DrPlus
Pigmentation Treatment & Removal — Melasma, Sun Spots & PIH
Doctor-Led Clinic

Skin Concerns · Pigmentation

Pigmentation Treatment & Removal — Melasma, Sun Spots & PIH

Melasma, sun spots, and post-acne marks respond to the right diagnosis and a patient plan. Your doctor finds what's driving the pigment — then builds a path toward lasting clarity, for patients across Johor Bahru and Singapore.

— Pigment Types

Not all pigmentation is treated the same way

Identifying what type of pigment you have — and how deep it sits — is the first step toward a plan that works. These are the four patterns we assess and treat most often at DrPlus.

Southeast Asian woman examining melasma pigmentation on her cheek in a mirror

Melasma

Symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches, usually across the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip. Driven by hormones, heat, and UV, melasma sits deeper than most pigment and is the easiest type to worsen with aggressive treatment. It responds to patient, conservative plans — never a single strong session.

Treatment suitability

Pico Laser (conservative)Topical TherapyStrict Sun Protection
Close-up of an East Asian woman with natural freckles and sun spots

Sun spots & age spots

Well-defined brown spots on sun-exposed areas — face, hands, shoulders — from cumulative UV over the years. Because the pigment is superficial and stable, sun spots are among the most treatable pigmentation, often clearing significantly within a short series of sessions.

Treatment suitability

Pico LaserChemical Peel
Southeast Asian woman with flat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation marks on her cheeks

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Flat brown marks left behind once acne, insect bites, eczema, or a procedure heals. PIH is a pigment problem, not a scar — it fades naturally over months, and the right combination of peels, laser, and topicals can speed that clearance considerably.

Treatment suitability

Chemical PeelPico LaserTopical Therapy
East Asian woman receiving a professional pigmentation assessment in a medical aesthetics clinic

Freckles & uneven tone

Scattered small spots and a generally uneven, dull complexion — often a mix of genetics and sun habits. Diffuse tone responds well to a toning-style laser program, with peels and daily protection maintaining the evenness you gain.

Treatment suitability

Pico LaserLaser ProgramChemical Peel

— Your Concern

Your clearest skin is closer than you think

Hyperpigmentation makes you feel like you're fighting your own skin. Melasma, solar lentigines, and post-acne marks differ in depth and behaviour — but they share one thing: they respond to precision, patience, and the right plan.

DrPlus approaches pigmentation with a diagnosis-first mindset. Your doctor evaluates pigment depth, skin type, hormonal factors, and current skincare before recommending pico laser, chemical peels, or supportive topicals — often sequenced together — building toward the even-toned complexion you've been working toward.

Consistent sun protection is the foundation. Treatment lightens what's there; your daily habits protect what you've gained.

— Compare Options

How treatments compare

A simplified overview. Your doctor will recommend what suits your skin after assessment.

TreatmentBest forTypical downtimeSessions
Pico LaserMelasma, sun spots, deep pigmentMinimal4–8 typical
Chemical PeelSurface pigment, PIH, dullnessLight flaking4–6 typical
Laser ProgramStubborn or mixed pigmentMinimal per sessionDoctor-planned course

— Why DrPlus

Clinical care, quietly delivered

Doctor-Led Care

Every plan is overseen by a qualified physician — not a sales consultant.

Personalised Plans

Treatment plans are tailored to your skin condition, goals, tone, downtime, and suitability.

Evidence-Informed

Protocols are selected for clinical relevance, not trend-driven marketing.

Premium Environment

A calm, private clinic designed for unhurried consultation and discreet care.

— Process

Your consultation journey

Private Consultation

A discreet, unhurried conversation about your concerns, goals, and medical history.

Clinical Assessment

Your doctor examines your skin or concern and explains suitable options without pressure.

Personalised Plan

A tailored treatment sequence designed around your condition, downtime, and expectations.

Follow-up Care

Structured reviews and aftercare guidance for the duration of your program.

— Doctor-led planning

Doctor-led pigmentation planning

Treatment choice for pigmentation depends on pigment type, depth, skin tone, hormonal factors, and sun behaviour. Pico laser, peels, and topicals each have a role — your plan is built around which combination is appropriate for your case.

Consultations are led by Dr Kenneth Lee (The Collagen Doc®), whose clinical interest in skin regeneration and collagen-focused care guides treatment planning at DrPlus.

Ask our doctor what is realistic for your skin

Dr Kenneth Lee · Qualifications

  • MBBChCardiff University · UK
  • GDipFP DermatologyNUS · Singapore
  • Aesthetic MedicineAAAM · USA
  • LCP CertifiedMalaysia

12+

Years Experience

8k+

Treatments

Ready to discuss your skin?

Book a doctor-led assessment tailored to your concerns.

— Your treating doctor

A personalised plan starts with proper skin assessment

Dr Kenneth Lee — Aesthetic Physician at DrPlus
Doctor-led assessment

Dr Kenneth Lee

Aesthetic Physician

DrPlus Aesthetics Clinic

Dr Kenneth Lee completed his medical degree at Cardiff University, UK, under a Public Service Department scholarship, and trained across London hospitals in general medicine, surgery, paediatrics, and emergency medicine before returning to Asia to specialise in aesthetic and regenerative medicine.

He holds LCP certification for Aesthetic Practices in Malaysia and continues to train with the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group in Singapore and the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. His focused interest in collagen science and skin regeneration led Channel NewsAsia to feature him as “The Collagen Doc®”.

When you consult at DrPlus, that background is what guides your assessment — not a treatment menu.

Dr Kenneth Lee · Qualifications

  • MBBCh· Cardiff University · UK
  • GDipFP Dermatology· NUS · Singapore
  • Aesthetic Medicine· AAAM · USA
  • LCP Certified· Malaysia

12+

Years Experience

8k+

Treatments

Recognised across aesthetics and wellness care

DrPlus and Dr Kenneth Lee have received regional and international recognition across aesthetic medicine, collagen treatment, and clinic partnership categories.

View clinic recognitions →
Aesthetician of the Year award trophy

Aesthetician of the Year

Health & Wellness Awards, 2025

Skinvive Early User Award award trophy

Skinvive Early User Award

Juvéderm / Allergan Aesthetics

Collagen Treatment of the Year award trophy

Collagen Treatment of the Year

Asia-Pacific

Restylane Bronze Award award trophy

Restylane Bronze Award

Galderma, 2025

— FAQ

Pigmentation treatment FAQ

Melasma is often linked to hormones, sun exposure, and genetics. It can be managed but may recur without ongoing protection and maintenance.

It depends on the pigment type and depth. Pico laser targets deeper, stubborn pigment such as melasma and sun spots, while chemical peels work on superficial pigment, post-acne marks, and overall dullness. Many plans combine both — laser for the pigment itself, peels for surface clarity. Your doctor confirms the sequence after examining your skin.

With appropriate device settings and experienced medical supervision, laser pigmentation treatment can be performed on a range of skin types. Assessment is essential.

Fading is gradual over weeks to months. Some spots darken before they lighten. Your doctor will outline a realistic timeline.

Some pigment types, like sun spots, can clear well and stay away with consistent sun protection. Others — melasma especially — are managed rather than cured and can return with hormones, heat, and UV exposure. Your doctor will tell you honestly which category your pigment falls into and what maintenance would look like.

Certain actives may be paused before and after laser. Your doctor will review your routine and adjust for safety.

Costs vary widely because pigmentation treatment is a plan, not a single procedure — the price depends on your pigment type, whether laser, peels, or a combination is used, and how many sessions your skin realistically needs. We do not publish prices; after your doctor has diagnosed your pigment you receive a personalised, written quote with no obligation to proceed. WhatsApp us a photo and we can usually explain what your plan would involve within minutes.

Yes — many of our pigmentation patients travel from Singapore. Our Johor Bahru clinic in Iskandar Puteri is roughly 20–30 minutes from the Tuas Second Link, and pico laser is also available at our Singapore clinics in Tanjong Pagar and East Coast. Your doctor will advise where your plan is best carried out after diagnosis.

— Skin Education

Doctor-led guides written to help you understand your options before consultation. Each article links back to the relevant treatment pages.

Pico laser handpiece delivering precise treatment for pigmentation on Asian skinPigmentation

Pico Laser Treatment for Pigmentation: What It Does and Who It May Suit

Pico laser is one of the most discussed pigment treatments — and one of the most over-promised. Here is how to think about it.

6 min readRead article
Illustration of symmetrical melasma patches on the cheeks with a skin-depth cross-sectionMelasma

Melasma Treatment in Singapore & Johor Bahru: A Doctor's Guide

Melasma is the most misunderstood pigmentation of all — and the easiest to make worse. Here is how it is actually treated, and why patience beats power.

11 min readRead article
Close-up of a woman's cheek with natural skin tone in soft, even lightPigmentation

Pico Laser for Melasma: A Cautious, Doctor-Led View

Melasma is the trickiest pigment to treat. Here is a careful, doctor-led view of where pico laser fits — and where it doesn't.

7 min readRead article
How inflammation triggers post-inflammatory pigmentationInflammation in the skin activates pigment-producing melanocytes, which release excess melanin that settles as a flat dark mark in the skin.Excess melanin → dark markInflammation
Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels for Pigmentation: What Responds — and What Needs Care

Peels can fade some pigmentation beautifully and make other kinds worse. The difference is the pigment type — which is why assessment comes before acid.

8 min readRead article
Diagram of inflammation triggering pigment cells to deposit a flat brown markPigmentation

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Treatment Guide

Those brown marks left after a spot heals are PIH — a pigment problem, not a scar. The good news: it fades, and the right care speeds it up.

8 min readRead article
Illustration of sun protection and skincare maintaining even skin tone after treatmentPigmentation

Pigmentation Aftercare: Keeping Your Results

Clearing pigment is only half the job. Keeping it clear is the other half — and it comes down to a few disciplined habits.

8 min readRead article
Asian woman receiving a professional skin analysis for pigmentation assessment at an aesthetic clinicPigmentation

Pigmentation Treatment in Johor Bahru: What Options Are Available?

Not all pigmentation is the same. Assessment before treatment is the difference between gradual improvement and accidental worsening.

7 min readRead article
— In Their Words

The quiet trust of those we care for.

Google · 1000+ Reviews
The most considered medical experience I have had. Results that feel like myself, only quieter.
S.K.
Patient review
Dr Kenneth's restraint is rare. I trust him completely with the long-term care of my skin.
A.L.
Patient review
Everything about the clinic — the light, the silence, the precision — feels deliberate.
M.J.
Patient review

A QUICKER SCROLL

Clinic life, in short clips

Take a breather from the detail — swipe through Facebook and TikTok moments from DrPlus, then continue when you're ready to book.

— Request a Consultation

Begin with a pigmentation assessment

Diagnosis first — your doctor will identify pigment type and recommend a personalised plan with realistic expectations.

  • Doctor-led assessment and recommendations
  • Reviewed personally — not auto-routed
  • Discreet handling of sensitive concerns
  • Reply typically within one business day
Doctor-Led
Personalised Plans
Reply within 24 hrs