
Hyperpigmentation Treatment
Hyperpigmentation Treatment – Treating patches of discoloured skin with IPL (Dye SR) Laser
At DrBK, we use the IPL Dye SR Laser to effectively treat different types of hyperpigmentation/pigmentation, such as sunspots, age spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone.
Dye-SR is an advanced form of IPL therapy that utilises Advanced Fluorescence Technology (AFT) — setting it apart from traditional IPL systems, offering more precise and effective results.
Dye SR precisely targets excess melanin, breaks down pigmentation and promotes skin renewal—resulting in an overall brighter, more even tone and complexion.
Before any hyperpigmentation treatment at DrBK, we will book you in for a skin analysis and consultation. This is to ensure that your skin is suitable for treatment and that this is the right treatment option for you.
🔹 This treatment is best for mild/surface-level pigmentation. For deeper melasma, we recommend our ClearLift laser treatment.
Benefits of IPL (Dye SR) Treatment
✓ Reduces Sunspots, Age Spots & Freckles
Effectively breaks down excess melanin, fading pigmentation for a clearer complexion.
✓ Evens Out Skin Tone & Brightens Complexion
Minimises uneven pigmentation, leaving skin looking more radiant and refreshed.
✓ Improves Skin Texture & Boosts Collagen
Stimulates natural collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity, promoting long-term skin health.
✓ Reduces Acne
This device also targets the specific bacteria that causes acne and reduce inflammation, reducing active acne.
✓ Safe and Effective
Targets surface-level pigmentation, including sun damage, age spots, and freckles without harsh chemicals or invasive procedures.
🔹 For deeper pigmentation like melasma, we recommend ClearLift laser treatment, as IPL may not be suitable.
✓ Non-Invasive with No Downtime
A gentle, non-surgical treatment with minimal discomfort and no recovery time.
✓ Suitable for Most Skin Types
Adjustable settings make it a safe and effective option for various skin tones.
✓ Customisable for Different Severities of Hyperpigmentation
Tailored treatments ensure optimal results for mild to moderate pigmentation concerns.
🔹 For deeper pigmentation like melasma, we recommend ClearLift laser treatment, as IPL may not be suitable.
Pricing for IPL (Dye SR) Treatment
- Single session: £190
- Course of 3: £575
- Course of 6: £950
0% payment plans available
Pigmentation before & after photos
FAQs about Hyperpigmentation Treatment with Dye SR IPL
How does the Dye SR IPL treatment work?
IPL Dye-SR uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths that are absorbed by the pigment in the skin. This light energy is then converted into heat, which damages the unwanted cells while preserving the surrounding tissue. The targeted pigments are then broken down and naturally filtered out by the body over time.
Dye-SR is an advanced form of IPL therapy that utilises Advanced Fluorescence Technology (AFT). AFT works by converting unused light energy into usable energy, allowing for more even energy distribution and greater treatment precision. As a result, even lower energy settings can deliver highly effective results with minimal risk of side effects, unlike conventional IPL systems.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation (or pigmentation) is patches of skin that are darker in colour than our natural skin tone due to increased melanin, such as sunspots, age spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone. The most common areas for hyperpigmentation to develop are the face, neck, décolletage (neckline), shoulders and hands.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
As we get older, hyperpigmentation (also referred to as age spots or brown spots) can tend to appear on our skin.
Hyperpigmentation develops as a result of exposure to harmful UVA rays which penetrate deep into the skin. More melanin is produced to help protect the skin against the effects of the sun (such as skin cancers and premature ageing). Typically, the pigmentation does not tend to appear on the surface of the skin until a number of years later and, in some cases, as long as 20 years after the initial damage. This is why pigmentation is associated with ageing and often referred to as ‘age spots’.
In some cases, the onset of hyperpigmentation (like melasma), can come about as a result of hormonal changes from taking the contraceptive pill or during pregnancy.
Regardless of the cause, pigmented lesions can be an aesthetic concern for many people, and can cause a more ‘aged’ look.
What are the different types of pigmentation?
Brown Spots
Also known as ‘age spots’. These vary in size and usually appear on the face, hands shoulders and arms (the areas usually most exposed to the sun). Brown/Age spots are very common in adults older than 50.
Melasma
Melasma is a common skin condition in adults in which light to dark brown or ‘greyish’ pigmentation develops due to internal factors like hormones. This mainly affects the face. For this type of pigmentation, we recommend our Clearlift procedure.
Freckles
Freckles are flat, tanned and circular spots that can develop on the skin after repeated exposure to sunlight. These mainly affect the face, hands and arms.
What's the difference between melasma and other types of pigmentation?
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal changes, sun exposure, and heat, appearing as brown or greyish patches, often symmetrical on the face. It can be deeper in the skin, making it harder to treat.
Our ClearLift laser is the best treatment option for melasma, as IPL (Dye SR) can sometimes worsen melasma.
Other pigmentation, like sunspots, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are usually surface-level and respond well to Dye SR IPL. Choosing the right treatment depends on the cause and depth of the pigmentation.
Common areas for hyperpigmentation
The most common areas for pigmentation to develop is;
- The Face
- Neck
- Décolletage (Neckline)
- Shoulders
- Hands
How many sessions of IPL Dye SR will I need?
Most patients will require 3–6 sessions, spaced 3–4 weeks apart, for optimal results.
Certain skin types may require a gentler approach (e.g., more sessions at lower settings to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
A customised treatment plan will be recommended based on skin type and pigmentation severity.
How long does the treatment take?
Each session takes approximately 30–45 minutes (depending on the area treated).
When can I expect to see results?
1–2 weeks after the first session: Dark spots may temporarily darken before flaking off as the pigmentation breaks down. Skin appears brighter and smoother.
3–6 weeks after multiple sessions: Significant reduction in pigmentation/dark spots. Skin appears more radiant and even.
Long-term results (after full treatment course): Hyperpigmentation is dramatically reduced, skin looks more youthful, even-toned, and refreshed. With proper sun protection and maintenance treatments, results can last 6–12 months or longer.
💡 Results vary based on skin type, severity of pigmentation, and aftercare.
Is there any downtime or side effects with this treatment?
There is no downtime with this treatment however you may notice redness for a few hours after the treatment, which will subside within a day. We recommend to avoid sun exposure for a few days and use an SPF 50.
Is the treatment safe?
Yes, the treatment is completely safe.
Dye-SR is an advanced form of IPL therapy that utilises Advanced Fluorescence Technology (AFT). AFT works by converting unused light energy into usable energy, allowing for more even energy distribution and greater treatment precision. As a result, even lower energy settings can deliver highly effective results with minimal risk of side effects, unlike conventional IPL systems.
Not sure what treatment option is best for you?
If you are unsure which treatment option would be best for you, please book a skin consultation with us and we will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your needs and desires. Our skin consultations include an in-depth analysis using the VISIA Skin Analysis device.