Physician-Performed · Mission Viejo, CA

Hyperpigmentation Treatment

Reduce dark spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone with physician-performed PICO laser and targeted skincare protocols

Dr. Violeta Recalde, MD

Hyperpigmentation Treatment

Pricing

Starting at $200/session

Transparent pricing. No hidden fees.

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Call (949) 676-7521
Why MedGlo

Board-certified MD performs every treatment

20+ years medical experience

Bilingual English/Spanish

No upsells or pressure

Transparent pricing

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding area. It happens when excess melanin — the pigment that gives skin its color — deposits in the skin. Sun exposure, hormonal changes, acne scarring, and aging can all trigger hyperpigmentation.

At MedGlo, Dr. Violeta Recalde takes a medical approach to hyperpigmentation. Rather than guessing with over-the-counter products, she evaluates the type and depth of your pigmentation to determine the most effective treatment — whether that's PICO laser, chemical peels, or a combination approach.

Types of Hyperpigmentation We Treat

Sun Damage & Age Spots

Also called solar lentigines, these flat brown spots appear on areas exposed to the sun — face, hands, chest, and shoulders. They're one of the most responsive types of hyperpigmentation to laser treatment.

Melasma

Melasma presents as larger patches of discoloration, typically on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. It's often triggered by hormonal changes (pregnancy, birth control) and worsened by sun exposure. Melasma requires a careful, layered treatment approach — aggressive lasers can sometimes make it worse, which is why physician oversight matters.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Dark marks left behind after acne, cuts, burns, or other skin injuries. PIH is especially common in darker skin tones and can take months to fade on its own — but targeted treatments can accelerate the process significantly.

Treatment Options

PICO Laser

Delivers ultra-short pulses of energy to break apart pigment particles without damaging surrounding tissue

Effective for sun spots, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Minimal downtime — mild redness for 24–48 hours

Most patients see visible improvement after 2–4 sessions

Chemical Peels

Professional-grade peels exfoliate the top layers of skin, encouraging fresh, evenly-toned skin to surface

Particularly effective for melasma when combined with a proper skincare regimen

Dr. Recalde selects the peel depth and formulation based on your skin type and pigment depth

Combination Approach

For stubborn or complex hyperpigmentation, Dr. Recalde often recommends a combination of in-office treatments with a medical-grade skincare routine. This might include laser sessions plus targeted topicals containing ingredients like tranexamic acid, vitamin C, or prescription retinoids.

Transparent Pricing

Hyperpigmentation treatment is customized to each patient. Here are our starting prices:

PICO Laser (per session) From $200
Chemical Peel Contact for pricing
Consultation Complimentary

Dr. Recalde will recommend the right treatment plan for your specific type of hyperpigmentation during your consultation. Most patients need 2–6 sessions depending on the severity.

What to Expect

Before Your Treatment

Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning for at least 2 weeks prior

Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating acids 5–7 days before (Dr. Recalde will advise)

Come with clean skin, free of makeup or skincare products

During Your Treatment

Dr. Recalde will assess your pigmentation and select the appropriate settings and approach

PICO laser sessions typically take 15–30 minutes depending on the treatment area

A topical numbing cream may be applied for comfort

After Your Treatment

Mild redness and slight swelling are normal and resolve within 24–48 hours

Treated spots may darken temporarily before flaking off — this is expected

Strict sun protection (SPF 30+) is essential during the healing process

Follow-up sessions are typically spaced 4–6 weeks apart

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions will I need? +
Most patients see significant improvement after 2–4 PICO laser sessions for sun spots and age spots. Melasma and deeper pigmentation may require 4–6 sessions combined with a medical-grade skincare regimen. Dr. Recalde will give you a realistic timeline during your consultation.
Is PICO laser safe for darker skin tones? +
PICO laser can be used on a range of skin tones, but settings must be carefully adjusted by an experienced provider to avoid worsening pigmentation. Dr. Recalde evaluates each patient individually and selects the safest, most effective approach for your skin type.
Can melasma be cured? +
Melasma can be significantly improved but tends to be a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Treatments can dramatically reduce the appearance of melasma, but sun protection and maintenance skincare are essential to prevent recurrence. Dr. Recalde will help you develop a long-term plan.
What's the difference between PICO laser and IPL for dark spots? +
PICO laser delivers energy in ultra-short picosecond pulses, which is more precise and effective at breaking apart pigment with less heat and less risk of side effects compared to IPL. PICO is particularly advantageous for stubborn pigmentation and for patients with darker skin tones.

Ready to
Begin?

Consultations with Dr. Recalde are personal, pressure-free conversations about your goals. No commitment required.

Monday–Friday, 11 AM–5 PM · 26161 La Paz Rd #105, Mission Viejo, CA

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