Dark Spot & Pigmentation Treatment in Istanbul

Pigmentation and Dark Spot Treatment in Istanbul

Last updated: 29 September 2026 · Medically reviewed by Dr. Nihat Dik, Medical Aesthetics Physician · Maya Estetik Etiler, Istanbul

Pigmentation treatment lightens dark patches on the skin using methods chosen according to the type of pigmentation, such as laser, chemical peels, medical skin care and prescription creams. Sun spots and age spots usually lighten significantly with lasers such as the thulium laser in 3–5 sessions. Melasma (hormonal or pregnancy-related pigmentation) tends to recur and needs a more cautious, combined approach. In every case, consistent sun protection is an essential part of treatment.

At Maya Estetik, pigmentation treatment starts with a physician's examination at our Etiler clinic in Istanbul. First, the type of pigmentation is identified, because sun spots, melasma and post-acne marks may look similar but respond to different treatments. The plan is based on the type and depth of pigmentation, your skin type and the season.

Types of pigmentation and suitable treatments

Type	Appearance and cause	Common treatments
Sun spots (solar lentigo)	Well-defined brown spots on the face, back of the hands and décolleté; years of sun damage	Thulium laser, pigment lasers, peels
Melasma	Symmetrical patches with irregular edges on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip; hormones, pregnancy, sun and heat	Sun protection, prescription creams, chemical peels, carefully selected low-energy laser
Post-acne marks	Brown or red marks where spots have healed	Chemical peels, medical skin care, laser
Freckles	Small spots on fair skin that darken in the sun	Sun protection, laser

Pigmentation treatment with thulium laser

The thulium laser works at a wavelength of 1927 nm. It is a non-ablative fractional laser that treats the upper layers of the skin in tiny columns without removing the skin surface. By creating millimetre-sized treatment zones, it reduces the pigment load and stimulates skin renewal. Along with lightening spots, it can also improve skin texture, radiance and fine lines.

Number of sessions: Usually 3–5 sessions, 3–4 weeks apart.
Procedure time: About 20–30 minutes for the full face; numbing cream is applied beforehand.
Recovery: 3–5 days of redness and mild swelling; small dark "coffee ground" dots form over the spots and flake off within a few days.
Suitable areas: Face, neck, décolleté and back of the hands.

For more on the device and procedure, see our Smart Laser (Thulium Laser) page.

Other pigmentation treatments

Chemical peels: Renew the upper layer of the skin in a controlled way to lighten superficial pigmentation; often used for melasma and post-acne marks.
Medical skin care: Prepares the skin for treatment and helps maintain results.
Mesotherapy: Can support pigmentation treatment by improving skin quality and radiance.
Prescription creams: Lightening agents should be used under medical supervision and for defined periods. Uncontrolled use can cause irritation and new pigmentation.

The treatment process

Examination and diagnosis: The type and depth of pigmentation are assessed. A dermatology review is recommended for any suspicious spots.
Preparation: If needed, skin-preparing products and sun protection are started a few weeks in advance.
Treatment sessions: The chosen method is applied at the recommended intervals.
Protection: Sun protection and a skin care routine after treatment are the most important steps in preventing spots from returning.

Aftercare following treatment

Use broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 sunscreen every day, even when it is cloudy, and reapply every 2–3 hours.
Avoid direct sun, sauna, steam rooms and sunbeds for the first week after laser.
Do not scratch the dark dots or crusts; let them flake off naturally.
Resume acids, retinol and exfoliating products only after the time recommended by your physician.

Who should not have this treatment?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding (for laser and some creams)
Active infection, cold sores or open wounds in the treatment area
Recent heavy tanning
Use of photosensitising medication (tell your physician)

Important: A new spot or mole that is growing quickly, changing in colour or shape, has irregular edges, bleeds or itches may not be a cosmetic problem. Such lesions must be examined by a dermatologist before any laser treatment. For mole assessment, see our mole treatments page.

Pigmentation treatment during a visit to Istanbul

Laser treatment for sun spots needs 3–5 sessions 3–4 weeks apart, so it is best planned over several visits.
After laser, the skin must be protected from strong sun for at least a week — avoid scheduling a session right before a beach holiday.
Autumn and winter are the most suitable seasons for starting laser and peel treatments.

How is the cost of pigmentation treatment determined?

The cost depends on the method chosen, the treatment area and the number of sessions. Under Turkish Ministry of Health regulations, prices for healthcare services are not published on websites. A personalised plan and cost are shared after your consultation.

Frequently asked questions

How many sessions does it take to clear dark spots on the face?

Sun spots usually lighten significantly with thulium laser in 3–5 sessions. Melasma requires longer, combined treatment and ongoing sun protection.

Do spots come back after laser treatment?

Sun spots can reappear in the same or new areas without sun protection. Melasma tends to recur due to hormonal and environmental factors. Regular sun protection and skin care are key to maintaining results.

Which season is best for pigmentation treatment?

Autumn and winter, when the sun is less intense, are preferred for laser and peels. With proper sun protection, some treatments can be done all year round; this is decided at the consultation.

Can melasma be treated with laser?

Laser alone is not the first choice for melasma and can darken it if the wrong settings are used. Low-energy laser may be used alongside sun protection, prescription creams and peels when the physician considers it appropriate.

When can I return to work after thulium laser?

Most people return to daily life within 1–3 days. The redness and dark dots in the first days should not be covered with make-up until they have flaked off; follow your physician's advice.

Are lightening creams enough on their own?

They can be enough for mild, superficial pigmentation. For deep or widespread pigmentation, creams work better combined with laser and peels. Prescription creams should be used under medical supervision.

Can laser be used on darker skin?

Yes, but the laser type and energy settings are chosen carefully to reduce the risk of pigment changes. This is assessed at the consultation.

Let's plan the right treatment for you at your consultation. For questions and appointments, message us on WhatsApp or call us.

WhatsApp: +90 532 301 99 52 · Phone (within Turkey): 444 9 454 · Maya Estetik Etiler, Istanbul · Directions

Medical review: This page has been reviewed by Dr. Nihat Dik, founding physician of Maya Estetik. Dr. Dik graduated from Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine in 1997, trained in medical aesthetics in Germany and has been performing medical aesthetic treatments at Maya Estetik since 2004.

Sources

This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. The right treatment for you is decided by a physician after examination.