Sunspots & age spots
Discrete pigmentation associated with cumulative sun exposure may be considered for targeted laser treatment after assessment.
St Mary's Medical Clinic · Dermatology
Pigmentation Removal in Malta
Pigmentation is not one diagnosis. Sunspots, freckles, melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation behave differently, which is why St Mary's Clinic offers more than one treatment approach, including laser pigmentation treatment and mesotherapy with tranexamic acid.
SunspotsAge spotsFrecklesMelasmaPost-inflammatory pigmentation
Understanding pigmentation
The cause matters as much as the colour of the mark.
UV exposure, hormonal change, ageing, inflammation after acne and genetics can all contribute to pigmentation. Treatment therefore starts by identifying the pattern rather than treating every dark mark the same way.
Melasma
Melasma is often more diffuse and can be influenced by hormonal and UV triggers, which is why management commonly requires a longer-term plan.
Post-acne marks
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can follow acne or other inflammation and may need a different approach from a discrete sunspot.
Choosing the treatment
Laser and tranexamic-acid mesotherapy are not used in exactly the same way.
Both options are available at St Mary's Clinic. The most appropriate approach depends on the pigmentation pattern, trigger, skin type and clinical assessment.
Feature
Laser Pigmentation Removal
Tranexamic Acid + Mesotherapy
Best suited to
Sunspots, age spots, freckles and selected discrete pigmentation
Melasma, post-inflammatory pigmentation and selected stubborn diffuse pigmentation
Method
Targeted laser energy is used to break up excess pigment
Micro-injections deliver tranexamic acid into the treatment area
Typical course
2–5 sessions, usually around 4 weeks apart
4–6 sessions, usually around 1–2 weeks apart
Downtime
Mild redness; pigment may temporarily darken before fading
Usually minimal; temporary redness can occur
How improvement appears
Often noticed within the first few weeks
Usually gradual across a course of treatment
Sun protection is part of the treatment plan
Daily SPF 50+ and avoiding unnecessary direct sun exposure are important after treatment. Pigmentation can recur when underlying triggers such as UV exposure or hormonal factors remain active.
Assessment & suitability
Before treating pigment, identify the pattern and the trigger.
Assessment considers the distribution and depth of pigmentation, skin type, sun exposure, hormonal factors, previous treatments and whether the lesion is appropriate for cosmetic treatment.
Laser pathway
Laser treatment is particularly suited to selected sunspots, age spots, freckles and discrete areas of pigmentation.
Tranexamic-acid pathway
Tranexamic acid delivered by mesotherapy may be considered for melasma, post-inflammatory pigmentation and selected stubborn dark marks.
Skin type & pigment response
Treatment parameters and choice of modality should account for the risk of post-inflammatory pigment change.
Sun protection
Use SPF 50+ daily and avoid unnecessary direct sun exposure for approximately 1–2 weeks after treatment.
Procedure & recovery
The treatment experience depends on which pigmentation pathway is selected.
Laser uses targeted light energy, while mesotherapy uses multiple small injections of tranexamic acid. Both approaches require aftercare designed to reduce irritation and protect against recurrent pigmentation.
Assessment
The clinician identifies the pigmentation pattern and decides whether laser, tranexamic-acid mesotherapy or another pathway is more appropriate.
Laser option
Targeted energy is delivered to selected pigmented areas. A snapping or stinging sensation can occur, and some spots may temporarily darken before fading.
Mesotherapy option
Small injections deliver tranexamic acid into the treatment area. Temporary redness can occur at the injection points.
Aftercare
Use gentle skincare, daily SPF 50+ and avoid unnecessary direct sun exposure while the skin settles.
Treatment course
A typical course may involve 2–5 laser sessions around 4 weeks apart or 4–6 mesotherapy sessions around 1–2 weeks apart, depending on the chosen pathway.
Results & expectations
Pigment usually lightens gradually rather than disappearing in one step.
Laser improvement often becomes noticeable within the first few weeks, while mesotherapy improvement is typically gradual over a course of sessions.
Laser response
Treated spots may temporarily darken before fading. Visible change may begin within approximately 1–2 weeks.
Mesotherapy response
Improvement is usually cumulative across multiple tranexamic-acid mesotherapy sessions.
Recurrence prevention
Results can be long-lasting, but pigmentation may return if UV exposure, hormonal triggers or inflammation remain active.
Prices
Pigmentation Removal prices
Treatment prices are shown below.
Tranexamic Acid + Mesotherapy€150
Laser · Underarms · 1 Session€70
Laser · Underarms · 3 Sessions€210
Other AreasP.O.R.
Aesthetic physician
Meet the clinician involved in your care.
Your consultation is an important part of treatment planning, allowing the procedure, expected response, recovery and individual suitability to be discussed before proceeding.
Aesthetic Physician
Dr Frank Farrugia
MD, MRCP, M.Sc Health SciencesDr Frank Farrugia provides assessment and treatment planning for pigmentation concerns at St Mary's Clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Pigmentation Removal.
Find answers to common questions below. Your consultation will confirm suitability, expected recovery and the treatment plan for your skin.
01Which treatment is better: laser or tranexamic-acid mesotherapy?
They are used differently. Laser is particularly suited to selected discrete sunspots, age spots and freckles, while tranexamic-acid mesotherapy may be considered for melasma and selected stubborn or post-inflammatory pigmentation.
02How many laser sessions are usually needed?
Approximately 2–5 laser sessions may be recommended, typically spaced around four weeks apart.
03How many mesotherapy sessions are usually needed?
Approximately 4–6 mesotherapy sessions may be recommended, typically spaced around one to two weeks apart.
04Is pigmentation removal painful?
Laser may feel like a brief snapping or stinging sensation. Mesotherapy involves multiple small injections and is generally described as causing minimal discomfort.
05What downtime should I expect?
Mild redness can occur after laser, while mesotherapy generally involves minimal downtime. Pigmented spots treated with laser may temporarily darken before fading.
06Can pigmentation return?
Yes. Pigmentation can recur, especially where sun exposure or hormonal triggers continue. Daily sun protection is important.