (rich in vitamin C) to brighten skin, applied cautiously (and never before sun exposure) ; aloe vera gel to soothe and regenerate skin ; honey and turmeric masks with brightening properties.
However, these methods provide gradual results and require regular use.
Are pigmentation spots dangerous to health ?
Most pigmentation spots, such as solar lentigines or age spots, are benign and harmless. However, if a spot changes shape, size or colour rapidly, consulting a dermatologist is recommended to rule out a precancerous lesion.
Which factors worsen pigmentation spots ?
The main factors are : excessive unprotected sun exposure ; hormonal changes (pregnancy, contraception) ; certain photosensitising medicines ; natural skin ageing ; inadequate care, such as lack of sun protection.
Can pigmentation spots return after treatment ?
Yes, pigmentation spots can return, especially without strict sun protection. After treatment such as a peel or laser, an appropriate skincare routine and limited sun exposure are essential to prevent recurrence.
Can pigmentation spots develop into skin cancer ?
Common pigmentation spots, such as solar lentigines, are benign and do not become cancerous. However, regular monitoring is essential because some precancerous skin lesions can resemble spots. If in doubt, a dermatology consultation is recommended.
What is the difference between a pigmentation spot and a mole ?
Pigmentation spots are melanin deposits, often flat and associated with sun or age. Moles (naevi) are clusters of pigment cells that may be flat or raised, uniformly coloured and appear from childhood or adolescence. Any suspicious mole change requires medical advice.
