Dark spots, uneven tone, and stubborn discoloration can affect more than just your skin — they can affect how you feel in it. Whether caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, or acne, hyperpigmentation is complex — and treating it effectively requires more than a one-size-fits-all solution.
At Miami Skin + Vein, we take a thoughtful approach to treating hyperpigmentation for all skin tones, including those with darker skin types, where precision and experience matter most. Our treatments blend science and aesthetics, including advanced laser technologies and medical-grade chemical peels to fade dark spots, improve tone, and protect your skin’s long-term health.
Led by Dr. Shaun Patel, a Harvard-trained physician and nationally recognized laser specialist, we specialize in all forms of pigment correction—from melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) to sun damage and brown patches. Each plan is designed around your skin’s unique biology to deliver safe, visible, and lasting results.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when the body produces too much melanin, often in response to UV radiation, inflammation, or hormonal changes like pregnancy or birth control use. This can result in brown spots, dark patches, or blotchy skin tone that persists long after a breakout or sunburn fades.
We offer a suite of cosmetic treatments to target excess melanin production in the skin. Each treatment is designed based on a careful analysis of your skin's needs, and we may use a multi-layered approach for the best result. Our most effective methods for treating hyperpigmentation include:
Picoway is a cutting-edge laser therapy that uses picosecond pulses to shatter pigment clusters without damaging surrounding tissue. Ideal for melasma, PIH, and darker skin tones, it offers deep clearance with minimal heat, reducing the risk of rebound pigment or irritation.
Using intense pulsed light (IPL), this treatment targets visible light-absorbing pigment like age spots and sun damage. Best for lighter skin tones, it’s especially effective for excess sun exposure on the face, chest, and hands.
Fractional CO is an ablative laser resurfacing option that removes the outer layer of skin while stimulating collagen and cell turnover in the deeper layers. Highly effective for mixed tone and texture issues, but best for fair to medium skin tones due to the potential risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin.
Our Frax 1550 and Frax 1940 lasers deliver targeted energy to treat deeper layers of skin without removing the surface. Excellent for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, and subtle skin texture improvement with lower risk for darker skin types.
Medical-grade chemical peels containing agents like kojic acid, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, or glycolic acid help to exfoliate, brighten, and reduce superficial pigment discoloration. These peels are often used in conjunction with laser or as maintenance for persistent hyperpigmentation.
Every patient's journey begins with a detailed consultation and careful history review. Dr. Patel evaluates your skin condition, pigment depth, skin tone, and history of pigmentation disorders to determine the safest and most effective treatment options.
Depending on the selected therapy, the procedure may include:
Sessions typically last 20–60 minutes, and multiple sessions may be required for significant improvement—especially when treating melasma or PIH.
Our treatments are effective for a wide range of pigmentary disorders, including:
Choosing the right hyperpigmentation treatment depends on multiple factors: your skin type, pigment depth, whether inflammation is ongoing, and your tolerance for downtime. Picoway Laser is often the best option for darker skin tones and melasma, while IPL and chemical peels are effective for surface-level pigment in lighter skin types.
Patients with darker skin need careful, conservative energy settings to avoid triggering post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Dr. Patel's expertise in laser treatments ensures the safest possible treatment calibrated to your skin's unique needs. Certain medications, pregnancy, or active skin infections may be contraindications, which will be reviewed during your consultation. Rest assured that Dr. Patel will educate you fully about your options and recommend the most effective therapies for your skin.
Recovery varies by treatment modality. Here is what to expect:
Post-treatment care is essential to avoid worsening hyperpigmentation. We advise:
After just one treatment, most patients notice a visible improvement in dark spots and uneven tone. Dr. Patel may recommend a series of 3–6 sessions to achieve more significant, long-lasting results.
Because hyperpigmentation develops at the cellular level, full correction often unfolds gradually over 4–12 weeks as excess melanin breaks down and healthy new skin cells emerge. To maintain your results, we’ll guide you through a personalized aftercare plan that may include targeted topical treatments, periodic maintenance sessions, and diligent sun protection. With the right combination of care and consistency, you can enjoy clearer, brighter, and more even skin after treatment.
At Miami Skin + Vein, we specialize in treating hyperpigmentation with accuracy, caution, and clinical expertise, especially in darker skin tones where pigment issues can be complex and easily worsened with the wrong device or protocol.
Dr. Shaun Patel is a trusted laser expert and Key Opinion Leader for Candela Medical, with deep experience managing melasma, PIH, and photoaging in all skin types. We create a personalized treatment plan for each patient, blending the most advanced energy-based solutions with supportive dermatology care and medical-grade skincare. If you’ve been frustrated by home remedies, over-the-counter products, or previous cosmetic treatments that didn’t deliver, we are here to help you achieve the visible changes you seek.
We treat melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, age spots, acne-related dark marks, and uneven tone due to sun exposure or hormonal changes. Whatever the cause of your hyperpigmentation, we will tailor a treatment plan to your skin's needs.
Most patients benefit from a series of 3–6 treatments. The right regimen will depend on your skin's condition and treatment type. Some improvement is often visible after the first session, but Dr. Patel may recommend a series of treatments for more complete clearance of dark spots.
We specialize in treating darker skin tones with safe, customized energy settings and pigment-safe strategies, including picosecond laser and medical grade skincare products based protocols. Your skin's health is our number one priority, and we will work to develop the right treatment plan for you.
In some cases, yes. You may be asked to pause retinoids, exfoliants, or vitamin C serums before your session to prevent inflammation or irritation.
It can, especially if your skin is exposed to UV radiation, heat, or hormonal changes. We emphasize sun protection and supportive topical treatments as part of a long-term maintenance plan.
Chemical peels treat dark spots, PIH, and dull skin tone. We use clinically proven agents like kojic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid to fade dark spots, brighten your skin, and support holistic renewal.
Yes. Many patients benefit from a combination approach — such as fractional laser plus chemical peel or Picoway with topical treatments — for more complete results. We'll develop a unique treatment approach based on your individual needs and goals.
Fall and winter are ideal because of the reduced sun exposure during these seasons. However, hyperpigmentation treatments can be performed year-round if you practice strict sun protection after treatment.