Sun spots
Often appear on areas exposed to the sun, including the face and hands. Selected spots may suit a device treatment after assessment.
TCMA · Surry Hills, Sydney
Pigmentation & melasma.
A plan for your skin.
If the patches keep returning, starting again can feel frustrating.
You may have tried a few products or treatments and still feel unsure what your skin needs. We take time to understand that history, explain your options and make the next step clearer.
Complexion Consultation: $100 deposit, redeemable against treatment only. Prefer to see Dr. Amy? Explore the options below.
Begin with understanding
Similar patches. Different starting points.
Pigmentation is a broad term for changes in skin colour. Melasma is one cause; sun spots and marks after inflammation are others. More than one can be present.
Melasma
Often appears as brown patches across both cheeks, the forehead or upper lip. Light exposure and hormonal factors can contribute. It can recur, so longer-term care matters.
Marks after inflammation
Dark marks can follow acne, irritation or injury. Settling the underlying problem is an important part of the plan.
A new, changing, bleeding or unusual mark needs medical assessment before cosmetic treatment. Skin imaging supports your assessment; it does not replace a medical examination.
Melasma deserves a measured approach
Can Pico be part of your melasma plan?
Yes. At TCMA, Pico may be considered for selected cases, alongside skincare and sun protection. Your skin tone, treatment history and current skin condition guide the decision.
Laser can also aggravate melasma or cause further pigmentation. Careful selection, appropriate settings and review are important; a treatment course is not a promise of permanent clearance.
Your first appointment
Bring your questions.
And your skincare routine.
You do not need to arrive with the right words or a treatment in mind. Tell us what you have noticed, what has helped and what has left you disappointed. We review your history and use skin imaging to record a starting point.
You will have time to discuss suitable options, likely costs, recovery and alternatives. If your concern needs medical review, we will explain the next step.
Pigmentation treatment in Sydney
The options, in context.
Your plan may start with home care or include a suitable procedure. We explain what each option is intended to address before you decide.
Pico laser ↗
Cutera Enlighten at TCMA. Explore suitability, recovery and full-face pricing from $750.Alma HarmonyXL ↗
Explore options for selected pigment and vascular concerns. Consult and plan at TCMA; HarmonyXL treatment is performed at FutureSkin in Rosebery.SkinCeuticals peels ↗
A possible part of a plan for selected surface concerns.ZO peels ↗
Suitability and intensity are considered individually.
Cutera Enlighten at TCMA. Explore suitability, recovery and full-face pricing from $750.Alma HarmonyXL ↗
Explore options for selected pigment and vascular concerns. Consult and plan at TCMA; HarmonyXL treatment is performed at FutureSkin in Rosebery.SkinCeuticals peels ↗
A possible part of a plan for selected surface concerns.ZO peels ↗
Suitability and intensity are considered individually.
Supportive complexion care may include Hydrafacial or LED. SkinPen may be discussed for accompanying texture concerns. These are not interchangeable treatments for melasma.
Care over time
Start thoughtfully.
Review before doing more.
Understand your skin
Review your concern and routine, agree on priorities and discuss a starting plan.
Take the next step
Introduce the agreed skincare or treatment, with aftercare and recovery explained.
Adjust and maintain
Compare progress and your skin’s response before deciding whether to continue, change direction or maintain.
Timing varies. You do not need to commit to a fixed treatment package before your skin has been assessed.
The everyday part of the plan.
For melasma, consistent sun protection remains important even when pigmentation improves. We can discuss sunscreen, shade and a hat, plus whether a tinted sunscreen would suit you. A gentle routine helps avoid unnecessary irritation.
Tell us about pregnancy, breastfeeding or hormonal changes so your advice can be tailored. Your routine needs to fit your life, too. We will help you work out what to use, why it matters and how to keep the plan manageable.
Choose your starting point
Let’s make a plan.
Visit TCMA at 240 Riley Street, Surry Hills. Choose complexion care with our dermal team or a consultation with Dr. Amy Chahal.
Complexion Consultation
With our dermal therapists. Skin imaging, a skincare review and a staged plan for your complexion.
$100
Deposit redeemable against treatment only, not products.
Focused Consultation
With Dr. Amy. Discuss pigmentation as your main concern, with assessment and advice on suitable options.
$150
Consultation fee. Non-redeemable.
Strategy Session
With Dr. Amy. A broader plan for ageing well, considering cosmetic medicine, skin treatments and skincare together.
$250
60-minute consultation. Non-redeemable.
Your appointment is confirmed once you successfully complete your online booking through Timely. Treatment costs are discussed after assessment. Need help choosing? Call (02) 8074 1559.
A few useful answers.
Can pigmentation be removed permanently?
Some marks improve with treatment, but new or recurrent pigmentation is possible. Melasma often needs ongoing management rather than a one-off procedure.
Is Pico or IPL better for melasma?
Neither is a universal choice. We assess your skin before recommending a device. Both can cause unwanted pigment changes; Pico may be considered selectively as part of a broader plan. Read the comparison.
What if a previous treatment made it worse?
It is understandable to feel cautious about trying again. Bring details of the treatment and your aftercare if you have them. A Focused Consultation with Dr. Amy gives you space to review what happened and discuss your options before deciding on further treatment.
Can darker skin tones be treated?
Suitability depends on the concern and treatment. The risk of further pigmentation needs particular attention. Your practitioner will explain the options and risks for your skin.
How many sessions will I need, and is there downtime?
The treatment, area and your response determine the number of sessions and recovery. We discuss these before proceeding. Possible risks include irritation, burns, darker or lighter patches and scarring, depending on the procedure.
Can I come in during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
You can seek advice, but some skincare and procedures may not be suitable. Tell us when booking and at your consultation so we can tailor the discussion.
Further reading: DermNet: melasma · American Academy of Dermatology: melasma care · Maintaining results · TCMA guides
Further reading
Pico or IPL for pigmentation · How long results last · All guides · A second opinion
