Melasma, Sun Damage, and Hyperpigmentation
Brown patches, sun spots, and uneven tone respond to the right combination of light, peels, and brightening skincare. We build a plan around your skin type, lifestyle, and downtime tolerance.
Causes and Treatment
Pigmentation problems come in three main forms, and the right treatment depends on which one you have.
Sun damage and sun spots (solar lentigines) are the flat brown patches that show up on the face, chest, hands, and shoulders after years of cumulative UV exposure. They sit at the surface of the skin, which means they respond well to light-based treatments that target pigment directly.
Melasma is different. It's a hormonally-driven pattern of brown patches, usually symmetrical, often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or jawline. It's most common in women, especially during or after pregnancy, on hormonal birth control, or in their 30s and 40s. Melasma reaches deeper into the skin than sun spots, and aggressive light treatments can actually make it worse if applied wrong. Melasma needs a careful approach.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the brown mark that lingers after a pimple, an irritation, or a scratch. It fades on its own eventually, but the right treatments speed it up significantly.
All three are made worse by sun exposure, even on cloudy Chicago days. Daily SPF is non-negotiable for any pigmentation treatment to hold.
Better Med Spa's Recommended Treatments
Better's approach to pigmentation is layered: a primary in-office treatment to break up existing pigment, paired with a brightening facial protocol to keep new pigment from forming. The right primary treatment depends on the type and depth of your pigmentation.
DPL Photofacial
A targeted light treatment that breaks up melanin so your body can clear it. Lower energy than BBL, which makes it the safer first choice for melasma and darker skin types.
BBL (BroadBand Light)
A higher-intensity photofacial that clears sun spots, freckles, and surface pigmentation faster than DPL, with the trade-off of mild redness for 24 hours.
Moxi
A non-ablative laser that resurfaces the top layer of skin, fading pigmentation while improving texture and tone. 3 to 5 days of sandpaper-like shedding.
Glass Skin Facial
Better's signature K-Beauty informed protocol layers brightening serums, gentle exfoliation, and barrier repair to fade pigmentation without inflammation.
Want a brightening boost? Add a Glutathione Brightening Shot for an IV antioxidant boost, or try our BBL + Moxi combo for pigment plus texture in a single visit. All photofacial and laser treatments are part of our lasers and light service, supervised by Dr. Brechner.
How to Choose Between Them
Start by identifying your pigmentation type, because the wrong treatment can backfire.
| If you want | Choose |
|---|---|
| Sun spots, age spots, or freckles (lighter skin) | BBL |
| Melasma, mixed pigment, sensitive or darker skin | DPL Photofacial |
| Pigmentation plus texture or fine lines | Moxi or BBL + Moxi combo |
| Recent post-acne marks (PIH) | Personalized Chemical Peel + Glass Skin |
| Active melasma you've never treated | Glass Skin Facial protocol, escalate carefully |
| Darker Fitzpatrick types (IV to VI) | DPL or Glass Skin protocol |
The other variable is downtime tolerance. BBL produces small dark "coffee grounds" on existing pigment for 5 to 7 days as it lifts and flakes off. Moxi creates a sandpaper texture for 3 to 5 days. DPL has the least downtime, often just a few hours of mild flushing. Glass Skin Facials have no downtime at all.
For melasma specifically, we usually recommend starting with a series of three Glass Skin Facials spaced 4 weeks apart to assess how the skin responds, then layering in DPL only if the brightening protocol alone isn't enough. Aggressive lasers on melasma can drive pigment deeper. Better's approach prioritizes "do no harm" over "fastest result."
Most patients see meaningful improvement after a series of 3 to 5 sessions, with maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months.
What to Expect at Better Med Spa
Pigmentation work always starts with a consultation. Your provider examines your skin under high-resolution analysis to map the depth and pattern of your pigmentation, asks about your hormonal history, sun exposure, and sensitivity, and builds a treatment plan in stages rather than committing to a long package up front.
A typical pigmentation visit at Better takes 45 to 75 minutes including prep, treatment, and post-care application. Most light treatments feel like brief snaps of warmth. We use cooling and topical numbing for higher-intensity sessions.
Dr. Brechner supervises all laser and photofacial protocols. Our injectors and aestheticians are trained in K-Beauty informed pigmentation strategies, which prioritize barrier protection and gradual fading over aggressive single-session approaches that can cause rebound darkening.
We will send you home with a personalized SPF and home-care recommendation. Daily SPF is the single biggest factor in whether pigmentation results hold.
Ready to talk to one of our providers?
A 30-minute skin consultation maps your pigmentation type and the right starting protocol, with no pressure to commit.
Before and After
See real Better Med Spa patient results in our gallery. Individual results vary based on starting point, dosage, and skin quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is melasma the same as sun damage?
No. Melasma is a hormonally-driven pattern that goes deeper into the skin and is often triggered or worsened by pregnancy, birth control, or stress. Sun damage (solar lentigines) is caused primarily by UV exposure and sits closer to the skin's surface. They respond to different treatments.
Can BBL make melasma worse?
It can if it's used incorrectly. BBL on active or unstable melasma can drive pigment deeper, which is why Better starts melasma patients with gentler protocols (Glass Skin Facial, DPL) and only uses BBL once melasma is stable.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients need 3 to 5 sessions of their primary treatment, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, plus a maintenance plan. Severe pigmentation or melasma may need more. Your consultation will give you a specific session count.
Most patients describe the injections as a series of small pinches. We use the smallest needles available and can apply topical numbing cream on request. The whole appointment is typically under 30 minutes including the consultation.
How much does pigmentation treatment cost in Chicago?
DPL Photofacial starts at approximately $308 per session at Better. Glass Skin Facial starts at approximately $176 per session. Series pricing and memberships reduce the per-session cost, see our Specials and Memberships pages.
Is pigmentation treatment safe for darker skin tones?
Yes, with the right treatment selection. DPL and Glass Skin Facial are safe across Fitzpatrick types I to VI. We avoid or modify higher-intensity treatments for darker skin to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Related Reading
Where We Serve
Better Med Spa is located in Lincoln Park and serves patients across Chicago, including Old Town, Lakeview, Bucktown, Gold Coast, DePaul, West Loop, and River North.
Ready to fade the pigmentation that's been bothering you?
Schedule a consultation and we will build a plan that fits you, your timeline, and your budget.